Colby Community College Trustees Address Enrollment Growth, Approve New Policies at January Meeting
January 19, 2026
The Colby Community College Board of Trustees met Monday, January 19, in the Thomas Hall Board Room to conduct regular business, hear departmental updates, and take action on several new policies tied to college operations, student enrollment, and governance.
Following the call to order and introductions, trustees approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the December meeting and Resolution No. 6 as presented in the finance packet. The board then moved into a full slate of reports, beginning with a program overview from Business Department professor Sammy Talsma.
Talsma, who has taught at CCC since 2011, outlined recent developments within the college’s business and leadership programs, highlighting both transfer and non-transfer pathways. She explained that CCC now offers five distinct transfer pathways, allowing students to align coursework with future career goals in areas such as accounting and finance, marketing, management, leadership, and general business administration.
She also noted a growing concern within the department related to staffing, particularly the absence of a full-time accounting instructor. While adjunct coverage remains in place, Talsma said the lack of a permanent accounting faculty member presents challenges as enrollment and transfer expectations continue to grow.
One highlight of her presentation focused on applied learning within the Principles of Leadership course. Students recently completed a semester-long organizational consulting project centered on Colby Community College itself. Through stakeholder interviews and group discussion, students identified the need for a third campus meal option as a way to improve student interaction and accessibility outside traditional dining hours. The proposal emphasized social connection, convenience, and implementation feasibility.
Administrators then delivered their monthly reports, beginning with Executive Vice President of Student Affairs Nikol Nolan. Nolan commended staff for maintaining campus operations during winter break, particularly noting the work of admissions and IT personnel who managed enrollment processing and security badge access for students returning early for athletics and academic programs.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Angel Morrison reported strong spring enrollment activity, driven by multiple factors including dual-credit enrollment, expanded coursework at correctional facilities, and full athletic rosters. Morrison noted that while participation rates remain high, graduating high school class sizes across the region are trending smaller, a challenge the college is monitoring closely as it plans future schedules.
Vice President of Business Affairs Justin Villmer provided updates on several major operational initiatives, most notably the ongoing process to replace the college’s Enterprise Resource Planning system. Villmer explained that four proposals have been received and that the college is taking a deliberate approach, involving campus-wide input before selecting a system that will integrate student information, finance, payroll, and human resources.
Villmer also confirmed that contracts for the new 80-bed dormitory and maintenance shed have been finalized. Construction is expected to begin this spring, requiring the maintenance department to operate from temporary facilities for much of the next year.
Doug Johnson reported on public information efforts, highlighting continued success within the Principles of Selling course, where students secured underwriting support from 15 regional businesses for the college radio station, including contributions from outside Kansas.
Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez shared updates across Trojan sports, noting the start of indoor track and field, upcoming baseball and softball seasons in February, and continued academic success among student-athletes. Hernandez also previewed upcoming community engagement nights tied to athletics, including Ag Appreciation Night and partnerships with Sacred Heart School.
President Seth Carter concluded administrative reports by discussing recent legislative engagement, including meetings with state lawmakers and preparation for upcoming budget discussions. Carter noted that state leaders are facing difficult fiscal decisions, making continued advocacy for community colleges especially important.
The board then heard a foundation update, with January marking the start of an intensified fundraising and scholarship season. Foundation leaders reported a strong early response to the annual giving campaign, lower-than-expected mailing expenses following a vendor change, and continued preparation for the March Scholarship Benefit Auction.
Under new business, trustees approved several action items, beginning with the selection of rotating members for the Finance Committee. The board also adopted a new Travel and Professional Development Policy for trustees, clarifying allowable expenses and reinforcing restrictions related to the use of public funds.
Trustees approved the election of officers for 2026, maintaining continuity in board leadership roles. Several new policies were also adopted, including a Gate Stop Policy addressing employee access issues at correctional facilities, and updated policies governing international online students, international outreach students, and undocumented individuals. Each policy is intended to protect the college financially while ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.
The board also accepted the resignation of an assistant financial aid staff member before entering executive session to discuss personnel matters. No additional action was reported following the closed session.
The meeting concluded with reports and comments before adjournment.