FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
JUNE 15, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 APPROVAL OF OFFICIAL AGENDA (ACTION)
4.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (ACTION)
4.1 Minutes
• May 14, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
• May 18, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
• June 2, 2026, Special Board Meeting
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register – $386,285.99
4.4 Payroll
• May 15, 2026 – $755,977.54
• June 15, 2026 – $635,645.75
4.5 Contract Ratification
• Contract – UAMS e-Link
5.0 COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT RECOGNITION (INFORMATION)
5.1 Program Review – none
5.2 Recognition: Students & Program Update
o Kirk Sharp and Gordon Parks Museum
6.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
7.0 OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Reserve Unencumbered Fund Balance Policy (ACTION)
8.0 NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Remote Work Policy (INFORMATION)
8.2 KASB Workers Compensation Agreement (ACTION)
8.3 Certification of the Mill Rate (ACTION)
8.4 ARPA Grant – Van Purchase (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 President’s Contract (ACTION)
10.5 Addition of CTE Development Coordinator (ACTION)
11.0 BOARD REPORTS (INFORMATION)
• Finance Committee – Chad Cosens & Doug Ropp
• Policies – Marilyn Hoyt
• Negotiation Committee – Destry Brown
• Strategic Plan Committee – TBA
• KACCT & Greenbush – Ronda Bailey
• Student Leadership/Coaching Academy – Chad McKinnis
• Correspondence
12.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)Agen
Category Archives: Fort Scott Community College
FSCC’s New Music Performer Director is Lauren Powell
Fort Scott, KS – Lauren Powell has been hired as Fort Scott Community College’s new music performance director.
Powell earned a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Simpson College and both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal performance from Louisiana State University. Throughout her academic career, she performed numerous leading operatic roles and gained teaching experience through private instruction, collegiate teaching and studio leadership.
For the past several years, Powell has continued to expand her private studio while serving as a classical voice instructor at the School for Music Vocations at Southwestern Community College in Iowa. Her experience teaching students of various ages and musical backgrounds aligns with the college’s efforts to rebuild and grow its music program.
Powell will begin her role with an initial group of music students already committed to Fort Scott Community College, including students who signed to participate in the music program during signing events held April 28 and May 8, 2026. She will work with those students while continuing efforts to recruit and develop additional opportunities for music students at the college.
The addition of a music educator with advanced academic credentials and extensive performance experience marks an important step in the continued development of the college’s music offerings. Powell’s background in performance and instruction will support efforts to attract students, enhance campus life and expand music opportunities for both the college and the Fort Scott community.
###
Chad Kline is FSCC’s New Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Fort Scott Names Chad Kline New Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Fort Scott, KS – Chad Kline has been named head men’s basketball coach at Fort Scott Community College, bringing 23 years of coaching experience to the Greyhounds program.
Kline will lead the men’s basketball program as FSCC continues to build on recent success and strengthen its presence in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.
“We want to welcome Chad and his family to Fort Scott as our new men’s basketball coach,” FSCC Athletic Director Dave Wiemers said. “Coach Kline will bring strong leadership and a vision for building a competitive program. We look forward to the impact he will have as we continue the forward momentum of the men’s program.”
Joining Kline on the coaching staff is Kemani Roberson, who has been hired as the men’s basketball assistant coach. Roberson will assist with recruiting, player development and day-to-day operations of the program.
Together, Kline and Roberson will lead the next chapter of Greyhound men’s basketball, focusing on student-athlete development, competitive success and continued growth of the program.
FSCC Board of Trustees Special Meeting June 11, 2026
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
JUNE 11, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk:
Bailey, Brown, Cosens, Hoyt, McKinnis, Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
3.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero
3.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
3.4 Finance – CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
3.5 Student Services – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
3.6 Grant Updates – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch
4.0 REVIEW OF JUNE 15TH AGENDA ITEMS (INFORMATION)
5.0 PERSONNEL
5.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (ACTION)
5.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (ACTION)
6.0 BOARD MEMBER TRAINING (INFORMATION)
7.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
It’s Not Experience, It’s the Person
One of the most common debates in leadership revolves around hiring and promotion decisions. Should an organization select the individual with years of experience, or invest in someone with less experience but tremendous potential? After more than four decades in coaching, education, and administration, I have come to a simple conclusion: it is not experience that determines success. It is the person.
