November 2025 Board Meeting Highlights

The Board of Trustees gathered for their November 17th meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the President’s Dining Room inside the McAtee Dining Center on the Ark City Main Campus. Trustee David Stanlely provided the invocation, and Chair Bob McGregor recited the College Mission Statement.

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley President Dr. Michelle Schoon shared the success of Arkalalah. With Cowley College participating in Dodgeballalah, the Queen Alalah Coronation, Parades, Soap Box Derby, and event safety. Cowley College was announced among the top 200 community colleges eligible for the Aspen Award. During the November 4th election, the ½ cent sales tax renewal was passed in Sumner County.

In addition, Schoon introduced the November Student of the Month, Breanna Curry. Curry shared, “I think receiving this award is a reflection of the people that have poured into me. Be that faculty, staff, or coaches. I’m very proud to represent Cowley”.

Chris Cannon, Health and Human Services Department Chair, Frank Owens, Director of Criminal Justice and Delayne Dale, Director of Cosmetology, provided a recap on the Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK) Career Planning Expo, the largest college and career planning event in Kansas. 

Under Administrative Reports, Cowley College was awarded $55,302 for the Perkins Reserve Grant to purchase new welding booths and ventilation systems at the Mulvane Technical Education Center. IMPACT–ACES and Social Sciences students contributed over 272 hours of community-engaged service learning during Arkalalah. Cowley Marketing attended the annual NCMPR District 5 Conference where they received eight awards (2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze).

No Public Comment.

Under Standing Committee Reports, Trustee Phil White provided a recap of the November 10th, 2025 Trustee Sumner County Sales Tax Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed the election follow-up and next steps.

Trustee Joe Shriver provided a recap of the November 10th, 2025 Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed procurement items and insurance updates.

Trustee David Stanley provided a recap of the November 11th, 2025 Trustee Academic Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed EBE2207 English Language Learners English Composition Supplemental Seminar, Boeing Apprenticeship, Perkins Reserve Grant, and a 4-Day Class Schedule Update.

Trustee Brett Bazil provided a recap of the November 12th, 2025 Trustee Policy Subcommittee meeting, where members reviewed policy 144.00 – Services of the Bookstore (Review), 151.00 – Control of Vehicular Traffic on Campus (Revised), 153.00 – College Vehicles (Revised), 153.00 – College Vehicles (Revised), 250.00 - Admission (Revised), 403.00 – Student Code of Conduct (Revised), and 475.00 – College TB Testing Policy (Revised) which were presented for a first review. Final approval will be requested at the December meeting.

The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes from the October 20th, 2025 regular meeting, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and Board Policy Approval of 233.00 – College Catalog (Revision), 260.00 – Transfer Coursework (Revision), 303.00 – Selection of Non-Faculty Personnel (Revision), 311.00 – Sick Leave – Full-time Non-Faculty (Revision), and 409.00 – Hazing and Prevention (New). Approved by a vote of 6-0.

Under Discussion Agenda, Chair McGregor requested the Board complete their first reading of the Board of Trustee Handbook revisions and provide feedback and any additional requested edits. The final revised handbook will be presented for a second review and approval at the December meeting.

With no other business to discuss, Chair McGregor declared the meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

For more details, see the agenda.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu