91�Թ��

91�Թ�� celebrates 20 percent growth over five years

schiffelbeinm — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 08:02:00 +0000

91�Թ�� celebrates 20 percent growth over five years schiffelbeinm Wed, 06/22/2016 - 03:02

February 26, 2016
Story by Brandon Steinert

91�Թ�� has continued to defy shrinking enrollment trends experienced by other Kansas community colleges, and by no small margin. 91�Թ�� grew by more than 20 percent since 2010.

All Kansas community colleges other than 91�Թ�� showed decreases in enrollment from 2010-2015, ranging from -2.2 percent to -33.6 percent, according to a document released by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR). The document also showed that 91�Թ�� is the second largest community college in the state based on headcount, which is the total number of students served.

91�Թ�� grew from 13,519 to 16,275 students in the five-year span, though that number is conservative as 91�Թ�� has enrollment cycles mid-semester that are not accounted for in the KBOR document. The number of students served as recorded by 91�Թ�� in the 2014-15 academic year was 17,203.

Growth occurred both at the 91�Թ�� County campus and via BARTonline, the college’s online learning platform.

College administrators have been watching the enrollment growth closely to ensure they identify any means by which the trend can be supported.

“Reasons for growth range from the vision and governance of the Board of Trustees; to the support from tax payers, business leaders and general public; to the commitment and professional efforts of College faculty and staff,” 91�Թ�� President Dr. Carl Heilman said. “With this in mind, there have been three primary points of achievement that have supported student enrollment: accessibility, affordability and quality. Accessibility not only includes the diverse settings and locations in which learning opportunities are provided, but also the attention given to expanding online course availability. Maintaining costs for the student is crucial and 91�Թ��’s success was best reported this past year in a TransUnion Consumer Wallet Study that revealed that 91�Թ�� was the 18th least expensive community college in the United States. As for quality, I believe it is a significant factor in student decision-making and that college growth, is in part, a reflection of 91�Թ��’s quality.”

Dr. Heilman said the plan to support further growth is simple; to keep doing what has worked so far.

“Common to all college attributes impacting growth is that faculty members have been remarkably responsive to student, industry and community needs,” he said. “In paying close attention to our constituents, faculty have been outstanding in creating new learning programs, integrating technology and utilization of resources.”

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at 91�Թ�� resigns

schiffelbeinm — Fri, 06 May 2016 12:40:34 +0000

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at 91�Թ�� resigns schiffelbeinm Fri, 05/06/2016 - 07:40

May 6, 2016
Story by Brandon Steinert

Nancy Wiebe resigned from the position of Executive Director of Institutional Advancement on Wednesday. The resignation is effective June 30, though cessation of duties is immediate.

“We appreciate Nancy's contribution to the Foundation during this difficult economic time,” said Sylvan Bleeker, Chair of the 91�Թ�� Foundation Board of Directors. “She enabled the Foundation to keep the focus on its objectives by maintaining community support with her outgoing personality and drive. We wish Nancy the best in her future endeavors.”

The search for a new Executive Director of Institutional Advancement will begin soon.

For questions about the job description or to be notified when applications are being accepted, contact humres@bartonccc.edu.

91�Թ�� Foundation Coordinator of Fundraising and Special Events Coleen Cape has been named the Interim Executive Director. She can be reached at capec@bartonccc.edu or (620) 786-1136.

91�Թ�� Theatre selects six student-written 10-minute plays for inaugural festival

vinduskaj — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:53:51 +0000

91�Թ�� Theatre selects six student-written 10-minute plays for inaugural festival vinduskaj Thu, 04/02/2026 - 13:53

April 2, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska

91�Թ��’s Theatre Department has selected six original 10-minute plays for its first High School Playwrights Festival, highlighting the work of area high school writers.

Auditions for the staged readings will take place April 17 at 7 p.m., with performances April 18 at 7:30 p.m. The event is a collaboration between 91�Թ�� Theatre and the greater community.

91�Թ�� Theatre instructor Jack Greenwood said the festival gives young playwrights the opportunity to see their work brought to life on stage while engaging in the creative process. Following the performance, one student will be named the festival’s first champion playwright and receive a prize.

“The process has been very insightful,” he said. “We can see from these plays what topics the students are passionate about and what motivates them in this ever-challenging social climate. It's been rewarding to see them find their voice and we feel lucky that we get to be a part of it. We've also gotten a lot of great ideas on how to make this festival bigger and better next year."

