Cowley College decided to switch to a new food service provider as the Board of Trustees approved a contract with Fresh Ideas Food Service Management during its regularly scheduled meeting held Monday inside the Patrick J. McAtee Dining Center.
Fresh Ideas Food Service Management’s goal is to transform and expand the Cowley College dining experience through mutual collaboration with the students, faculty, staff, and campus leadership.
In addition to providing enhanced menu options with a focus on healthy and freshly prepared meals, Fresh Ideas’ proposal includes an investment option that will allow for updates to both the dining hall and the Tiger Deli. Their unique technology products will offer students a modern, convenient and fun way to engage with dining on campus.
The prior food service provider for the College was Great Western Dining.
In other matters:
1. Dr. Smith provided the Board with a College update. Dr. Smith informed the Board that members of Cowley College's men's and women's soccer teams were thrilled to provide instruction to special needs individuals in the community. “The event was highly impactful for all involved.” Dr. Smith also mentioned that a new Dyslexia and Reading partnership with Pittsburg State University is taking shape. The partnership will increase reading skills in the local school districts. Dr. Smith also visited with Spirit AeroSystems about possible partnerships with Cowley College students. Dr. Smith then praised the work of the Visual and Performing Arts Department in the recent Alumni Art Showcase. He also mentioned the successful FFA and Legislative meetings conducted at the Sumner Campus in Wellington and the main campus in Arkansas City. Lastly, he thanked the Student Services Department for the events they planned to honor Native American Heritage Month.
2. Saw Dr. Smith present a gift to November Student of the Month, Zane Hubble of Winfield, KS.
3. David Stanley provided the Board with a Trustee Finance Subcommittee update.
4. Dr. Alan Marcotte provided the Board with a Trustee Policy Subcommittee update.
5. Debbie Phelps, executive director of institutional effectiveness (IE), provided the Board with an enrollment, recruitment, and retention update.
6. Approved the Consent Agenda:
Board Minutes of the October 17 meeting.
Approved the Financial Reports as presented.
Bills and Claims. Approved fiscal officers of the College to execute payment of all bills and claims as presented.
Administrative Reports.
The Board approved the following policies: (111.00) Employee Code of Conduct; (262.00) Assignment of Grades; (266.00) Academic Progress; (267.00) Academic Fresh Start.
The Board held first readings on the following policies: (113.00) Reserve Funds; (206.00) Academic Freedom; (465.00) Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
The Board was informed of the resignation of Matthew Nies as international student services coordinator, effective November 4; accepted the resignation of Somsy Sengvixay as groundskeeper, effective November 8; accepted the resignation of Anthony Rubin as educational navigator at the Winfield Correctional Facility.
The Board was informed of the employment of David Hitzfelder as electromechanical maintenance instructor, effective November 7, and Alie Raga-Simoes as international student services coordinator, effective November 9.
7. Holly Harper, vice president of finance and administration, provided the Board with a facilities maintenance update. The bus barn structure is nearing completion.
8. Dr. Michelle Schoon, vice president of academic affairs, informed the Board that the College is working with KDOC on establishing a weld shop at the Winfield Correctional Facility.
9. Dr. Randy Smith, interim vice president of student affairs, provided an enrollment update.
10. Paul Erdmann, vice president of information technology, provided an update on projects the information technology staff has worked on over the past month.
11. Debbie Phelps, executive director of institutional effectiveness (IE), informed the Board that the College’s fall census data collection is currently under review using Tableau dashboards by members of the Knowledge Management team. This survey will be locked by the December 2 deadline, and certification by the President is scheduled during the week designated by the Regents.
12. Jason O’Toole, director of athletics, informed the Board that four of Cowley College’s five fall sports won their regional tournaments and received berths in the national tournament.
13. Julie Rhoads, faculty liaison, provided the Board with updates from several Cowley College instructors.
14. Jessica Lucas, Government Affairs Liaison, provided a legislative update.
15. Approved the purchase of two kits from Snap-On Tools for $65,370 to be paid through the Perkins Reserve Grant.
16. Approved the contract with Dean E. Norris to replace the chiller in the Walker Tech Building at a cost of $170,662.01.
17. Accepted a letter of resignation from Trustee Marla Sexson, effective immediately. Chair Wilson requests the Board authorize the Board Clerk to publish the official notice of a Trustee vacancy, as presented. Any such applicant must be a Cowley County resident. Applications may be submitted to the Board Clerk at P.O. Box 1147, Arkansas City, KS 67005, or emailed to: boardclerk@cowley.edu.
18. Dr. Smith provided an overview of the proposed 3D home printing program at the Sumner Campus in Wellington.
19. Approved the time change of the December 12 Board meeting. The meeting will be conducted at noon in the President’s Dining Room.
20. The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up