Nov
03
2009

Ensuring our mission meets increased student enrollment

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education provided important news for our college to consider. The article in the Nov. 3 online edition of the Chronicle explained that more young people are pursuing college degrees than ever in US history. According to the U.S. Census data the number of young adults attending college hit an all-time high in October 2008, driven by growth in attendance at community colleges. The Chronicle article, cited information from the Pew Research Center, and stated that approximately 11.5 million 18- to 24-year-olds, or 39.6 percent of that population, were enrolled in a two-year or four-year college. That’s up about 1 percent from two years ago, and the majority of the increase is contributed to enrollment increases at community colleges.

SCCC/ATS recognized an enrollment increase this fall of approximately 17% above fall semester in 2008. We recognize that increase can be attributed to a variety of factors – lower cost compared to universities, changing economic and workforce factors, and concerted efforts by our college to improve the recruiting and awareness of opportunities provided at our college.

Our challenge continues to be to improve the educational opportunities and achievements of our students and for our communities. The data in the Chronicle article certainly supports the interest among young people to receive an education, align that education with potential career advancements, and a recognition that education leads to improved family, social, and civic development.

Our mission statement identifies our primary objective as improving the life of the individual student – and our role in providing quality education which leads to enhanced opportunities will certainly improve our students’ lives.

 

Oct
12
2009

Great semester off to strong achievements

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
This semester is off to a fast and wonderful start. Enrollment is up substantially and to a level that is frankly a bit of a surprise. We anticipated an enrollment increase due to a well designed and utilized publicity and information campaign emphasizing the cost benefit of attending SCCC/ATS; and we anticipated an enrollment bump due to the economic situation with more people considering a new career or upgrading their technical skills. However, we have been pleasantly surprised with an enrollment increase exceeding 17% across the college including an enrollment increase exceeding 50% in the industrial technology programs. This enrollment increase comes at a time when state funding has declined to a level comparable with the appropriations our college received in 2006. The enrollment increase is fantastic for our college, our students, and our community – and we’re realizing we can serve those students at a time when state revenues have declined. We are doing that through various budget reductions across all aspects of our college operations – utilities, travel, professional development, reduction in some contracted services, reduction in supply use, etc. We’ve chosen not to lay off or furlough employees but have instead reduced positions due to attrition.

Our situation is not entirely unique as I read articles, visit with peers, and hear stories of similar situations across the nation in the higher education community. While this enrollment increase and revenue decrease is occurring I find that our faculty, staff, administration, and Board leadership continue to strive for the improvement of our college and the experience we provide students. Our industrial technology programs have vastly improved curriculum, seeking national certifications, providing more relevant instruction, and industry expectations for their students. Our fine arts department displayed a new level of excitement and enthusiasm with a recent production of The Wizard of Oz (four sold out performances), expanded performances at our first Sunday brunch for the semester, discussion of hosting an evening “coffee house” of student performances, and expanded courses in jewelry and ceramics. Our allied health department has launched a cooperative distance education program with Manhattan Area Technical College in north-east Kansas to provide medical lab tech and surgical technician courses to that area of the state. Our business division has expanded the programs in computer applications, entrepreneurship (assisting the City of Liberal in hosting a franchise information event) and starting to plan for a rural sustainability conference this spring. Our grounds and maintenance teams have continued to ensure that our campus is a little “oasis” and I continue to receive very positive comments from visitors, students, etc. on the fantastic appearance of our facilities and grounds. They worked tirelessly this summer in doing a facelift to various aspects of the area technical school buildings and working on various concrete and sidewalk projects across the entire campus.

We are in a great time of seeing students attend classes, achieve academic and career skills, and a continued focus on student and college achievement. At the same time we are compiling our institutional systems portfolio as part of our accreditation process and seeking additional external funding through federal grants for improving our buildings, infrastructure and instructional options for students and our role in economic development. It’s truly a great semester with many challenges and also great anticipation of student success.

