Update from CCC's President: Seth Macon Carter
March 20, 2026
Greetings from Colby Community College.
We hope everyone is doing well. The spring 2026 semester is halfway over. I still cannot believe how fast it has gone. It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming students on campus, and this year has been full of wonderful accomplishments. I have now been at the College for over 11 years, and it almost seems surreal that it has been that long. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve such a wonderful community and such a great college.
One of the most encouraging indicators of our progress is the continued success of our students. According to the most recent Kansas Community College Data Book, Colby ranks third in the state for two-year graduation rate and sixth in full-time student retention among Kansas community colleges. The College has been number one in both metrics for seven of the last 10 years in graduation and five of the last seven years in full-time retention. These outcomes demonstrate the dedication of our faculty and staff and the determination of our students to complete their educational goals. Regarding enrollment, as of March 20, 2026, the College was up 8.5% for the spring semester.
The Colby Community College Endowment Foundation will host its annual Endowment Auction on Friday, March 28, at the Colby Event Center. This long-standing event brings together alumni, local businesses, and community supporters for an evening dedicated to advancing student success at Colby Community College. If you are interested in attending, please contact Endowment Director Rickford at melissa.rickford@colbycc.edu or by phone at (785) 460-5482.
Proceeds from the auction directly support student scholarships and program enhancements that expand opportunities for Colby students. The continued support of our region is vital to helping students pursue their educational goals while strengthening the workforce and communities of northwest Kansas. We are grateful for the many individuals and organizations who donate items, sponsor the event, and participate each year to make this meaningful tradition possible.
This spring also highlights several events that connect the College directly with our region. On March 20, the College hosted the annual Bull Production Sale and Seminar at the College Farm. Connecting producers, professionals, and students, this event offers hands-on training for our ag majors while championing the High Plains' vital livestock industry. The College partners with multiple consigners throughout the region for the sale. The eight breeds represented at the sale were Angus, Balancer/Gelbvieh, Charolais, Red Angus, Salers, SimAngus, and Simmental.
This summer, we will be renovating the kitchen in the student dining facility, which does not appear to have ever been fully remodeled since its inception. One challenge in the area is failing drainage pipes. Because of this, the College will tear up the entire area and trace the lines for repair. This will be a major undertaking, but the space is so important because it is utilized hundreds of times a day by students and the community.
Colby Community College has hired a new coach to lead the rodeo program, Mr. Karson Harris. Karson is from Hepler, Kansas. The rodeo program has a proud history within the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. With new leadership, the College looks forward to building upon that legacy while continuing to support student success in the arena and in the classroom.This has been an incredible year so far, and we are so grateful to the community and our students for allowing us to serve them. There are so many positive things happening in Colby, Kansas. My wife and I constantly reflect on how wonderful it is to raise a family in such an incredible community. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Please stop by if you have not been on campus lately; we would love to see you.