Cowley College Hosts Legislative Coffee with Area Legislators

Cowley College recently hosted a Legislative Coffee, welcoming area legislators to campus for a meaningful discussion focused on student success, workforce development, and the college’s legislative priorities. Legislators in attendance included Sen. Renee Erickson, Sen. Larry Alley, Rep. Doug Blex, Rep. Webster Roth, Rep. Kyle Hoffman, and Rep. Leah Howell.

College representatives opened the meeting with introductions and a comprehensive overview of Cowley College, highlighting its role in serving students, local businesses, and regional workforce needs through high-quality academic and career and technical education programs.

A central focus of the discussion was Cowley College’s legislative priorities, with the importance of full funding for career and technical education (CTE) programs as well as continued funding of Business and Industry and Student Success..  College leaders emphasized how CTE funding directly supports workforce pipelines, modern equipment, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for in-demand careers.

Cowley highlighted a new partnership with Apprenti and Boeing, where Cowley serves as the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) provider for Boeing employees training in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Through this partnership, students receive hybrid instruction from experienced Cowley faculty while gaining hands-on, on-the-job training.

Additional priorities shared included adding faculty and staff positions in welding, NDT, and other skilled trades programs to support enrollment growth and partnership training, along with purchasing equipment to expand technical education spaces.

College leaders also emphasized the importance of maintaining capital outlay funds, including resources to address deferred maintenance, and supporting initiatives that empower Cowley College to expand partnerships and training opportunities. Legislators shared their outlook on state committees, funding and local property tax supporting community colleges, and other issues that will be addressed in the next legislative session.  

The meeting provided an opportunity for open dialogue on legislative priorities and committee work, reinforcing Cowley College’s commitment to collaboration with elected officials in support of students, employers, and the communities it serves.

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