First Blog Entry - The Barton Culture
The intention of this communication is to serve as a blog of sorts. The goal is to provide up-to-date sharing of information including student focused developments, institutional opportunities/challenges, and employee happenings. To this end, there will be weekly postings keeping you informed from the view of my office.
As always, this coming 2019-2020 academic year brings excitement and new and diverse perspectives. This past summer has brought on the reoccurring and often asked question: “Is the College enjoying its summer break?” The question normally brings humor to mind recognizing that the majority of full-time and regular part-time employees, 321, have work assignments that span the 12 months of the year. Of this total, there are 72 employees who work on a 9 or 10 month schedule and this number decreases every year. As well, all student service and student support services of the college are not interrupted by the summer season. Barton enrolled nearly 4500 students this summer with the majority being enrolled through BARTonline. If you contrast the enrollment total to the traditional fall/spring time periods of this past academic year, approximately 6,000 students were enrolled in each of the semester time periods. As well, the majority of our students are enrolled in cycles of study that are less than 16 week semesters. You can appreciate knowing that Barton does not intentionally slow down for the summer.
So, when I am also asked “Is Barton ready for the new (academic) year”, my thought is that we never stopped preparing and being ready. Barton is in a perpetual state of transition in meeting student needs, responding to changing expectations/opportunities, and meeting challenges regardless of the time of year. However, tradition holds that August is special in terms of starting new and all that is associated in beginning a fresh cycle of learning and service. With this recognition, the College is ready for 2019-2020.
In reference to tradition, this year represents a milestone for Barton that is to be celebrated and repeatedly emphasized throughout this coming year – 50th graduating class anniversary. Barton is a special entity in that throughout its journey, the college has routinely been recognized as a leader in meeting student needs and has achieved an important partner status in establishing collaborative alliances with public and private entities for the purpose of meeting the Barton Mission. My tenure has allowed me, as has many of you, to recognize our “Barton Culture” and the valued role that is represented in the extension of Barton services. I believe the virtues of our “Barton Culture” can be determined through a host of College metrics. A sampling of metrics include the ENDs Trustee Reports, 2018 PACE survey results, student enrollments, and the commitment of faculty and staff as evidenced by the average length of tenure - 10 years.
The noted metrics are undeniable features of our College. These features demonstrate the uniqueness of our learning environment and that we are drawn together by a common perception and belief that we make differences in the lives of people regardless of stigma or location. We have the privilege of taking part in our upcoming 50th celebrations. A schedule of events have been developed that will highlight Barton’s 50 years of distinguished service. As we look ahead to this coming year, please consider your involvement in celebrating something quite special - Barton Community College and the many students who chose Barton to be the vehicle for achieving their dreams.
In concluding this initial posting, you will see the following list of new employees/job assignments and who have assumed their duties since this past January
Barton County Campus - New Employees
Tina Strickland – Human Resources Assistant
Joseph Vinduska – Public Relations and Social Media Specialist
Carol Furrey – Volunteer Coordinator of RSVP of Central Kansas & Volunteers in Action (PT)
John Benjamin Hyatt – Instructional Specialist (LCMHF)
Alan Segal – Head Coach (Volleyball)
Luis Palacios – Director of Instrumental Activities
Yuchen Wang Boswell – CKUB Academic Coordinator
Jeff Meyer – Instructor of Plumbing (LCMHF)
James Miller – Director of Theatrical Activities
Paige Morgan – Program Support specialist (SSS)
Kelsey Brummer – Assistant Athletic Trainer
Chris Elliott – Auto Mechanic II
Philip Jacobson – Instructor of Art
Jordan Rideout – Head Coach (Men’s Soccer)
Brandon Smith – Athletics Event Auxiliary Services Manager and Assistant Sports Information Director
Trent Edgerton – Assistant Coach (Track and Cross Country)
Erica Wilhelm – Admissions Representative ** Pending BOT Approval **
Kristi Mason – Instructional Specialist ** Pending BOT Approval**
Barton County Campus - Position Changes
Heather Panning – Instructor and Coordinator of HPER
Kathy Kottas – Dean of Workforce Training & Community Education
Derek Nicholson – Grounds Supervisor
Angel Morgan – Administrative Assistant
Susanne Yarmer – Enrollment and Career Advisor
Stephanie Joiner – Director of Student Academic Development
Brooke Thompson - Athletic Operations Administrative Manager and Compliance Coordinator
Fort Riley Campus
Jasmine Jones – Enrollment Specialist
Makenzie (Maldonado) Coffey – Instructor of Military Programs
GVP Campus
Sarah Ball – Program Support specialist (HZMT/EMHS)
Fort Leavenworth Campus
Amanda Kilgore – Customer Service Representative