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Category Archives: Fort Scott Community College
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
True-Blue Employee
In the world of sports, and in the workplace, you learn quickly who’s on your team when the scoreboard isn’t in your favor. It’s easy to stand shoulder to shoulder when things are going well. The sun is shining, progress is steady, and everybody wants to be part of the picture. A true-blue employee, however, shows up in a different way.
“True-blue” means dyed in the wool. It’s not surface-level or situational. It reflects who you are at your core. A true-blue employee doesn’t just represent the organization when things are going well, they represent it when challenges arise, when pressure builds, and when outcomes are uncertain.
I remember a game years ago where everything that could go wrong did. We were down big, 7–34 going into the fourth quarter. Mistakes piled up. Doubt crept into the stands. Some folks headed for the exits early. A few stayed, believed, and supported, not because they were sure of a comeback, but because they were committed. Those fans were true-blue, and that is what a true-blue employee looks like.
Max Lucado, in Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, talks about fear that becomes faith. Fear shows up in all of us, when numbers are down, when change is coming, when uncertainty fills the room. The difference is not the presence of fear; it’s what we do with it. Faith steps in when we choose to trust, to stay, and to move forward anyway. A true-blue employee does exactly that.
A true-blue employee shows up when the work is hard and recognition is limited. That individual remains committed when others drift. Truth is spoken when needed, paired with a willingness to help solve the problem. Effort doesn’t fade in adversity, it sharpens.
There are moments in every organization when standing tall isn’t popular. The crowd may shift. The easy path is to step back. A true-blue employee stands firm, aligned with the mission, even when it carries a cost.
By the way, that game? We came back and won 42–34, scoring 35 points in the final 15 minutes. So, here’s the question this week: Who are your true-blue employees, and are you one?
Thought for the Week, “When fear shows up, let faith step forward, because true-blue employees stand tall, stay the course, and lead with belief when it matters most.” Dave Klatt, former Fort Scott Community College football coach.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
Winning Through the Doubtstorm
Many times, in our lives, we face doubt. Author Max Lucado calls these moments “doubtstorms.” If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve likely weathered one.
Let me ask you, have you ever had a doubtstorm? Last weekend, I attended a junior college baseball doubleheader, and what I witnessed was a powerful reminder of how we should respond when doubt rolls in. In the first game, the Fort Scott Community College Greyhounds baseball team fell behind early, 8-0. Most folks in the stands probably thought the game was over. Not the players in the dugout though. Not that team.
Why? Because their coach doesn’t think that way. Inning by inning, they chipped away. Two runs. Then three. Then two more. They stayed steady, consistent, and relentless. By the final out, they had turned an 8-0 deficit into a 13-8 victory.
You might say that was luck. Then came game two. In the first inning, they were down 11-1. A ten-run deficit. That’s a mountain in junior college baseball, a level filled with talent, grit, and future professionals. Once again, the Greyhounds didn’t flinch. They stayed locked in. One inning at a time, they battled back. And once again, they won. Final score: 20-16.
That’s not luck. That’s belief. There’s a passage in the Gospel of Matthew 14:25 where the disciples are caught in a storm, filled with fear and doubt. Then Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. In their doubtstorm, they couldn’t see clearly, but He was there all along.
Life works the same way. There is a window in every heart through which we see God. At one time, that window is clear, but then life happens; a loss, a diagnosis, a disappointment, and a rock cracks the glass. Suddenly, our view isn’t so clear anymore.
Here’s the truth: even when the storm clouds roll in, even when we can’t see Him, God is still there. That same steady belief is reflected in leadership. John Hill, now in his 18th year as head coach with over 600 wins, leads with calm and consistency. His players trust him because he trusts them. His philosophy is simple; consistency, persistence, and time. That belief shows up when it matters most.
Thought for the Week, “When doubtstorms come, and they will, stay steady. Trust the process. Trust your purpose. Most importantly, trust that you are never alone in the storm.” Gerald “Judge” Hart, former District Judge and longtime loved FSCC professor.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
Hearing the Right Voice
In educational leadership, we talk a lot about noise. The crowd gets loud. Opinions come fast. Everyone has a take on what you should do, how you should lead, and what shortcuts you should take to win.