Experience certainly has value. Individuals who have spent years in a profession have faced challenges, learned lessons, and developed wisdom that can benefit an organization. However, experience alone does not guarantee success. I have seen highly experienced leaders struggle because they became resistant to change, stopped learning, or relied too heavily on what worked in the past.
On the other hand, I have watched organizations hire young leaders with limited experience who accomplished remarkable things. They brought energy, vision, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Some built championship programs and transformed organizations. Others struggled because they lacked the personal qualities necessary to lead effectively.
What I have learned is that experience and age are not the same thing. There are individuals in their retirement years who step into leadership opportunities and thrive because they possess humility, character, and a desire to continue growing. There are others with the same amount of life experience who struggle. Likewise, some young professionals excel beyond expectations while others do not.
The determining factor is rarely age or experience. It is the person. Do they have integrity? Are they willing to work hard? Can they build relationships? Are they teachable? Can they adapt when circumstances change? Do they place the mission and people they serve above their own interests?
Scripture reinforces this principle. When the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint a new king, he assumed God would choose one of Jesse’s older, stronger, and more experienced sons. Instead, God selected David, a young shepherd boy. The Lord reminded Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Jesus followed the same pattern. He did not choose the most educated religious leaders of His day. He chose fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary men. What made them extraordinary was not their credentials; it was their willingness to follow Him and allow God to work through them.
Too often, organizations become fixated on years of experience while overlooking the qualities that truly drive success. Experience, training, and mentorship can help, but none can replace character, passion, commitment, and a servant’s heart.
When making leadership decisions, look beyond age and experience. Find the right person. If you find the right person, they will often find a way to succeed regardless of how much experience they have or do not have.
Thought for the Week, “Experience can teach you many things, but character determines what you do with what you’ve learned.” 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.
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
Rescue the Employee
Most people understand how insurance works. You can pay your premiums on time, follow the rules, and still eventually receive the dreaded letter that says your coverage is being canceled because of too many claims or too many mistakes. The workplace can become very similar. An employee may work long hours, take on difficult assignments, try to solve problems, and carry heavy responsibility. Somewhere along the way, mistakes happen. A deadline gets missed. A decision does not work out. Communication falls short. Then leadership begins asking the question: “Is it time to replace this person?”
The challenge for leaders is that the employees making the most mistakes are often the same employees attempting to accomplish the most. In coaching, the quarterback who throws interceptions is usually also the quarterback trying to make plays. The assistant coach who occasionally forgets something may also be the one organizing camps, handling travel, calling recruits, and solving problems behind the scenes. In business, the employee with scratches on the company truck may be the same employee driving across the state building relationships, recruiting clients, and creating opportunities.
Meanwhile, there are always people who rarely make mistakes because they rarely step outside their comfort zone. They avoid responsibility. They avoid difficult assignments. They stay hidden from pressure and accountability. They become experts at protecting themselves instead of helping move the organization forward.
Now, this does not mean leaders should ignore carelessness, dishonesty, laziness, or destructive behavior. At some point, every organization has to make difficult decisions. There are times when replacing someone is necessary for the overall health of the team.
However, leadership is a slippery slope. Some leaders become so focused on eliminating mistakes that they unintentionally eliminate initiative, creativity, and effort. Employees eventually stop trying because they become afraid every mistake may cost them their future.
I have learned through the years that I would rather work with someone who occasionally makes mistakes while trying to move the train forward than someone hiding in the closet avoiding work altogether. The best organizations are not built by perfect people. They are built by people willing to work, learn, adjust, and grow.
Thought for the Week, “A leader’s job is not simply to remove mistakes. Sometimes the greatest leadership comes from rescuing and developing the employee behind the mistake.” 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.
