Category Archives: Fort Scott Community College

FSCC receives grant from Community Foundation

 

A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas enables Fort Scott Community College to add at least one, possibly two, additional automated electronic defibrillators (AEDs) on campus.

The total funding, $2,750, was provided for FSCC’s Public Safety Project from the 2023 Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) Grant Process, said the college’s grant-writer Ralph Beacham in announcing the award.

“(We are) excited to have received funding from the Community Foundation to purchase at least one AED machine,” said Jason Kegler, FSCC president. “We are aware that time is of the essence when medical emergencies occur. The use of an AED machine has been proven to increase survival rates when used appropriately. We are pleased with the prospect of adding additional machine(s) for use in specific situations.”

The location of the new AED(s) has yet to be determined, Kegler noted.

“At this time, it is unclear exactly where the machine(s) will be housed,” he said. “FSCC administrators will evaluate specific locations and be in contact with medical professionals to determine the appropriate location for the machine(s). We are appreciative of the assistance and the donation from the Community Foundation.”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors with a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout southeast Kansas and beyond. For information about the foundation, call (620) 231-8897.

FSCC is to receive the grant money during the FSACF’s annual grant celebration at 8 a.m. Oct. 12 at Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main St.

 

 

FSCC Trustees Minutes of August 28

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
August 28, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler, Juley McDaniel (Board Clerk), faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer had no comments, but two Board members shared comments: Jim Fewins recognized Ed Graham, long time Board member whose funeral was today, and Dave Elliott was pleased to attend the Business Expo during Welcome Week at FSCC on behalf of Peerless.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
BUDGET REVIEW: Julie Eichenberger provided an overview of how the 2023-24 proposed budget was created and provided an opportunity for Board members to ask questions. Approval of the budget will be considered at the September 25 meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve purchase of a generator for $12,412.68 and installation by Brock Electric for $13,754.15, for a total of $26,166.83.
C. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Rodeo Program being allowed to purchase immediately when hay is found, staying within FSCC purchasing policy.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of appreciation.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Gordon Parks Museum, Finance
and Operations, Student Services, IT, Maintenance, Miami County Campus, and Athletics.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott to adjourn to executive session for
15 minutes beginning at 7:30 pm for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it
relates to organizational structure with action not expected to follow. The Board invited Jason Kegler and Juley
McDaniel into the executive session.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to return to
open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:46 pm by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.

Agenda for the FSCC Trustees Meeting On September 25

September 25, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, September 25, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall followed by regular board meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BUDGET HEARING, 4
A. Comments from the Board, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Approval of Budget Revenue Neutral Rate, 4
D. Review and Adoption of the 2023-24 Year Budget, 4
CALL TO ORDER, 8
A. Comments from the Chair, 8
B. Comments from the Public, 8
CONSENT AGENDA, 9
A. Approval of Agenda, 9
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 28, 2023, 10
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 13
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 9
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 55
A. Approval of Fairness in Women’s Sports Policy, 55
REPORTS, 56
A. Administrative Updates, 57
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 62
ADJOURNMENT, 631

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
September 25, 2023 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting

October 16, 2023 Board Meeting

November 20, 2023 Board Meeting

November 22 – 24, 2023 Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed

December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting

December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024 Winter Break, Campus Closed

January 15, 2024 MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed

January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting

February 19, 2024 Board Meeting

March 11 – 15, 2024 Spring Break, Campus Closed

March 18, 2024 Board Meeting

April 15, 2024 Board Meeting

May 20, 2024 Board Meeting

May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed

June 17, 2024 Board Meeting

Sincerely,

John Bartelsmeyer, Chair

Jason Kegler, President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer

_____ Jim Fewins

_____ Dave Elliott

_____ Kirk Hart

_____ Bryan Holt

_____ Robert Nelson
3

BUDGET HEARING
A. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD

B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

C. APPROVAL OF BUDGET REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for Fort Scott Community College was calculated as 27.659
mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College will
require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 28, 2023 allowing all interested
taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College, having heard testimony, still
finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY

COLLEGE:

Fort Scott Community College shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate of
29.268 mills.
This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in
effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the Revenue Neutral Rate resolution as
stated above.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____

DISCUSSION:

VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson

D. REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE 2023-24 YEAR BUDGET

RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of administration to approve the 2023-24 budget
as presented.

BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____

DISCUSSION:

VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson
4

5

6

7

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
8

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 28, 2023.

C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS

Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Additions

a) Lindsey Mabe, IA DOE Migrant Program Identification Specialist, effective September 1, 2023

b) Amanda McVann, IA DOE Migrant Program Identification Specialist, effective September 1, 2023

c) Mindy Smith, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 25, 2023

d) Gina Shelton, Director of Business Operations, effective October 1, 2023

e) Sara Holder, Nursing Instructor, effective October 1, 2023

f) Blanca Perez, Regional Recruiter LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023

g) Traci Tucker, Data Manager LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023

h) Iban Gama, Regional Recruiter LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023

i) Lorena Roberts, Regional Recruiter LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023

j) Lauri Stewart, Assistant Migrant Coordinator, LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023


2) Separations

a) Moriah Greer, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 11, 2023


3) Transfers

a) Allie Birket, from Assistant to the President to Instruction Office
Assistant/Concurrent Coordinator, effective September 18, 2023

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.

BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____

DISCUSSION:

VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins

Hart Holt Nelson
9

 

To view the whole packet;

9.25.23 Consent Agenda

RAMSEY ASSUMES ROLE AS FSCC THEATER MANAGER/TECH DIRECTOR

Joshua Ramsey. Submitted photo.

Josh Ramsey, much like an understudy fully prepared to step into a lead role, has assumed the duties of theater manager/technical director at Fort Scott Community College.

Ramsey, originally from Parsons, succeeds Lawrence Alford in the position and came highly recommended by his successor, who is moving to Oregon this month after five months at FSCC.

“I am super excited to get right to work here at FSCC,” said Ramsey, who worked with Alford as the assistant technical director at Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center in Pittsburg before his hiring at FSCC. “As the new technical director/theater manager, I will be responsible for designing and building sets for FSCC drama productions, operation and maintenance of all equipment in the Ellis theater, as well as scheduling events for the auditorium, lobby and meeting rooms.”

After graduating from Labette County High School in 2018, Ramsey earned a bachelor degree in communication with an emphasis in theater and a minor in graphic design from Pittsburg State University in 2022. While attending PSU, he worked for the theater department as a student carpenter for four years.

He came to FSCC from his job at Memorial Auditorium.

On the personal front, Ramsey is planning for a wedding soon.

“I proposed to my high school sweetheart, Shakota, just this last December, and we plan to get married in about a year,” he said. “This last month, we welcomed into our home a 3-month-old husky/Great Pyrenes puppy named Khonshu. He is so spoiled.”

In his free time, Ramsey enjoys playing video games and board games with his family and friends.

“I also love cooking, reading and watching movies and television,” he noted.

Ramsey can be reached at [email protected].

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton, where the theatre is located.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott Community College Agenda for August 28

August 28, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, August 28, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.

5:00 p.m. Dinner in meeting rooms of Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, followed by regular board
meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Proposed Budget Review, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 17, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Approval of Updated Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy, 60
B. Consideration of Generator Purchase and Installation, 132
C. Approval of Rodeo Program Hay Purchase, 138
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 139
A. Correspondence for Review, 139
REPORTS, 142
A. Administrative Updates, 142
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 159
ADJOURNMENT, 1601
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
Board Meeting
Labor Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
Winter Break, Campus Closed
MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Spring Break, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
• August 28, 2023 (to facilitate budget process)
• September 4, 2023
• September 25, 2023 (to facilitate budget process)
• October 16, 2023
• November 20, 2023
• November 22 – 24, 2023
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024
• January 15, 2024
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day)
• February 19, 2024
• March 11 – 15, 2024
• March 18, 2024
• April 15, 2024
• May 20, 2024
• May 27, 2024
• June 17, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Jason Kegler, President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. PROPOSED BUDGET REVIEW
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 17, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Jason Kegler, President, effective July 24, 2023
b) Ezequeil Tenorio, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective August 19, 2023
c) Ronnie Jackson, CDL Instructor/Examiner, effective August 28, 2023

2) Separations
a) Jacob Reichard, Director of Institutional Research, effective September 1, 2023
b) Lawrence Alford, Theatre Manager, effective September 1, 2023
c) Nick Mora, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective August 16, 2023

3) Transfers
a) Celina Moses, from Financial Aid Officer to Assistant Director of Financial Aid, effective August 1, 2023
b) Ben Souza, from Network Specialist to Director of Institutional Research, effective August 28, 2023
c) Chris Larsen, from Lead IT Technician to Network Specialist, effective August 28, 2023
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson

 

To view the entire packet:

8.28.23 Consent Agenda

Presentation Explores the Impact of Kansas’s Native Son Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Fort Scott, Kansas – The Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas will host “Learning from
Gordon Parks,” a presentation and discussion by Ann Dean on Thursday, October 5 at
12:00p.m. at The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton St.

Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at
620-223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

This presentation and discussion are part of the 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration that will take place in Fort Scott, Kansas on October 5 -7, 2023. This is also a Lunch and Learn Event.

The presentation by Ann Dean is free to attend, but the lunches are only available by pre-purchase for $10 each by Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

African American author, photographer, and filmmaker Gordon Parks was well known for his documentation of American life and culture.

Born in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1912, he is one of the
most esteemed image makers of all time. In this presentation, photographer Ann Dean discusses the impact and inspiration found in Parks’s books: The Learning Tree, A Choice of
Weapons, and Half Past Autumn.

These books help illustrate Parks’s mother’s teachings centered in love, dignity, and hard work, and provide a starting point to talk about his struggles, choices, and triumphs – all great life lessons for those searching to find their way in this complicated world.

Ann Dean is an artist and freelance photographer who teaches photography classes at the Lawrence Art Center.

“Learning from Gordon Parks” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community
discussions and learn more about the history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made possible with support from “A More
Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information about “Learning from Gordon Parks” in Fort Scott, Kansas contact the
Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit gordonparkscenter.org.

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the
people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our
pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to
spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we
inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and
serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
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Tradition, Adaptation, Tragedy, Triumph, Survival: Experience the Wahzhazhe Story In Fort Scott This Weekend

One can order tickets online for the Osage ballet being  performing at the Ellis Arts Center, Fort Scott Community College this weekend or at the door. The first performance is tonight at 7:30 p.m.

 

This scene in the ballet depicts the encounters with Europeans by the Osage, a tribe of Native Americans.

Wahzhazhe is the Native American name for the  tribal people we know as the Osage.

A dance academy in Pawhuska, OK has created a ballet telling the 400 year-old story of the Wahzhazhe.

The performers are mostly from the Dance Maker Academy in Pawhuska, in Osage County, which is home to the Osage tribe.

There are about 24,000 Osage people throughout the world, Randy Tinker-Smith, the ballet producer said.

Tinker-Smith said the 20 children dancers in this ballet are from different tribes, not all Osage.

The ballet is “an artistic expression of who we are,”Tinker- Smith, who is Osage, said. “We are not history, we are still here.”

They performed the Osage story at the Smithsonian Institution in 2012, she said.

The scene that resonated with viewers there, was the last one, where the performers demonstrate walking in two worlds, the Osage world and the other white people world, she said.

The ballet is the story of tradition, adaptation, tragedy, triumph, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Osage people, told by the Osage Nation, according to a press release from the FSNHS.

“This is not our story to tell, but it is our responsibility to provide a platform for these stories to be told,” said Carl Brenner, FSNHS Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management.

“This area was their native homeland,” Brenner said. “This (ballet) is part of a Native American series (at the Fort). We will continue to talk about this.”

“We jump started our relationship with the Osages,” Jill Jaworski, FSNHS Superintendent said. “There are a lot of doors being opened for having conversations with the Osage. We are looking to update our exhibits and are asking ‘What would you like shared?'”

Ballet: an Osage Tradition

The first  five prima ballerinas in the United State were Native Americans, two of them Osage, Tinker-Smith said.

Lavender Sarroll, a mom accompanying the ballet troupe,  said her daughter, Lilliana Guillen, 17, has been dancing since she was six years old at the Dance Maker Academy.

The ballet still is emotional for her, Sarroll said.

“To this day, when they get to the place in the ballet, where they rise from defeat, I cry every time,” she said.

Sarroll said the Wahzhazhe have their own government and language.

Doors are opened to a college education for some through the ballet.

Several of the ballet performers are offered dance scholarships to colleges, including her daughter, Sarroll said.

