U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) stopped by Cowley College in Ark City Tuesday to visit with administrators and members of the Tigers men’s basketball team.
“The Senator is a strong supporter of higher education and was interested in hearing about some of the exciting things happening at Cowley College, like the new technical education building and the programs that we offer to support the workforce,” Cowley College President Dr. Michelle Schoon said in a news release.
Marshall graduated from a community college before receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and his Medical Doctorate from the University of Kansas, the news release said.
“I am a first-generation college student who graduated first in my high school and thought I could go to a university, but I could not afford to go without borrowing money,” Marshall said. “I would tell anybody if you are borrowing money to go to college, you should go to a community college or technical college because it will be much less expensive.”
Marshall ran track at Butler County Community College. The news release said he considers his experience as a student-athlete at the junior college level one of his fondest memories.
“I ended up having the most incredible experience at a community college,” Marshall said. “So many of the guys I ran track with are still close friends. It gave me a springboard to be successful at the university level and on to medical school as well.”
After visiting with Schoon and the college’s administrative team, Marshall made his way to W.S. Scott Auditorium, where he shared his message with the Tigers basketball team before shooting some hoops with the squad.
“I wanted to get a bit of an update on the Career Technical Education Center that is under construction, but most importantly, I wanted to see your men’s basketball team,” Marshall said. “I am so grateful for my coaches and teachers at the community college level who made a big impact on my life.”
Cowley College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Donnie Jackson appreciated Marshall spending time with the team, the college said.
“We enjoyed the talk he had with us as well as the time spent with him having some fun on the court with the guys,” Jackson said. “We appreciate him investing time back into the communities of Kansas.”