 

Jul
16
2009

Fall semester and our related responsiblities

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
The summer is going by quickly. It came to my realization just how quickly when I realized that the first day of classes is in 5 weeks. We are now holding enrollment days and the students, family members, and friends who are attending seem to be getting the assistance they need to start classes this fall. I truly appreciate the assistance provided these students by our advisors who take time to meet individually with the student and assist with insuring that proper classes are recommended based on the student's interest and academic background.

The fact that these prospective students are embarking on a very significant aspect in life certainly can bring a realization of our responsibility. SCCC/ATS has always taken pride in being a student centered college and we recognize that the students are the first aspect of any decision we make. Recent activities related to developing a 2010-2017 strategic plan indicated that we value excellence, teamwork, operational integrity, a caring atmosphere, dedication to our mission, and performance accountability. All of those are factors that are vital to student success. Those values equate to quality instruction leading to successful transfer and matriculation toward bachelor degree program, immediate successful career employment, and/or appropriate short term programs for workforce development.

Recent economic circumstances require our populace to consider the ability to retain employment, seek advanced employment, and consider new careers. The instruction we can provide includes aspects of critical thinking and decision making which should enable the student to make adjustments in their lives and careers. That same aspect of making decisions applies to our college’s operation – we must make adjustments in order to be effective, efficient, and address the college mission.

Fall semester is definitely just around the corner, and the new students will bring excitement, energy, and ultimately achievement toward their goals. Our responsibility is to meet their expectations and assist them in achieving those goals.

 

Jun
10
2009

Keeping our mission in focus

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
It seems that I’m spending most of my week dealing with financial issues – closing out one fiscal year, establishing budgets for the next fiscal year, finalizing grant applications, reviewing personnel contracts, etc. Certainly this year is unique as we deal with a declining economy and the impact on our operations as a result of that decline. That impact includes state and federal legislative issues as well as the impact on local employers, student goals, and decisions made as to whether attending SCCC/ATS is affordable.

However time consuming the financial aspects of SCCC/ATS operations become, the reward is realizing the positive impact on the students who have attended and the goals they have attained. Whether it’s direct employment, transfer to a university, or realizing the ability of completing a particularly challenging class – those students are the focus of our operation. The student typically doesn’t get concerned with the “behind the scenes” issues of financial management, legislative mandates, stimulus grants, etc. they simply want to improve their academic and technical skill abilities.

Keeping the focus of the day to day efforts on the improvement of the individual student’s life is a key component of the SCCC/ATS mission, and it’s worthwhile to reflect on that periodically. As difficult fiscal decisions are made which do impact the operations of SCCC/ATS it is important and essential to keep the focus on the real goal of our efforts – improving the life of each student.

 

Apr
20
2009

Planning for 2010-2017

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
SCCC/ATS is closing out the first year of operation as a merged institution and at the same time launching a strategic plan to enter the 40th year of operation as the provider of post-secondary education in the Liberal community.

Nearly 40 years ago the people in Liberal supported the local school board’s decision to establish an area vocational school and a community college. There was new funding available through the federal vocational education act of 1964, and funds available from the federal and state community college legislation. The state had also decided that no additional technical schools or community colleges would be approved in order to maximize state resources, so in 1967 the state authorized the last community colleges and the last technical schools in Kansas, and Liberal was fortunate to be granted both institutions. The different entities provided different services and had different missions. The majority of students who enrolled in Liberal Area Vocational Technical School were high school students and many of those were from nearby Oklahoma schools. The majority of students at Seward County Junior College were recent high school graduates with plans to transfer for a baccalaureate degree at the university level.

Times have changed in 40 years – the majority of students at the technical school are now adult students and Oklahoma high school students are unable to attend due to changes in regulations among the states; the high number of students who attend SCCC are not planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees, the majority of students attend on a part-time basis, and our greatest number of graduates enter the workforce as skilled technicians. However, even with these changes the merged institution continues to meet the principal concepts of higher education, career skill development, and serving the area needs for cultural, learning, and social development of our communities.

