CCC July Update

Greetings from Colby Community College.

We hope everyone is doing well. I want to wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July. I am always proud to be part of the Northwest Kansas community, but that pride was especially evident following the recent windstorm. Neighbors and friends came together to support one another and restore our community. While the damage and debris were significant, so was the spirit of camaraderie and resilience. Thank you for your continued commitment to making this area such a special place to live.

As the summer quickly comes to a close, the fall semester is approaching rapidly. There are several important initiatives underway on campus as we prepare for the return of our students. In this update, I will highlight enrollment trends, recognize the work of the Campus Beautification Committee, provide insight into our autonomous mower initiative, and share progress on several campus projects.

Before I jump into the projects, I will provide a brief update on enrollment. Current year-over-year summer enrollment is up 2.1%, which is very positive. Even more exciting, our fall 2026 enrollment is up 26.7%. When comparing July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2026, there is a 2,854-credit-hour increase. The College is extremely excited about this large credit-hour increase and the ability to serve more students.

The Campus Beautification Committee continues to do outstanding work maintaining the flowers and overall aesthetics of campus. This dedicated group of volunteers has invested significant time and effort into enhancing our grounds, and we are very grateful for their contributions. In a future article, we will feature their work and efforts. The College is very grateful to them for all that they have done.

I have received several inquiries about our autonomous electric mowers around campus. We purchased three, and they mow designated areas every other day. This helps us keep a clean, uniform look across campus. The incorporation of this technology will save the College significant time, personnel, and money.

The Student Union project is advancing very well. The lighting remodel is nearly complete. Additionally, the College removed some walls in the Dining Area to improve student traffic flow and make the area more accessible. It has really opened and transformed that space. This project is expected to be completed before August 1.

The kitchen renovations are also progressing well. This was a major project and one that has required a complete overhaul of the area. The College was experiencing drainage issues with the kitchen-area piping. The renovation includes new flooring, walls, paint, and ceiling tiles. It will greatly modernize and enhance the space's functionality. This project is expected to be completed by August 1.

The new dorm and maintenance building are well underway and moving along nicely. By completing these projects, we will transform our student housing and ultimately further increase enrollment. These projects are anticipated to be completed by July 2027.

We are so grateful to our community, alumni, and the students we serve. Thank you all for everything you do. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. If you have not been on campus lately, please stop by; we would love to see you.

Respectfully,

Seth Macon Carter

President, Colby Community College