FSCC Agenda for June 12
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
JUNE 2, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 APPROVAL OF HEATER/FAN FOR TEC+ BUILDING
4.0 PERSONNEL
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters
4.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session
4.3 Employment Matters of Nonelected Personnel
5.0 ADJOURN
(ACTION)
(ACTION)
(ACTION)
(ACTION)
(ACTION)
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
Who Are You Listening To?
One of the greatest challenges in leadership is deciding whose voice deserves your attention. Whether leading a business, a school, or even a family, there will always be opinions coming from every direction. Some voices provide wisdom, perspective, and accountability. Others simply create noise.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey reminds us to “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Effective leaders listen carefully before reacting emotionally. They gather facts, consider motives, and stay grounded in principles rather than popularity.
Unfortunately, leadership today often faces a different challenge, the anonymous critic. There are individuals who act like chameleons, constantly changing colors depending on the environment around them. In public, they may smile, shake your hand, and offer encouragement. Behind closed doors, especially when comments can remain anonymous, the tone changes. Frustration becomes anger. Criticism becomes personal. Rumors replace solutions.
Interestingly, anonymous criticism rarely comes from the organization’s strongest performers. Most high-impact employees are too busy working, producing, solving problems, and helping others succeed to spend their energy hiding behind anonymous attacks. More often, the loudest anonymous voices come from individuals struggling with performance, resisting accountability, or frustrated because expectations are increasing around them. Instead of growing through the challenge, they attempt to pull others backward into negativity.
Strong leaders cannot allow anonymous negativity to become the steering wheel of an organization. That does not mean leaders should ignore criticism. In fact, constructive criticism is healthy and necessary. Good leaders need honest people around them who are willing to speak truth respectfully, even when conversations are difficult. Accountability strengthens organizations.
The difference is this: trustworthy voices bring concerns with integrity and solutions attached. Anonymous anger often brings division without responsibility. In coaching, I learned quickly that if I listened to every voice in the stands, our team would never move forward. Some people react emotionally to a single loss, a bad quarter, or one difficult decision. Leadership requires the discipline to stay focused on long-term goals instead of short-term noise.
The same is true in business and education. Listen to people who are willing to stand behind their words. Listen to those who want the organization to succeed more than they want attention. Listen to principled people, not emotional winds. In the end, leadership is not about pleasing every voice. It is about responsibly guiding the mission forward.
Thought for the Week
“Wise leaders do not follow the loudest voices. They follow the clearest principles.” Joshua Welch, Welch Land Development.
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: College Highlights Momentum, Partnerships, and Growth at Community Luncheon
Fort Scott Community College held its first “State of FSCC” community luncheon on May 21 in the Ellis Fine Arts Building, drawing a full house of faculty, staff, community partners, donors, board members, alumni, and supporters.
President Dr. Jack Welch and his administrative leadership team used the event to share updates on enrollment strategy, athletics, finances, academics, and the college’s vision for the future. The college plans to make this an annual event.
Foundation and Grants
Lindsay Hill, Dean of Advancement, reported that the FSCC Foundation awarded over $200,000 in student scholarships this past year, and the foundation portfolio has grown to more than $7.5 million. Federal and state grants continue to support key programs including TRIO, HEP, CAMP, the Heavy Equipment program (ARPA), CTE pathways (FRAME grant), and nursing.
Enrollment and Student Recruitment
Vanessa Poyner, VP of Student Affairs, addressed enrollment trends, acknowledging that enrollment is down statewide. However, FSCC is responding by shifting strategy rather than simply accepting a decline. The college has created new positions to strengthen relationships with high schools across its three-county, 11-school-district service area. Concurrent and dual credit enrollment with high school students remains strong, and career and technical education (CTE) programs continue to grow.
Athletics as a Draw
Athletic Director Dave Wiemers reported on program successes including a Region 6 tournament championship, continued dominance by the rodeo program (three consecutive Central Plains team championships), and another strong baseball season. A new soccer program is launching this fall with coaches already recruiting, and the track program is being rebuilt from zero to a target of 50-60 athletes. In total, FSCC expects to add approximately 128 students through athletic roster growth.