As SCCC/ATS enters the next generation of service, we are committed to quality improvement, sound decisions, accountability procedures, and service to our constituents. The part-time student, the student seeking basic academic support, the student learning English as a second language, the pre-professional student who graduated at the top of his/her high school class, the student who may someday be a professional athlete, the student who has children older than his/her classmates, the student who has decided to begin a new career, and the student who is still in high school but seeking to get a head start on his/her career and degree – all of these are students served by SCCC/ATS.

Our next strategic plan will continue with the efforts of the 2003-2010 strategic plan. We are seeking strategies to improve student learning, community collaboration, operational efficiencies, workplace environment, and student engagement. Through a number of surveys, focus group meetings, analysis of data, and leadership discussion our college will provide our community with the 2010-2017 strategic plan. I encourage you to be involved in the process and utilize the recommendations in the plan to help SCCC/ATS continue for a strong and vibrant 40 more years.

 

Mar
23
2009

Career return on educational investment

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
Recent information produced by the Kansas Department of Labor verifies that SCCC/ATS provides educational opportunities directly related to the top 10 employment needs in Kansas and in 13 of the top 15 occupational demands in western Kansas. The highest priority need is in registered nurses with practical nurses and health aides also among the list of high demand employment needs. Additionally, industrial programs offered at SCCC/ATS which provide education for employment in truck driving, accounting, carpentry, welding, community corrections, retail sales and medical assistants meet non-health high need occupations.

The full-list provided by the Department of Labor rates occupations based on short term and long term projections from employers and job vacancy announcements monitored by the department. Using a research model of those three elements the department is able to determine immediate and long range employment needs and annual employment earnings by each category. The annual wage earnings for registered nurses in Kansas exceeds $52,000, for welders is $35,000, for corrections offers in western Kansas the annual earnings exceed $40,000 and for truck drivers is close to $40,000.

During a time of economic anxiety, an affordable opportunity to obtain a career with significant earning potential is an important benefit of attending SCCC/ATS. Our “go green, save green” campaign emphasizes the affordability of attending our college. Whether the student chooses to transfer to a baccalaureate degree university or to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, the choice to attend Seward has never been more economically sound. A relatively low investment (approximately $7,000 per year) can lead to employment with significant annual earnings exceeding $35,000 – that’s a great return on investment.

 

Mar
05
2009

Go Green, Save Green

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
SCCC/ATS has launched a new informational campaign “Go Green, Save Green”. As with any marketing and promotional concept the phrase is intended to draw a person’s attention; however, this informational campaign has much deeper meaning than just gaining attention.

This is a time when education is perhaps more critical than any other time in history. The opportunity for individuals to have a secure financial future with options to adapt to changes in careers, with options to be innovative with new technology, and with options to enjoy the cultural aspects that we consider important for quality lives is dependent upon one’s educational background and experiences. Certainly it is not a requirement to have a post-secondary education in order to find employment or even to own one’s individual business, but the odds are certainly more favorable with increased technical, social, business, and cultural knowledge. The earning power of an individual who has at least some level of post-secondary education beyond high school is evident in the US Department of
Labor studies. As the saying goes –“the more you learn, the more you earn”.

It is that concept that makes “Go Green, Save Green” a unique identity for SCCC/ATS. Our school colors are green so the “go green” statement is self-explanatory. The “save green” is also somewhat unique in that the cost of attaining a career certificate and/or associate degree at Seward is among the lowest cost of any college in Kansas. Additionally, the savings realized by completing an associate degree and then transferring to a university is substantial. Our staff have reviewed the costs to complete a bachelor’s degree at public and private universities in Kansas and Oklahoma and they have found that transferring an associate degree from Seward will save the student (or parent) more than $12,000. That’s an important consideration in today’s economy.

Secure improved opportunities for a career, learn more about the world, expand your cultural experiences, expand your technical knowledge and save some money while you’re doing it. It is a great time to “Go Green, Save Green”.

 

Oct
20
2008

Student leadership achievement

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
One of the many great aspects of SCCC/ATS is the recognition and development of the abilities of our students. Significant research exists that validates the need for individuals to have the technical skills and knowledge for their career choice, but also the benefits of leadership, communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills a person needs to fully realize his/her potential. Key aspects of strong employees are the ability to work together in teams, to recognize the strengths of co-workers, and the interest in continuing to learn and acquire new abilities.

