CCC Campus Update from President Seth Carter

Greetings from Colby Community College.

We hope everyone is doing well. It is hard to believe we are over halfway through the semester. It seems like only yesterday we were preparing to welcome students back to campus. As we move into the second half, I am excited to share some of the wonderful things that are happening.

Colby Community College continues to make significant progress in several areas, including academic programs, accreditation, facility improvements, partnerships, and community involvement. These efforts reflect our commitment to providing quality educational opportunities for students while strengthening our role in northwest Kansas.

One of our most significant accomplishments is the Higher Learning Commission's (HLC) recent recommendation to reaffirm the College's accreditation for another 10 years. Although the process is not yet complete, the positive recommendation is an important milestone. The report will now go through the Institutional Actions Council before the HLC Board gives final consideration.

Our Practical Nursing program also received an excellent evaluation during its October visit from the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The site team was very complimentary of the program and recommended reapproval for another five years, the longest approval period available. This recognition speaks to the quality of our nursing faculty, curriculum, and clinical training opportunities.

At the state level, we continue to advocate for programs that benefit students and families. I recently testified before the Kansas Legislature on behalf of the two-year college sector regarding the Excel in Career Technical Education (CTE) initiative. Our work to manage the program efficiently and responsibly was well received. Excel in CTE remains an important opportunity for Kansas high school students to earn technical education credentials while reducing the financial burden on families.

Several facility improvements are also underway on campus. At the College farm, the classroom at the Beef Barn has been expanded by removing a wall to accommodate increased enrollment and provide a more functional learning environment. Improvements to the Ceramics Building include replacing the soffit and fascia as part of a broader effort to replace aging exterior materials across campus. Additionally, we replaced several pieces of equipment in the area with the generous support of the Thomas County Community Foundation. These upgrades will improve the functionality and appearance of our facilities, while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

We are also completing a Dog Run behind the Lon R. Frahm Agricultural Center to support our agricultural and animalrelated programs. Although weather caused a brief delay, the project is nearing completion. Professional development remains another priority. Our Veterinary Nursing program hosted its annual continuing education conference on Oct. 16, giving veterinary nurses and other professionals opportunities to strengthen their skills and stay current in their field.

Our athletic programs are also enjoying tremendous success on the national stage. The volleyball team is ranked No. 7 in the nation. Additionally, Men's Cross Country is ranked No. 14, and Women's Cross Country is No. 23. These rankings reflect the dedication of our student-athletes and coaches, both in competition and in the classroom.

Equally impressive is their commitment to community service. Our athletic teams and students regularly volunteer their time supporting local organizations and events, including Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, Santa City, and other community initiatives. We are proud of their accomplishments and the positive impact they continue to make throughout northwest Kansas.

Each initiative represents an investment in the future of Colby Community College and the communities we serve. Whether we are improving instructional facilities, expanding partnerships, maintaining high academic standards, or volunteering in the community, we remain focused on giving students opportunities to succeed and ultimately strengthening Northwest Kansas.

I am proud of the progress we are making and grateful for the dedication of our employees, students, Trustees, and community partners. Their continued support allows us to move forward with projects and programs that will benefit Northwest Kansas for years to come. As always, if you have not been on campus lately, please stop by; we would love to see you.

Respectfully,