Greetings and welcome back!
As an institution of stature, Barton is regarded for its quality, accessibility, affordability, and responsiveness to diverse populations, communities, and industries. These defining four factors are continually being highlighted and reinforced through public requests for information and governmental reports for accountability. The resulting recognition and linkages with external entities afford exceptional opportunities to this College and our students, faculty, and staff. As an example, a recent event demonstrates a positive reflection of our reputation.
Barton's Culture and End of Year Reflections (Shared from Brandon Steinert)
Dr. Heilman and I were chatting this week about the culture at Barton as we reflected on the academic year. We shared observations about how the college (that is, all of us!) are making the Barton experience special and impactful for students. We discussed what it takes to build and keep a culture where that’s what we’re all about – the student experience and prioritizing learning. We realized there is much to highlight and celebrate…
Welcome to Barton 2021-2022
During the 2020-2021 academic year, Barton exhibited outstanding composure and an abundance of grit in meeting the Mission of the College and the many needs of our students and the general public.
Blog 24 - Board of Trustees Agenda Topics
The Barton Board of Trustees met this past afternoon and reviewed several Agenda topics. Of note, the Trustees were presented with the outcomes of this fall 2020 Pace Survey that sought the feedback of College faculty and staff.
Blog 23: Looking Ahead
We continue to emerge from the pandemic fall out, far from certain as to what lies ahead the following week. Barton has met remarkable challenges with character and resolve. As we move through the month of October, I wanted to share my joy and relief in that we have strongly maintained learning services and in many instances, heightened our efficiencies in relaying course information to our students and communications with one-another. Yes, challenges remain, but the past eight months have generated a tremendous response that has placed Barton in the best of light.
Blog 22: Welcome to Academic Year 2020-2021
Warm greetings to those that are returning from summer leave and a high-five to those that have endured this summer and navigated our COVID impacts and realities. For the past six months, whether it be personally or professionally, each of us have been required to make adjustments in our lives, and our virus environment has significantly altered our approach to our daily tasks and responsibilities.
Blog 21: Looking Ahead - COVID-19 Implications
Much has transpired since my last communication of 3/31/20. In terms of maintaining our students, supporting Barton employees, and continuing our enrollment functions and support services, Barton is performing at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness.
Blog 20: Barton Response - COVID-19
Greetings to each of you on this final day of March.
Blog 19 – Miscellaneous
The previously forwarded blog posting identified a number of legislative and State policy initiatives under consideration. In follow-up to that posting, the provided link identifies multiple initiatives that may impact western Kansas and provides further explanation as to the benefits of the Kansas Promise Act - HB2515. This past week, the HB was approved by the House and has been sent on to the Senate Chamber.
18th Blog – 2020 Policy Initiatives
State Government News –
The Kansas Legislature convened January 16, 2020 for Governor Laura Kelley’s State of the State address. A number of initiatives surfaced for discussion; along with new ones, prior initiatives continue to percolate and receive ongoing evaluation. Governor Kelley unveiled her proposed budget which included several points of emphases: Medicaid expansion, tax amendments, food sales tax relief, State Highway Fund, Foster Care, Corrections, re-amortizing KPERS, and rural economic growth.