December 9, 2025
Courtesy story submitted
Barton Community College has announced the hiring of Julie Bugner Smith as the Alumni and Events Coordinator, a newly created position within the Barton Community College Foundation.
Smith is a Barton alum, and one of her first projects will be to lead the launch of Barton’s first formal alumni program and help strengthen connections between barton graduates, students, and the College. Smith will also help coordinate signature Foundation fundraising events and build relationships with campus partners and community supporters.
Barton’s Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said Smith’s experience and passion make her a good fit for the position.
“Creating our first alumni program is an exciting step forward, and Julie’s knowledge, experience, and passion make her an ideal fit to guide this work,” she said. “We are thrilled to have her help us write the opening chapter of this new initiative.”
As a proud Barton graduate, Smith said she looks forward to creating opportunities for alumni to stay connected and engaged.
“Being a Barton alum myself, I am thrilled to join the team as the Alumni and Events Coordinator,” she said. “I'm passionate about building connections and fostering a sense of community, and I'm excited to work with our amazing alumni and friends to create meaningful events and experiences. I'm looking forward to collaborating with our students, faculty, and staff to strengthen our alumni network and support the College's mission."
Smith brings extensive experience in event planning, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. She has held roles with the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation, and United Way of Central Kansas, where she successfully led major fundraising initiatives, developed community impact programs, and built partnerships across the region.
Former students interested in learning more can contact Bugner Smith at bugnersmithj@bartonccc.edu or 620-792-9324.