College News

Barton Community College recognizes employees for years of service

people standing and smiling in front of a cougar graphic on a window
Faculty and staff join Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki for a photo after celebrating their years of service at an all-campus forum Oct. 23. (From left) Darren Ivey, Jennifer Steinert, Justin Brown, Dr. Kathy Kottas, Dani Kultgen, Dr. Marcus Garstecki, Sara Maneth, Shanda Mull, Logan Higbee, Cecelia Nicolet, Lindsey Bogner, and Jason Lindstrom. (Not pictured: Charlotte Cates, Andrew Helvie, and Lucy Palacio.)

October 27, 2026
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

Barton Community College hosted a President’s Forum Oct. 23, offering campus updates, a question-and-answer session with college leadership, and recognition of employees for their years of service.

The following individuals were recognized during the ceremony:

Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education Kathy Kottas, 35 years
Business Instructor Jennifer Steinert, 10 years
Biology Instructor Charlotte Cates, 10 years
Administrative Assistant Dani Kultgen, 10 years
English Instructor Justin Brown, 5 years
History Instructor Jason Lindstrom, 5 years
Assistant Director of Human Resources Sarah Maneth, 5 years
Mail & Shipping and Receiving Clerk Andrew Helvie, 5 years
Assistant Registrar Shanda Mull, 30 years
Custodian Lucy Palacio, 5 years
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner, 5 years
Director of Library & College Archives Darren Ivey, 5 years
Clinical Coordinator of EMS Education Logan Higbee, 5 years
Bookstore Manager Cecelia Nicolet, 5 years

Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki expressed his appreciation for the honorees.

“Barton is fortunate to have people who bring purpose, passion, and a genuine commitment to serving others every day,” he said. “Our service award recipients reflect that dedication through the impact they make on our students, their colleagues, and Barton as a whole. Their years of service are a testament to the people who make this institution such a special place.”

For more information about employment opportunities at Barton, visit jobs.bartonccc.edu.