Cowley College trustees approved a new three-year strategic plan Monday night while also receiving word that the college has secured additional grant funding and national recognition for its prison education program.
During its June meeting, the Cowley College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the college’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan following a presentation from Dr. Ryan Burkett. The plan will help guide the college’s priorities and initiatives over the next three years.
Trustees also learned that Cowley College recently received a $27,000 Perkins Reserve/Kansas Talent Development grant. In addition, the college earned an honorable mention in the Jenzabar Impact Awards for its prison education program.
President Dr. Michelle Schoon highlighted several recent accomplishments and activities, including Cowley’s participation in three promotional events tied to the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball season.
Among other reports, trustees heard that the college’s admissions office processed 323 applications during May and that 88 Cowley student-athletes earned KJCCC All-Academic honors for the 2025-26 academic year with grade-point averages of 3.5 or higher.
The board also received updates on legislative issues, campus signage replacement projects and roofing improvements.
Financial matters approved during the meeting included the adoption of the college’s 2026-27 operating budget. Trustees also approved a $27,838 flooring replacement project for the Wright Room and a $66,810 window replacement project in Galle-Johnson Hall. Continue below ad.
In other action, trustees approved a contract for legal services with Seitz Law Office, authorized required state property tax levy certification paperwork and approved the college’s banking and investment depositories for the coming year.
The board approved revisions to the college’s employee participation in student elections policy and reviewed proposed changes to the college’s satisfactory academic progress policy. Final consideration of the academic progress policy is expected in July.
Trustees also approved the official board meeting schedule for the 2026-27 academic year and designated the Cowley CourierTraveler as the official publication for legal notices.
The board met in executive session to discuss professional negotiations and later conducted the annual evaluation of President Schoon. No action followed either executive session.
The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