Financial Update
CFO Gina Shelton reviewed FSCC’s revenue sources, noting that state appropriations and local property taxes make up the largest portions. The college has held its mill levy largely flat over the past decade, with only a modest increase in the last two years to address cash position concerns. Shelton reported that the college has regained financial stability and is focused on responsible budgeting, cost management, and strategic program investment. She emphasized that not every program is going to break even at community colleges like FSCC as they attempt to meet community needs.
Academics
Dr. Larry Guerrero, VP of Academic Affairs, highlighted that FSCC operates with 31 full-time faculty and 39 adjunct professors, offering up to 354 courses per semester. The college graduated 285 students at its most recent commencement. Notably, FSCC boasts a 61% retention rate — among the highest for Kansas community colleges — and a 40% graduation rate. The Higher Learning Commission recognized FSCC’s assessment plan as among the most impressive they have seen. FSCC also holds the number one community college GPA transfer rate to four-year schools in Kansas. New programs including pharmacy tech are being added.
Economic Impact
Dr. Welch cited research showing FSCC contributes more than $145.6 million in total economic impact to the region, with alumni impact alone exceeding $135 million. One in every 19 jobs in the service area is connected to FSCC activity, supporting more than 2,700 regional jobs. The college employs 109 full-time and 34 part-time employees with a payroll exceeding $6.25 million.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Welch closed by emphasizing that FSCC’s success depends on community partnership. He outlined a six-year plan and encouraged community members to spread the word about what the college offers. He noted that FSCC has 2 by 2 agreements with Missouri Southern, and articulation agreement with Emporia State and is working with Pittsburg State.
“A college succeeds because of the people, our relationships, who we are, what we do, the care from our heart to see people grow,” Dr. Welch told attendees.
In a follow-up email, Dr. Welch thanked attendees and invited ongoing feedback: “We want to continue building relationships, listening, and working together for the betterment of FSCC.”
For more information about Fort Scott Community College, visit fortscott.edu or contact the admissions office in Bailey Hall.
Possible Members of FSCC Trustees May Attend State of FSCC
Please be advised that there is a possibility that three (3) or more members of the Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College may be present at the State of FSCC event on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
The event will take place on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
No official board action will be taken during this event.
Submitted by
Lindsay Hill
Dean of Advancement
Fort Scott Community College
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
The Journey’s End
This is the season of graduation. Across America, high school and college students are walking across stages, receiving diplomas, hugging family members, taking pictures, and celebrating accomplishments that took years of work to achieve. For many graduates, this moment feels like the journey’s end. For others, it feels like the beginning of a brand-new road. The truth is, it is both.
Every journey has milestones. Graduation is one of life’s major milestones because it represents commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, and growth. What sometimes gets overlooked is that no meaningful journey is ever traveled alone. Behind every graduate stands a group of people who helped make the moment possible. Parents who sacrificed. Teachers who encouraged. Coaches who pushed. Friends who supported. Grandparents who prayed. Sometimes a single person believed in a student when nobody else did.
It is important during graduation season to stop and say thank you to those who helped along the way. Life also teaches us that not every journey end with applause and celebration. I have seen coaches quietly clean out offices after years of service with little fanfare. I have seen hardworking men retire on a Friday afternoon, drive away from the workplace, and wonder if anyone noticed their journey had ended. Those moments can feel lonely because we all want to know our efforts mattered.
There are also endings that feel more like beginnings. A graduate walks across a stage not just ending school, but beginning adulthood. A parent watches a child leave home while beginning a new chapter of pride and reflection. A person changes careers and discovers purpose they never imagined.
Some journeys close one door while opening another. That is why I believe a journey never truly ends. Life keeps moving. New opportunities appear. New responsibilities emerge. New dreams are born.
The important thing is not simply reaching the destination. The important thing is how we travel the road, who we help along the way, and whether we remember to appreciate those who helped us. As graduation caps fly into the air this spring, remember this: Today may feel like the journey’s end, but tomorrow may be the beginning of something even greater.
Thought for the Week, “Life’s greatest journeys are not measured only by where we finish, but by the people we help, the gratitude we show, and the character we build along the way. Every ending also creates the opportunity for a new beginning.” Tina Livingston, East Texas A&M University-Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer.
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 21: Community Feedback Is Needed
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
