July 25, 2005

Cowley College moves Mulvane Center to Bloomenshine;
Industrial Technology programs expand to business park

Cowley College has operated its Mulvane Center in downtown storefronts since 1987. Now, with the help of Unified School District 263, Cowley has moved east on Main Street and will operate its general education classes out of the renovated Bloomenshine building at 430 E. Main.

Fall classes begin Aug. 18.

A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at Bloomenshine, and 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at the business park facility, 201 Industrial Drive. The public is invited to attend both ceremonies and tour the facilities.

Cowley has expanded Industrial Technology Department programs to Mulvane and will teach automotive technology, machine tool technology, and welding technology in two buildings in the Marinus Heersche Business Park. Welding will be taught in a building on the park's northwest corner, while automotive and machine tool will be taught in the new facility, just a short drive from the park's main entrance.

Cowley taught automotive and welding in the business park during the 2004-2005 academic year. Machine tool technology has been added this year.

"We are excited about expanding our IT programs to Mulvane," said Bruce Crouse, department chair of industrial and career technology. "There is a definite need for these programs in the Mulvane area, and we are happy to be able to offer them at this time."

Students completing the two-year program will receive a college certificate, and those completing the certificate program will be ready to enter the workforce or can attend one additional semester to receive an associate’s degree. Students will receive high school credit while attending college courses. The classes are open to high school juniors and seniors as well as postsecondary students.

Bloomenshine, a former elementary school in the Mulvane district, has been renovated during the last year in preparation for Cowley’s move and the move of Mulvane's alternative school, which will be located on the lower level. Students will enter a door on the west side of the building for the alternative school.

Cowley will occupy the main floor of the building. Students will be able to enroll in upper-level math and science classes, nursing and allied health classes, and take classes toward a paraprofessional degree. New courses being offered at the Mulvane Center this fall include microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry I and II and principles of nutrition. Health, nursing and science students will have additional scheduling options and can consult an academic advisor for assistance.

Services provided at the center include professional advising, enrollment and fee payment, financial aid counseling, and scholarship applications. Student parking is located on the north side if the building.