Logistics

Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. offered special access for the media to the Wahshazhe ballet producer, Randy Tinker-Smith, and for viewing  rehearsals on Wednesday, July 19.

The rehearsal was a prelude to the three performances, today, Friday, through Saturday at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus, 2108 Horton St.

There are 50 people involved in the production of the ballet, but some parents accompany the group, with a total of 70 people. Most arrived on Wednesday and are staying in the FSCC Residential Halls.

Thursday was the dress rehearsal, then the performances are today,  Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m.

Youth tickets are just $15, adults are $35. Go to Friends of the Fort Facebook page or at OsageBallet.com.

Or one can take a chance, wait, and hope it’s not sold-out and purchase tickets at the door.

There is a question and answer session following the ballet.

Learning More

The performance is for those who are interested in Kansas and American history, Native American culture, the arts and dance, and those wanting to experience something spectacular and different from anything they have seen before, according to the press release.

Killers of the Flower Moon-The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, a story on a tragic part of the Osage tribe is a book that has been made into a movie and will be open in theaters this years, Tinker-Smith said.

“Mollie Burkhart is in the book,” she said. “Her grand-daughter is in the ballet. This movie, we can let people know, we are still here.”

For a synopsis of the book:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/28/books/review/killers-of-the-flower-moon-david-grann.html

 

 

FSCC SELECTS GUGNANI TO FILL KEY ADMINSTRATIVE ROLE

Sonia Gugnani. Submitted photo.

Sonia Gugnani, whose connection to Fort Scott Community College goes back more than 10 years, is the school’s new vice president of academic affairs.

Her hiring was formally approved by the FSCC Board of Trustees on Monday, and elevates her from her previous post as associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness.

The move constitutes a small one geographically for Gugnani, she can just slide into the VP’s office from her current station in Bailey Hall, but a large one in terms of oversight and responsibility.

It’s a role for which she’s well-prepared.

“As the associate dean, I was involved in serving the needs of the high school students in our area,” she said. “That involved collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the success of our students. I am very familiar with various processes and have been closely involved in curriculum development, assessment and accreditation.

“Having worked with the previous vice president of academic affairs (Adam Borth) has given me a better understanding of the job.”

Gugnani, who has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in psychology, began at FSCC in 2014 as a part-time instruction support specialist after two years as an adjunct instructor. She was appointed director of institutional effectiveness and outreach in 2019, then associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness in 2021. She participated in the Kansas Community College Leadership Institute last year, and is part of the Lead Bourbon County training cohort.

Teamwork is the key ingredient to success for a lead administrator, she said.

“Working with faculty and staff to offer our students opportunities and quality education is essential for this position,” she said. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to work with a great group of faculty and staff who support the college’s mission and go above and beyond what is expected of them in order to achieve shared objectives.”

Of course, the job does not come without challenges, Gugnani agreed.

“Most community colleges are seeing a reduction in enrollment as a result of students entering the workforce directly out of high schools,” she said. “Promoting general-education courses, dual-credit courses, and implementing short-term career and technical programs could help with enrollment and retention.

“By providing our students the resources they need to complete their education, we can help them be independent and self-sufficient. I strongly believe community colleges have the ability to strengthen our nation’s workforce.”

Personally, Gugnani and her husband, P.K., a local physician, are “proud parents” of three sons, Neil, 19, Shekhar, 19, and Raj, 14. The two eldest are recent graduates of Fort Scott High School and the youngest is an incoming freshman at FSHS.

“(We have) been part of this community for the last 19 years,” said Gugnani, who enjoys spending time with her family, watching action/comedy movies and taking long walks, making puzzles and playing board games.

Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President

At the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees meeting on July 17, Dr. Jason Kegler was approved as the new president.

At the meeting, Alysia Johnston, prior president, was honored by the board for her eight years of service.

Thirty-nine candidates applied for the position when Johnston announced her retirement in April. The field was narrowed down to three, with Kegler being selected.

Dr. Kegler assumes his duties next week as FSCC’s new president with a firm resolve to keep students as the No. 1 priority, according to a FSCC press release.

“One of my goals will be to work directly with the faculty and staff to ensure we maintain the perspective ‘students first,’” he stated in his letter of application and echoed in public forums last week. “… Oftentimes within higher education, we create ‘unintentional roadblocks’ for students. We need to review the student experience with the intention to streamline and simplify the process.”