We’ve all heard it: Swap your integrity for a new sale. Barter your convictions for an easy deal. Exchange your devotion for a quick thrill.
Those voices don’t come screaming, they come subtle. They whisper. They woo. They taunt. They flatter. They are the voices of the crowd.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend mock interviews at Uniontown High School. What Superintendent Vance Eden has built there is something special. Students, sophomores through seniors, sat down with real professionals and practiced how to interview, how to present themselves, and how to answer and ask questions.
Think about that. Schools do a great job teaching math, science, and English, but how many truly prepare students to get a job? What impressed me most wasn’t just the program; it was the leadership behind it. When I complimented Mr. Eden, he didn’t take credit. Instead, he shared that the idea came after a former student didn’t get a job because of a poor interview. He saw a need and took action. That’s leadership, seeing through expectations and doing what is right.
I was reminded of a leader who faced a tough decision. A shortcut was offered, one that would improve numbers and likely go unnoticed. The pressure was clear: “Just get it done.” It wasn’t right, though. He said no. It cost more. It delayed progress. It wasn’t popular, but over time, trust grew. His team knew where he stood. The culture strengthened because people understood, we don’t win at the cost of who we are.
In John 6, after feeding the five thousand, Jesus heard the crowd rise up. Thousands of voices swelling into a roar, “King Jesus!” It sounded like success. It looked like momentum. Jesus saw through it though. He knew their motives weren’t about truth, they were about control.
Consequently, He walked away. Jesus would rather be alone with the true God than surrounded by a crowd with the wrong motives. That’s leadership. Leadership isn’t defined by what people want; it’s defined by what is right. Doing the right thing, regardless of how it looks to the masses, is always the right thing to do.
Thought for the Week, “When the noise gets loud, make sure you’re still listening for the truth.” Jack Welch
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
State of FSCC Luncheon – May 21st
You’re invited to attend the State of FSCC on May 21 at 12:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building.
This is a great opportunity for our community to hear important updates on the college’s progress, priorities, and future direction. We encourage all faculty and staff to attend and be part of the conversation as we continue moving FSCC forward.
Lunch will be provided, and we hope you’ll take this time to connect, stay informed, and show your support for our students and institution.
Please RSVP using the link below.
https://forms.gle/z5ccXuBsdFdGzHxT6
We look forward to seeing you there!
FSCC Trustees Press Releases for April 17, April 20 Meetings
April 17 Meeting
Members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, for a board workshop at the Ellis Fine Arts Building.
Chair Doug Ropp called the meeting to order.
Emily Franks with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips, PA, presented the 2024–2025 final audit.
Dr. Larry Guerrero, Vice President of Academic Affairs, reported that he had received word from the state that Certificate A and Certificate C have been accepted as presented.
President Dr. Jack Welch provided an update on the number of projected graduates for the current school year, along with an update on student headcount. He emphasized that when Fort Scott Community College grows, Fort Scott grows, and that the college serves as a driver of economic opportunity for the community.
Vanessa Poyner, Vice President of Student Affairs, shared information regarding the upcoming Outstanding Student Receptions held in conjunction with graduation. She also noted a new service award for faculty and staff who have made a significant impact on students, based on student feedback, to be presented at the end-of-year luncheon.
Athletic Director Dave Weimer invited the board to the upcoming golf tournament and noted that the Hall of Fame ceremony will be held on May 2.
Courtney Metcalf, Registrar, discussed graduation procedures for board members. As part of the board’s review of the April 20 consent agenda items, topics included board goals, updates on the FRAME grant, a proposed 4.5-day work week, board policies, a food service contract, tuition and fees, and a professional services agreement with USD 234. No action was taken.
Board members also participated in governance training related to KOMA and executive sessions to strengthen understanding and preparedness in those areas.
Chair Ropp adjourned the meeting at 1:41 p.m.
April 20 Meeting
Members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, for their regular board meeting at the Ellis Fine Arts Building.
Chair Doug Ropp called the meeting to order.
The Board approved the official agenda with the removal of Item 8.5 Heavy Equipment Operator equipment purchases.
