CCC Trustees Navigate Budget Concerns, Policy Debates at March Meeting
March 16, 2026
The Colby Community College Board of Trustees met Monday, March 16, addressing a wide range of institutional updates, policy decisions, and future planning items during its regular session.
The meeting opened with standard procedures, including approval of the consent agenda, before trustees moved into administrative reports that highlighted ongoing initiatives across campus.
One of the more notable updates came from Nikol Nolan, who reported early success from the college’s recently implemented website chatbot. Since its launch in early December, the tool has already saved an estimated 21 hours of staff time by answering common questions and identifying areas where the college’s website could better serve students. Nolan also discussed the continued use of a text-based virtual assistant that engages students directly, helping staff quickly identify and respond to concerns such as potential withdrawals.
Questions from trustees also touched on technology use within correctional facilities, where Nolan explained that specialized laptops with strict security controls are used to support coursework while limiting outside access.
Other administrative updates included Angel Morrison promoting the upcoming college bull sale and noting ongoing efforts to rebuild the college’s art program following the departure of its instructor. Doug Johnson reported that commencement preparations are underway, with this year’s ceremony set to be streamed in-house via the college’s YouTube channel. Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez shared that winter sports seasons have concluded, while also announcing the hiring of a new rodeo coach and farm manager and highlighting a successful booster club social event at Center Pivot.
College President Seth Carter provided a broader financial outlook, warning trustees that Kansas faces a structural budget shortfall of approximately $500 million, which is expected to result in significant reductions in state funding for institutions like Colby Community College.
The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation also provided an update, with Executive Director Melissa Rickford detailing preparations for the annual endowment auction scheduled for March 28. This year’s “Wizard of Oz” themed event has already generated strong online engagement, with hundreds of unique visitors browsing auction items.
In business action, trustees spent considerable time discussing a proposed applicant travel reimbursement policy. The policy aimed to formalize how the college reimburses prospective employees for interview-related travel. However, differing perspectives emerged among trustees regarding reimbursement rates and overall approach. After discussion, the proposal failed on a 4-2 vote, with trustees requesting additional research and revisions before reconsideration.
Several other agenda items were approved unanimously, including the disposition of surplus property such as livestock, equipment, and vehicles; multiple clinical agreements for the college’s physical therapist assistant program; and a request to expand programming at the Norton Correctional Facility East Unit in Stockton, where the college plans to introduce renewable energy coursework.
Trustees also approved a new Performance Expectations Policy designed to provide clearer standards and accountability measures for staff, as well as a Student Drug Testing Policy intended to address gaps involving non-athlete students.
The board accepted several staff resignations, including the college’s farm manager, head men’s basketball coach, assistant men’s basketball coach, and a member of the grounds maintenance team.
Additionally, the board approved a bid from Government Goods totaling $53,507.40 for new staff computers and monitors, following a competitive request for proposals process.
The meeting concluded with executive sessions totaling approximately 35 minutes. Following those sessions, trustees voted to terminate the contract of a nighttime custodian.
The board is expected to revisit the travel reimbursement policy at a future meeting after further review and comparison with peer institutions.