Kegler, who earned his doctorate of education from Baker University, comes to FSCC from his job as associate vice president for student life at Pittsburg State University, his post since July 2014, according to the press release. He also serves as a deputy for the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.

Kegler was selected from a group of three finalists after a fast-tracked selection process, according to the press release.

“The board took into consideration our interview with Dr. Kegler and survey comments from faculty, staff and community members,” said John Bartelsmeyer, trustee chairman. “We also evaluated his background in the education field and other accomplishments outside the education field.

“Dr. Kegler has the ability to communicate effectively with many various and diverse situations. He is a good listener and has the desire to do the right thing. The board is looking forward to a productive and effective working relationship with Dr. Kegler.”

Kegler, originally from Kansas City and now resides in Fort Scott with his family, has a thorough understanding of the community college system having served as dean of students at Neosho County and director of student life, head women’s basketball coach, and director of admissions/marketing and admissions counselor at Allen County, according to the press release.

“I will just ask for a little ‘space and grace’,” Kegler said of advancing to his first college presidency. “… But I promise you no one will be more passionate about the job.

“Individual characteristics necessary to succeed in the role of president at FSCC include the ability to resolve conflict, communicate vision and treat everyone with respect. Each of these characteristics, I display daily.”

Kegler earned a master’s in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University in 2009 and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth in 1996. He taught leadership classes at both Allen County and PSU.

He and his wife, Terra, a paraeducator and volleyball coach at Fort Scott High School, have three children, all in the USD 234 system, daughter Raveyn and sons Dierks and Kyron.

“Fort Scott is where my family and I decided to make our home,” he stated. “… We felt Fort Scott provided our family with opportunities and chose the community as the place to establish our future long-term.”

Continue reading Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President

Blake Cochran and Andre Norris Participate in NJCAA All-Star

Submitted photo.

Andre Norris and Fort Scott Head Coach Blake Cochran participated in the NJCAA Rising Stars All-Star Game, which features the top junior college freshman in the country. The event was held in Council Bluffs, IA, July 14-17, where NCAA schools will be in attendance to watch the 60 selected players.

Norris is a 6’4, guard, from Arlington, TX, where he had a stellar freshman campaign. He broke the all-time steals record in Fort Scott history with 113 and led the country in that category. Andre averaged 10.7 ppg, 3.7 ast, 3.5 stl, and 3.1 rbs last season with a career-high 33 points against Link Year Prep. He has received multiple offers gaining a lot of interest from Division-1 programs for his sophomore campaign.

This will be his second all-star event Norris was selected for as he was a stand-out performer during the JA-48 Event in Wichita, KS, hosted by JucoAdvocate.

Cochran was  selected to coach in the NJCAA Rising Stars All-Star game and USA Basketball Academy.

Cochran is one of six junior college coaches during the event which will feature the top 60 junior college freshman in the country from 43 different schools.

The other coaches are:

Mike Marquis – Tyler Junior College

Jerry Carrillo – Cochise College

Andy Shaw – Iowa Western Community College

Jason McKinney – Iowa Lakes Community College

Joel Wooten – Southeast Community College

Players will be grouped into six teams and play three games over the course of July 15 & 16.

This event Schedule will feature a shoot-around, two practices, and three games with multiple seminars for the student-athletes.

 

FSCC Trustees Meeting Agenda for July 17

To  view the entire packet:

7.17.23 Consent Agenda

July 17, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, July
17, 2023. The meeting will be held in the meeting rooms of Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at Fort
Scott Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall, followed by regular board meeting at
approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on June 19, 2023,
and Special Board Meetings conducted on June 28, 2023, July 5, 2023, July 6,
2023, and July 10, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 14
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 54
A. Consideration of 2023 – 24 Athletic Insurance and Catastrophic Injury Insurance, 54
B. Consideration of Fort Scott Community College President Employment Contract, 65
REPORTS, 66
A. Administrative Updates, 66
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 71
ADJOURNMENT, 721
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• June 19, 2023 Board Meeting
• July 17, 2023 Board Meeting
• August 28, 2023 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting
• September 25, 2023 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting
• October 16, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 20, 2023 Board Meeting
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• February 19, 2024 Board Meeting
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

 

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