We are proud of our students who participate in leadership organizations. Recently several of our students participated in the SkillsUSA regional conference, and some were recognized for their leadership and communication abilities. Baldemar Enriquez, a diesel student, was elected to state office. Also, Adam Froelich, drafting, was presented a statesman’s pin and won first place in essay/speech. Crystal Castillo, cosmetology, and Josh Pearson, auto body, won third place in the poster contest. SkillsUSA is a great student organization to develop leadership skills, and allows students to connect with industry representatives as well.

Sophomore students Jett Eder and Sergio Padilla have been selected as our Phi Theta Kappa Kansas All-Academic team recipients. This selection is based on academic achievement and leadership involvement. They will be recognized at a luncheon in Topeka this spring and are now considered for the All-USA academic team sponsored by the PTK organization.

Our students are also very involved in intramural activities and several participated in the Liberal Corporate Challenge activities. The involvement in these activities provides the student with an understanding that career preparation extends beyond the classroom and includes an ability to relate effectively with others and to be involved in their community. Several of our students are involved with youngsters through Big Brothers/Big Sisters and elementary school “Go-Getters”; many will participate in the International Fair sponsored by several community organizations later this fall; many will participate in campus activities including athletics, brunches, orchestra, vocal, drama, etc.; and many serve actively as college ambassadors.

These opportunities provide our students with an advantage to learn how to communicate with others, promote their individual talents, and to understand the full aspect of developing their ability to effectively relate to others.

 

Jul
01
2008

Merger is implemented and future planning begins

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
The future of Seward County Community College is ever changing. Just a few years ago our college could develop a 10 year strategic plan and envision real adjustments, well planned methodical changes could be developed, and sufficient resources and time were allotted to ensure the plan was successfully implemented. The last strategic plan for SCCC was developed in 2003 and was designed to address the college’s operations through 2010. That plan was developed through the use of community and area-wide meetings, staff input, and Board of Trustee recommendations. The plan included many aspects of the college in anticipation of what would occur in areas such as technology, student demographics, state and federal agency trends, and adjustments to academic and instructional practices. Certainly, the input and anticipated changes were well developed and the vast majority of the initiatives have been implemented.

One of the more significant aspects of SCCC’s past long range plans has been to develop and expand the relationship with Southwest Kansas Technical School (SWKTS). Historically, the relationship has been focused on student articulation, shared resources for customized industry training, and avoiding duplication of instructional programs. Both SCCC and SWKTS were established in the mid-1960’s and both have provided critical education opportunities to the residents of southwest Kansas and our neighboring states. However, as of today (July 1, 2008) SCCC and SWKTS will be one institution – Seward County Community College/Area Technical School (SCCC/ATS) – serving the area with more effective and efficient services. Students will be able to enroll through a single process, employers will be able to contact a single resource person, and the community will enjoy a focused, seamless system of post-secondary (higher) education.

The vision of individuals involved in past strategic plans has become a reality through the merger of SCCC and SWKTS – now SCCC/ATS. That vision included cost efficient operations with highly effective instruction leading to successful educational and career opportunities for the students. A great deal of effort was required to make the transition to a merged institution a reality but, as with anything that is worthwhile, great effort is required. However, the effort of our staff is only beginning as we realize the importance this merger will have on our community, service area, state, and nation. Our students have access to great instruction, career placement advisement, and articulation with universities for baccalaureate degrees.

SCCC/ATS cannot rest with this significant accomplishment. We now enter the next strategic planning initiative and once again we will solicit input from our community members, employees, and students. The future will require creative vision, recognized purpose, a concept of positioning SCCC/ATS for greatness, as well as continued operational effectiveness and efficiencies. Our college must be diligent in seeking improvement with a strategic plan as the guide for that improvement process. I encourage you to become involved in the planning process and participate when invited to the meetings. I intend that individuals will have a variety of means for participation – face-to-face as well as on-line communication will be solicited. As quickly as things change – technology, demographics, agency initiatives, etc. – the necessity for an adaptable and well designed strategic plan becomes more critical. The development of such a plan will be a high priority for SCCC/ATS this year. I welcome your input in and look forward to utilizing the process to establish the direction of SCCC/ATS.

