Colby Community College Board Approves Campus Improvements, Policy Updates, and Nursing Program Changes
June 15, 2026
During their June 15 meeting, the Colby Community College Board of Trustees approved several construction projects, policy updates, and operational changes while receiving reports on summer preparations and upcoming initiatives across campus. Trustees also took time to remember former college president Dr. Max Heim, who recently passed away.
Board member Arlen Leiker reflected on Heim’s leadership during one of the college’s darkest hour. Leiker noted that Heim arrived when the institution was facing probation and helped guide the college forward by fostering a culture centered on teamwork and shared responsibility. Trustees shared memories of Heim’s dedication to education and his lasting impact on the institution.
Now that students have departed from campus, administrators reported that attention has shifted toward preparing facilities and programs for the fall semester. Executive Vice President Nikol Nolan noted that residence halls are being cleaned and refreshed while staff work through policy revisions, handbook updates, and enrollment preparations.
Academic Affairs Vice President Angel Morrison reported summer courses are underway while faculty assignments and preparations continue for the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit.
Trustees reviewed graduate survey results and discussed student feedback. While food service continued to be the most frequently mentioned topic among graduates, President Seth Carter noted significant investments have been made in both the Student Union renovation and dining services. Carter praised food service staff for their efforts to address student concerns and improve operations.
Vice President of Finance and Operations Justin Villmer provided updates on several summer construction projects. Renovations to the Student Union continue to move forward, including the replacement of approximately 1,200 pounds of outdated telecommunications wiring and infrastructure. Administrators indicated the project remains on schedule for completion before students return in August. Villmer also reported progress on the college’s transition to a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which will modernize student and administrative operations.
Trustees also discussed the college’s recently deployed robotic lawn mowers, which have generated curiosity around campus. While staff acknowledged a few implementation challenges, the autonomous units are expected to become a regular part of campus maintenance operations.
Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez reported the college is developing an in-house sports broadcasting operation for next year. Students will assist with producing and streaming athletic events, including play-by-play commentary. Hernandez also discussed branding improvements around campus and at the Event Center, including new signage and promotional efforts.
Among the evening’s action items, trustees approved writing off and sending approximately $115,000 in delinquent accounts to collections. Discussion included challenges associated with collecting debts from former international students.
The board also approved a $251,495.50 contract with Weigel Construction to replace sections of campus sidewalks, curbs, gutters, parking lots, and concrete surfaces throughout the college. Carter noted several areas included in the project date back to the original construction of the campus and that state funding will help cover costs.
Trustees approved the purchase of a new Hobart dishwasher system and related kitchen equipment for the current Student Union renovation project. The existing unit, now approximately 11 years old, has reached the end of its service life. Carter cited the availability of local service support as a key factor in selecting the higher-priced Hobart option.
Several policy updates were approved to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. These included a Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing policy for employees who operate vehicles requiring commercial driver's licenses, a revised free speech policy required by the Higher Learning Commission and recent state legislation, and updates to policies regarding emotional support animals, ethics and integrity, and open records requests.
The board also approved a contract for refinishing the gymnasium floor and accepted a recommendation to continue the college’s self-funded health insurance program through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Carter noted that despite rising healthcare costs, employees have not experienced premium increases for four consecutive years, a rarity among employers.
One of the most significant decisions of the evening involved the closure of the Norton nursing site. Administrators cited the lack of an instructor, declining enrollment, and ongoing operational deficits. Board members discussed the region’s continuing nursing shortage and emphasized the importance of maintaining program quality. Carter stated that equipment and resources from Norton will be relocated to Colby, strengthening what is expected to become the largest nursing program in the college’s history.
Trustees also approved a $31,000 project to laser-level and resurface the college softball field, accepted the resignation of the assistant athletic director, and donated surplus flower pots to the Franklin Community Garden at the Colby Methodist Church.
Following a brief executive session, trustees toured the Stanley Carr Agricultural Center before adjourning.