The Board approved the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes
- March 12, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
- March 13, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
- April 06, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
- Financials – Cash Flow Report
- Check Register – $738,222.98
- Payroll
- March 13, 2026 – $731,953.65
- April 15, 2026 – $707,707.76
- Contract Ratification
- Nevada Baseball Club, Inc.
- Vector Solutions
- STARS (finalized)
The Board approved the following items:
- Board Goals
- 2026–2027 food service contract with Great Western Dining
- Tuition and Fees for the 2026–2027 academic year
- Professional Services Agreement with USD 234
- Personnel Report (as follows)
The Ag and President Ambassadors presented to the Board on their programs. Track, Softball, Baseball coaches and their athletes were recognized for their programs.
Trustee Rhonda Bailey reported on Greenbush and shared information from the KACCT meeting.
Chair Ropp adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
APRIL 20, 2026
EMPLOYMENT
- Lindsay Hill – Board Clerk, effective 05/01/26
RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
- Resignation – Seth Cross, HEP Grant, effective 04/17/2026
- Resignation – Matt Glover, Men’s Basketball Coach, effective 05/15/26
- Resignation – Chris Goddard, Band Faculty, effective 06/03/26
- Resignation – Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, effective 04/30/26
- Resignation – Devon Turner, Choir Faculty, effective 06/03/26
- Retirement – Allen Twitchell, Theater Faculty, effective 05/31/26
NON-RENEWAL
- Non-Renewal – Thomas Cunningham, Harley-Davidson Faculty, 2026-27
ADDITIONAL POSITIONS
- Athletic Trainer Position
- Performance Director Position
FSCC Agendas for Today and April 20
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
APRIL 17, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – VICE-CHAIR CHAD MCKINNIS
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 PRESENTATION OF 2024-25 AUDIT (INFORMATION)
4.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
4.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero
4.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
4.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
4.4 Finance – CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
4.5 Student Services – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
4.6 Administrative Committees – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
4.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch
5.0 REVIEW OF APRIL 20TH AGENDA ITEMS (INFORMATION)
6.0 BOARD PICTURES (INFORMATION)
7.0 BOARD MEMBER TRAINING (INFORMATION)
8.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
APRIL 20, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 APPROVAL OF OFFICIAL AGENDA (ACTION)
4.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (ACTION)
4.1 Minutes
- March 12, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
- March 13, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
- April 06, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register – $738,222.98
4.4 Payroll
- March 13, 2026 – $731,953.65
- April 15, 2026 – $707,707.76
4.5 Contract Ratification
5.0 COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT RECOGNITION (INFORMATION)
5.1 Program Review – President and Ag Ambassadors
- Student Ambassadors will present to the board on their programs
5.2 Recognition: Students & Program Update
- Spring Sports – Coaches & Captains
- Track
- Softball
- Baseball
6.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
7.0 OLD BUSINESS
7.1 State of the College address will be: (INFORMATION)
- May 21st at 12 pm in the Ellis Fine Arts building
7.2 Graduation Information and Discussion (INFORMATION)
7.3 Board Goals (ACTION)
7.4 FRAME Grant Update (INFORMATION)
8.0 NEW BUSINESS
8.1 4.5 Work Week Proposal (INFORMATION)
8.2 Board Policies (INFORMATION)
8.3 Food Service Contract (ACTION)
8.4 Tuition & Fees (ACTION)
8.5 Heavy Equipment Operator Equipment Purchases (ACTION)
8.6 Consideration of Professional Services Agreement (ACTION)
9.0 PUBLIC FORUM
Comments should be restricted to no more than three minutes. Requests should be submitted by noon on the day of the Board meeting. Forms will be presented to the Board Chair for consideration. Matters which are personal in nature or relate to personnel matters will not be heard publicly.
10.0 PERSONNEL
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (ACTION)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (ACTION)
10.3 Employment Matters of Non-Elected Personnel (ACTION)
10.4 Resolution for Nonrenewal 26-05 (ACTION)
10.5 Addition of Athletic Trainer Position (ACTION)
10.6 Addition of Performance Director Position (ACTION)
11.0 BOARD COMMENTS
11.1 Reports of Board Member Appointments (INFORMATION)
12.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
FSCC’s Annual Women’s Luncheon Thursday, April 16th 10am-2pm
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Fort Scott Community College Inducts New Phi Theta Kappa Members
Fort Scott Community College welcomed 46 new members into its Phi Theta Kappa honor society during an induction ceremony held March 31, 2026, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center Auditorium.
