CCC Trustees Address Housing Crunch, Policy Updates at July Board Meeting

The Colby Community College Board of Trustees met on July 21 to review housing challenges, prepare for the fall semester, and approve several new and updated policies as the college gears up for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The most pressing item came during administrative reports as the college announced all residence hall beds are filled — with at least nine more students on the waiting list and contracts still arriving daily. President Seth Carter and Vice President of Student Affairs Nikol Nolan noted that even expanded five-person units in East and North Hall have reached capacity.

Nolan said the college is seeking weekly rates at local motels to house overflow students and acknowledged that off-campus housing is limited. “We have talked to everyone — landlords, motels, and even low-income housing — but the lack of independent status for most students makes placement difficult,” Nolan explained.

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Board members discussed potential alternatives, including temporary placements with local host families, which have historically helped bridge the gap in high-enrollment years. Carter emphasized that the situation tends to resolve within the first few weeks of classes.

Vice President of Academic Affairs Angel Morrison reported that new adjunct faculty have been secured to offer online courses that had previously been unavailable. The team is finalizing schedules and submitting compliance data for the annual KBOR (Kansas Board of Regents) collection.

Vice President of Business Affairs, Justin Villmer was absent, so President Carter filled in, and provided updates on budget preparation and the upcoming audit in October. Renovations on student restrooms are nearing completion, and the college’s updated access control system has now covered nearly all buildings.

Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez praised student-athletes for their academic success in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC). The softball team earned the top GPA among all member schools, while volleyball and women’s basketball also ranked in the top 40 nationally. The college also welcomed new track and field head coach Sandra Glover.

Several items were presented and approved in regards to policies that needed to be renewed, very few things were amended from previous policies by the board:

A key discussion centered on an unexpected delay from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) regarding CCC’s prison education program. Though no material changes were made in program delivery, the initial application was returned with requests for additional documentation. Administrators responded with a detailed 72-page submission and remain in contact with the HLC liaison.

Lastly, Trustees were informed that the 2026 Trojan Auction is tentatively set for late March. The college is awaiting final confirmation from the City of Colby’s Event Center before officially announcing the date.

The meeting concluded with a closed executive session. The next scheduled board meeting is expected to continue preparation for the academic year and monitor housing developments as students begin arriving in August.