CCC Update from President Carter

Greetings from Colby Community College.

August is always an exciting time. Students are returning to campus, classrooms are coming back to life, and the energy of a new academic year can be felt throughout our community. This fall, that excitement is matched by several developments that demonstrate the College's continued progress and the important role it plays throughout northwest Kansas.

Enrollment continues to grow. As of August 24, 2026, enrollment was up 12.3% in credit hours year over year. Currently, over 1,400 students are enrolled this fall. Classes on campus are full and it is great to see.

One of our most significant milestones this month came on August 17, when the College locked its Assurance Argument and Federal Compliance Report for the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation is an extensive process that touches nearly every area of the institution, and completing these documents represents countless hours of work by faculty and staff. I am grateful to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to this important effort. The College will have our site visit on September 14-15, 2026. This comprehensive visit occurs every ten years.

We also welcomed a little over 300 students to campus during Move-In Weekend. Seeing students and their families arrive is an annual reminder of why we do this work. Whether students come from Northwest Kansas, another state, or another country, our goal remains the same: provide them with an affordable, high-quality education and the support they need to succeed.

That commitment is increasingly being recognized nationally. WalletHub recently ranked Colby Community College No. 8 among 613 public community and technical colleges nationwide. This recognition places us in the top .013% of all community and technical colleges. Rankings are only one measure of institutional success, but they reflect the work happening across campus and reinforce the idea that students can receive an exceptional education right here in Northwest Kansas.

Our academic opportunities continue to grow as well. On August 24, the College announced a partnership with Newman University to expand access to bachelor's-level education in Colby. Students can pursue opportunities in radiologic technology, sonography, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Increasing educational pathways without requiring students to leave the region is particularly important for rural Kansas, where developing and retaining a skilled workforce remains a significant challenge.

Adult education is another area where Colby Community College continues to expand its impact. The College recently finalized a contractual agreement with the Kansas Department of Corrections to provide adult education services. We were also pleased to welcome U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall to campus on August 18 to discuss adult education and the difference these programs make for individuals, employers and communities.

Fiscal responsibility remains equally important. For the ninth consecutive year, Colby Community College is lowering its mill levy. We recognize the responsibility that comes with receiving local and state taxpayer support, and we remain committed to balancing responsible stewardship with investments that strengthen educational opportunities for our students.

Generous community partners also support those investments. The Thomas County Community Foundation recently awarded the College $10,148.30 for equipment and materials that will expand art opportunities. The grant will provide pottery wheels, adjustable workstations, storage cabinets and other equipment that will directly benefit students and community members.

Trojan athletics also has plenty to celebrate. Our volleyball team entered the season ranked No. 16 nationally in the preseason poll and was recognized with the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. The combination of athletic and academic achievement represents exactly what we want for our student-athletes.

Looking ahead, the College will host its annual rodeo on September 11-13, 2026. More than 500 participants are expected, making the event important not only for the College but also for the community and local economy.

Colby Community College is busy, but each accomplishment ultimately connects to the same mission: creating opportunities for students and strengthening the communities we serve. As another academic year begins, I am grateful for our students, employees, community partners, and supporters who continue to make that work possible.

We are excited about what lies ahead for the College and the region. As always, 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