The ceremony recognized students from the Alpha Theta Omega Chapter for their academic achievement and commitment to excellence. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, promoting scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among high-achieving students.
The event began with a greeting and welcome, followed by a presentation on the society’s symbols and traditions. Chapter leadership and advisors participated in the formal induction process, including the recitation of the Phi Theta Kappa pledge and official recognition of new members.
Students inducted into the chapter achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing at least 12 credit hours, meeting the national eligibility requirements for membership.
During the ceremony, chapter advisors emphasized the significance of academic dedication and the opportunities available through Phi Theta Kappa, including scholarships, leadership development and community engagement.
The induction concluded with closing remarks and a reception honoring the new members and their accomplishments.
Phi Theta Kappa has recognized and encouraged scholarship among two-year college students worldwide for more than 100 years. The organization is designated by the American Association of Community Colleges as the official honor society for two-year institutions.
For more information about Phi Theta Kappa at Fort Scott Community College, contact the college at (620) 223-2700.
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FSCC 39th Annual Scholarship Dinner Highlighted Educational Opportunities
The Fort Scott Community College Foundation hosted its 39th Annual Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday evening at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, celebrating student achievement and recognizing the generosity of donors who make scholarships possible.
The annual event, held at 6 p.m., brought together community members, donors, students, and college leadership to honor the impact of scholarship support at Fort Scott Community College. The program highlighted the Foundation’s mission of providing financial assistance to students while strengthening educational opportunities across the region.
Throughout the evening, dozens of named scholarships were recognized, each representing individuals, families, businesses, and organizations committed to investing in student success. Scholarships support a wide range of academic programs, workforce training, and student needs, helping remove financial barriers to higher education.
Foundation representatives emphasized the life-changing impact of donor contributions, noting that scholarship support allows students to pursue their goals without the burden of financial stress. Many recipients are balancing work, family, and academic responsibilities, making these opportunities critical to their success.
In addition to recognizing scholarship recipients, the event acknowledged the continued generosity of donors and encouraged ongoing support through contributions, new scholarship creation, and planned giving.
The Fort Scott Community College Foundation, established to support the college’s educational mission, continues to play a vital role in connecting community resources with student needs. Through events like the Scholarship Dinner, the Foundation highlights the collective effort required to invest in the future of students and the region.
For more information about the Foundation or how to contribute, visit www.fsccfoundation.org
or contact the Fort Scott Community College Foundation office.
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FSCC Special Board Meeting April 8
Fort Scott, KS – The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met April 6 for a special session, addressing grant planning, operational efficiencies, and personnel matters during a late-evening meeting in the Ellis Building.
The board considered action to rescind a previously approved request for proposals (RFP) tied to the FRAME grant project with Bourbon County Revitalization, signaling a shift in approach as officials evaluate next steps. Trustees also discussed multiple options for the future of the FRAME grant, including issuing a new RFP, requesting a project extension pending approval from the Kansas Department of Commerce, or discontinuing the project and returning funds if an extension is not granted.
In other business, the board reviewed a proposal to dispose of several underutilized or costly fleet vehicles. The plan calls for selling the vehicles through an online auction platform, with the goal of reducing maintenance costs and generating revenue for future replacements.
FSCC Athletics presented a proposal to add a second full-time athletic trainer beginning in fall 2026. The addition is intended to support a growing student-athlete population, improve medical coverage, and enhance recruitment efforts. The item is expected to return for board action later in April.
College President Dr. Jack Welch provided an institutional update, highlighting ongoing organizational realignment efforts designed to better serve students and strengthen college operations.
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FSCC Trustees In Attendance at Foundation Dinner This Evening
This is to provide notice that members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees may be in attendance at the Fort Scott Community College Foundation Scholarship Dinner this evening.
The event is scheduled for April 7 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Ellis Center.
It is possible that more than four Board members will be present. No official business will be conducted during this event.
Submitted by
Gina Shelton, CPA
Fort Scott Community College
CFO – VP of Finance & Operations