 

May
02
2008

End of year student recognition

Posted by Duane Dunn under General
It’s been several weeks since I’ve posted a message and I’ve realized that in just a few more days the spring semester of classes will end. This semester has passed so quickly and I have realized just how much has been accomplished by our students, by our faculty, and by our entire college community.

Our athletic teams had a stellar year – the men’s basketball team finished with the Jayhawk West title, the Region VI tournament championship and a 3rd place finish in the NJCAA national tournament. Darko Cohadarevic and Reggie Chamberlain were named to the NJCAA national tournament team and they, along with other players, received conference and region honors. Coach Zollinger received conference and region coaching recognition as well as being named the Kansas community college coach of the year. Our Lady Saints team also had a great year with individual honors and Tegan Cunningham named an All-American once again. Our Lady Saints tennis team has qualified for the national tournament which will occur this weekend in Arizona. Our baseball team has won the Jayhawk West title and enters Region VI tournament ranked in the top 10 teams in the nation. Our Lady Saints softball team finished in 2nd place in the Jayhawk West and begins Region VI tournament play this weekend in Wichita. Several individual honors have been received by our baseball and softball players including NJCAA player of the week recognition. Please visit our athletic website at www.sccc.edu to get more details about the great athletic achievements of our teams and players.

This is the time of year when we are able to recognize the many accomplishments of students, not just athletes. I often refer to this month as “banquet month” and joke about gaining a few pounds. However, the great aspect of the many banquets and functions is the opportunity to recognize the individuals and groups for their achievements. Our music program held wonderful concerts with group and individual performances. I am continually impressed with the talent that is here at SCCC, and with Darin Workman and Lori Geis’ leadership in conducting and directing the wind ensemble and choirs. I was pleased to be able to attend the agriculture banquet and recognize the students who will pursue careers and further education in such a vital industry. The livestock judging teams had a successful year with team and individual awards, but equally impressive is their involvement with community activities such as “farm education day” and the establishment of the “Collegiate Farm Bureau” chapter here at SCCC. These students have active schedules, heavy academic schedules, and travel extensively to compete at national contests, yet their GPA is consistently high and university scholarships are awarded.

Yesterday I had the chance to attend our multicultural banquet and recognize students from our BCU, HALO, and International Student Organization (a new club here on campus). It’s truly inspiring to hear students discuss their goals and achievements, many are first generation college students, all of them are proud of their heritage and culture, our international students haven’t been home to see their families for several months, and they all understand that lifetime friendships and support have been created here at SCCC. As I mentioned to them at the banquet we are all excited to keep in touch with them to help celebrate their future accomplishments whether that is becoming a physician, an attorney, a professional athlete, a teacher, a private business owner, etc., - these are students with great talent, intellect, perseverance, and compassion for education.

Next week we will hold our commencement ceremonies and the Phi Theta Kappa recognition breakfast. This will be the final “formal” ceremonies for our graduating students and we’ll bid farewell to another group of outstanding students. Community colleges often only have students on campus for 2-3 years or less, so the chance to recognize these students for such great accomplishments in such a short time is truly rewarding.

Finally, I want to recognize the sponsors of our student organizations, the coaches of our athletic teams, and of course the faculty for challenging the academic ability of our students. There are numerous motivational statements about accomplishments, goal attainment, etc. and all of those wise and inspirational statements can be applied to the effort and results of these faculty and staff members who push the students toward greatness. One of my favorite statements credited to Jonathan Swift is “Vision is the art of seeing the invisible” – and the support, instruction, guidance, and tenacity that our faculty and staff provide on a daily basis has resulted in our students achieving goals which just a few months ago were “invisible” to them.

Thanks to all of the students, faculty, and staff for another great academic year here at SCCC.