Maintenance & Custodial

New Work Truck. The department found a used truck with a flatbed and almost 100,000 miles to replace the department's older truck. This vehicle is more utilitarian for the crew and can tow the department's trailer, allowing for better functionality and use of resources around the facilities.
Fire Inspection. Charles Bartlett worked with the Emporia Fire Department on a walk-around for facility fire inspections.

Strategic Area 1: Student Success

The Cut Student Chefs, Media Staff, and Volunteers. Jayden Moseley-Cannon, Josh Unruh, Ian Anderson and Jaxson Cowan competed for the scholarship and champion of the 2024 The Cut culinary competition. Multimedia Design students live-streamed to the tent the student chef work in the kitchen, and Network Technology and Business students volunteered to support the event. Jaxson earned the champion honors Thursday night by the panel of judges. Jaylen Miller received the scholarship for his Multimedia Design videography efforts.
Enrollment Celebration. The College staff worked with diligence and commitment to ensure students had access to enrollment opportunities. That effort resulted in census-day enrollments of a 9.5% headcount increase and 6.2% increase in FTE over 2023.
Wrangler Ranch Donations. A College-wide food drive yielded 753 items donated for the Wrangler Ranch! Employees will have another opportunity to support the Ranch in November.

Strategic Area 2: Employee Development and Support

Branded Fleet. Watch for one of the Flint Hills Technical College fleet vehicles in a school parking lot or outside a business near you. The block logo, like the one on the white Dodge, has now been placed on all the new, white vehicles--the Chevrolet Suburban, the Chevrolet Equinox, and the Ford Escape.
Bret Pope and Vicki Schweinler Recognition. The Kansas Council on Workforce Education recognized Bret Pope for Excellence in Teaching and Vicki Schweinler for Leadership Inside the Field at the Kansas Workforce Innovation Conference luncheon in Salina October 2.
Financial Aid Audit--No Findings. The Financial Aid office has undergone some shifts in leadership over the last year, so to emerge from the audit with no findings is a testament to the professionalism and work ethic of that department. Appreciate the efforts of Erica Clark, Gwen Clements, and Troy Hobelmann in their meticulous oversight of these federal funds.

Strategic Area 3: Optimized Programs and Facilities

Open House. The College is hosting an Open House October 17 to support Manufacturing Month. We will showcase Network Technology and the new cybersecurity lab, Industrial Engineering Technology and the Programmable Logic Control (PLC) lab, and Welding Technology renovated and expanded learning spaces. As well, Computerized Machine Tool Engineering and Automotive Technology faculty are available and labs are open. We invite the Board, your community connections, other industry partners, media, and community partners to take advantage of this opportunity.
Precision Agriculture Program and Facility. Kim Dhority has led and facilitated this new-program effort with partner engagement and input. College leadership met with Ben Moore to discuss facility needs for the Precision Agriculture program, which has received full approval with KBOR. Processes now include hiring of the faculty, a review of facility location and analysis of program-specific classroom and equipment needs.

Strategic Area 4: Dynamic Partnerships

The Cut Partners and Sponsors. Radius Brewing Company was the presenting sponsor for The Cut, and Round Sponsors included Union Street Social, 627 Event Space, Casa Ramos and The Sweet Granada. Scholarship Sponsors were Do B’s and Hometown Pie Company.
RDA Article on College Engagement with Industry. The RDA posted an article on the College's value it places on industry engagement and input. The article spotlights ways the College responds to employers' skills gaps, noting these accomplishments:
- Robotics training, including a FANUC Robotics certification course from an expert who was brought in from Kansas City.
- Education for VEKTEK engineers who needed to learn how to use new equipment effectively.
- Industrial engineering technology training courses with a focus on programmable logic controller (PLC) automation.
- First aid, AED, and CPR training programs, along with leadership training for nursing home facilities.
- Commercial Driver's License program in April 2024.

Strategic Plan 2025-2030: Board Representative

The College is in the final phases of the current strategic plan and is in process to develop the research framework for the new strategic plan. We request a Board volunteer for this team.
Time commitment: While meetings will be held, much information can be shared over email, on a phone call, and before/after Board meetings. The Board voice offers a significant community perspective.

FHTC Board of Trustees