Board of Trustees to Receive Bids on Colvin Family Allied Health Center

 

Norma Jean Dodge appointed to eco-deco group

Seward County Community College will solicit sealed bids for construction of the Colvin Family Center for Allied Health this week, following an update to the board at the regular meeting on Monday. No action was taken on the information-only item presented by vice president of finance and facilities Dennis Sander.  Following the mandatory three-week bid period, bids will be opened and recommendations made by SCCC administration. The board members said they hope for a groundbreaking event in early November. With nearly $2 million cash in hand for the project, SCCC will soon see tangible progress on the new home of Allied Health programs.

The board also discussed improvements to the campus sidewalk system between buildings. By unanimous consensus, the board agreed to send a continuation of sidewalk out for bids. The first section proposed would run along the south side of the Shank Building, adjacent to the circle drive, at an approximate cost of $14,000. This project is distinct from the campus pathway and trail system that is currently being expanded with the use of grant funding.

Athletic Director Mike Davidson updated the board about the new videoboards in the Greenhouse gymnasium. A recent purchase, the boards malfunctioned briefly before the college requested the vendor make repairs and provide customer support.

“They are really impressive,” noted board chair Ron Oliver, thanking Davidson for following up.

In its final facilities-related item, the board voted to approve naming of the circle drive to be Jo Ann Sharp Drive for the 2018-19 fiscal year, as requested by Sharp.

In other business, the board:

• Heard reports about four of the five Mover projects slated for work during the current academic year: Academic Transformation, Safety & Security, Enrollment Management, and Inclusivity & Civility.
• Appointed SCCC Business & Industry Director Norma Jean Dodge as the college representative on the newly-formed Liberal/Seward County Economic Development Corporation. Dodge was invited to join the Eco-Devo Corporation because of her position at B&I, and her professional understanding of the community, area business and industry, and economic environment.
• Approved an organizational change connected to the updated Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, developed over the summer through collaborative efforts between the vice president of student services, the dean of students, and multiple departments including admissions, public relations and marketing, outreach, and the retention committee. Coordination of the plan will now fall under the dean of students position description. The admissions director will now report directly to the dean of students.
• Heard a report from vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Todd Carter. The portfolio report was submitted to the Higher Learning Commission on Sept. 11, and the college will now begin preparation for the HLC evaluation visit in October 2019.
• Heard a report from vice president of student services Celeste Donovan. She updated the board about the induction of new Phi Theta Kappa honor society students on Sunday, the Presidential Scholars leadership training, and upcoming activities on campus, including the employee fund drive and Trick or Treat Street.
• Heard a report from vice president of finance and operations Dennis Sander. As the college anticipates resolution in the National Helium tax appeal case, Sander noted the lack of detail about the final figures. To repay National Helium its overpaid taxes, the State of Kansas will reduce the amount of taxes it collects, rather than requiring repayment by entities supported by those taxes. Thus, the college will experience a decrease in tax income, but can compensate with funds it has held in reserve for this purpose.
• Heard a report from college president, Dr. Ken Trzaska. Participation in the Chamber of Commerce Duck Festival last weekend was excellent, he said, with SCCC athletes, staff, and students volunteering.