President’s Report March 2022

Legislative Update/Topeka March 16 (or week of spring break). I plan to return to Topeka and visit further with legislators on behalf of FHTC and the Kansas Technical Colleges. To date, the recommendation of the Ways & Means committee is to fully fund the formula, holding harmless those colleges that have been overfunded and fully funding those colleges that have been underfunded. The original $15 million line in the governor’s original budget proposal. This recommendation will:

Add $3.1 million to the post-secondary tiered technical education state aid for FY 2023.
Add $11.4 million to the Non-tiered course credit hour grant for FY 2023.
Add $490,094 to the career technical education capital outlay aid for FY 2023.
Add language to the tiered and non-tiered line items that all colleges will be held harmless and funded at no less than the funding amounts from FY 2022.

To the Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses: Emporia State Federal Credit Union. FHTC nominated for recognition by the Department of Commerce Emporia State Federal Credit Union for their continued support of FHTC and sponsorship of “Tech Talk” on KVOE. The recognition luncheon is Wednesday, April 20, in Parsons. We invite the Board to join us at the luncheon. Please follow-up with Jacqui for that registration.

KBOR and Micro-Internships. In consultation with KBOR and Parker-Dewey, FHTC has launched a micro-internships career resource to support students and connect with employers. Per the web site, “Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects enable Career Launchers to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks as they seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships can take place year-round, typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work, and are due between one week and one month after kick-off.” The Career Services’ information can be accessed here. The College’s “microsite” with Parker-Dewey is here.

PAC Dinner March 24. The College welcomed onto campus representatives of the different Program Advisory Committees Thursday, March 24. The volunteer time and professional insight of these PAC members is highly valuable to our programs and students. The students gain networking resources and the College gains insight on relevant curriculum that aligns to industry standards.

Jobs and Innovative Industry Skills Training (JIIST) Application March 17. This application is for a Commerce grant to support non-credit training such as the short-term boot camps. While initial conversations focused on construction, we are also looking to include a mechanical track to the boot camps. The goal is to submit o behalf of both the Main campus projects and a possible boot camp in Coffey County.

Scouting Breakfast March 9. The College hosted a table for the Scouting Breakfast Wednesday, March 9. One of the speakers, Clara Kessinger, represented one of the newer populations to join Scouts BSA. She is not only a Scout but also a student in our Graphic Design program. The College was well-represented.

Speaking Engagements. I have had and will have the opportunity to represent the College in a few professional venues. The Nevada state organization for College and University Professionals' Association (CUPA-HR) Conference invited me to speak on innovations in employee engagement via Zoom. The presentation, titled “Being Nimble in the Evolving Workplace: A Nod to the Fixed Constant,” defined the fixed constant as building relationships and engaging with employees. On March 26, ESU hosts a Women in Leadership conference, and I present that morning on that topic.

March 14, 2022 Board Meeting

Meeting Information