For more information, contact Greenwood at greenwoodr@bartonccc.edu.

Local 91�Թ�� business student benefits from Schmidt Foundation Scholarship

vinduskaj — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:30:58 +0000

Local 91�Թ�� business student benefits from Schmidt Foundation Scholarship vinduskaj Thu, 04/02/2026 - 10:30

April 2, 2026
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

Sophomore business major at 91�Թ��, Maverick Munden of Larned has hit his stride academically on The Hill and is pursuing his dream of climbing the ranks of the finance world so he can enjoy a life of fiscal stability.

Munden said his time at 91�Թ�� helped set him up to avoid the financial pitfalls of student loan debt so many college-goers fall victim to, because in addition to the ample institutionally provided 91�Թ�� Bound Scholarship, he was awarded $10,000 from the 91�Թ�� Foundation’s Schmidt Foundation Scholarship, which is awarded to multiple business majors per year and is funded by the Schmidt Foundation of Hays.

“I’m so thankful for the generosity of the 91�Թ�� Foundation and the Schmidt Foundation Scholarship,” he said. “I may not have been given the luxury of going to college without it. It is a true blessing that is responsible for many of my achievements.”

While dodging debt has been one benefit of Munden’s experience, he has also blossomed academically since arriving at 91�Թ��.

“In high school, I sometimes struggled in the classroom,” he said. “Despite this, I still wanted to go to college in the hopes that my academics would positively change. Luckily for me, my old ways revolutionized once I stepped into the classroom that very first day. I was nervous. Fortunately, my business instructors were very welcoming, and they are amazing at giving extra attention and help outside of the classroom, whether that be open office hours or fast email responses.”

91�Թ�� has not only built a strong knowledge base for Munden through classic instruction but also goes outside the box by providing a variety of engaging methods to teach the curriculum.

“All of the business-oriented presenters visiting the classroom were amazing,” he said. “I loved hearing about their real-world experiences. Furthermore, every business class has a teamwork type aspect, which is also super-enticing. Public speaking presentations and projects were also very helpful. We had to write a full-on business plan as if we were actually creating and starting a business from scratch.”

Munden said the scholarship includes a mentorship component, which was very impactful and helped him land an opportunity to get real-world experience at a local accounting firm.

“I learned so much,” he said. “The opportunity gave me full-on, real-world experience, and it showed me what business was like outside the classroom. It was interesting to see the corporate world from a 19-year-old's perspective. On top of that, I gained connections through the people at that accounting firm, and it was great for my resume. Overall, 91�Թ�� is very wonderful at preparing its students for life outside paper and pencils.”

To qualify for the Schmidt Foundation, applicants must be full-time students majoring in business or marketing and must have attended 91�Թ�� for two years. Preference is given to students in 91�Թ�� County, but applications are accepted from 91�Թ��’s entire service area, which includes Ellsworth, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, Russell, and Stafford Counties.

91�Թ�� Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner said the Schmidt Foundation was created by Bob and Pat Schmidt of Hays to contribute to the success and well-being of the communities served by Eagle Communications, which Bob owned and turned into an employee-owned company.

“The Schmidt Foundation’s investment in students like Maverick changes what’s possible,” she said. “It means less time worrying about how to pay for college and more time growing, gaining real-world experience, and building a future with confidence. That kind of support doesn’t just help a student get through school, it sets them up to succeed long after they leave 91�Թ��.”

For more information on the 91�Թ�� Business Program, visit business.bartonccc.edu. For more information on the Schmidt Foundation Scholarship, email foundation@bartonccc.edu or call 620-786-1136.

91�Թ�� to close for Easter break

vinduskaj — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:02:40 +0000

91�Թ�� to close for Easter break vinduskaj Thu, 04/02/2026 - 10:02

April 2, 2026

91�Թ�� will be closed April 3 and April 6 for Easter break. 91�Թ��'s Center for Adult Education and the Shafer Art Gallery will also be closed. The college's regular class schedule and office hours will resume April 7.

91�Թ�� to host adult education classes in downtown Great Bend

vinduskaj — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:52:46 +0000

91�Թ�� to host adult education classes in downtown Great Bend vinduskaj Thu, 03/26/2026 - 12:52

March 27, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska

91�Թ��’s Center for Adult Education is holding orientation days April 20-23, with multiple times available in preparation for its next nine-week session of high school diploma classes, which will start April 27 or 28, depending on which class sessions are signed up for.

In-person attendance is required at all orientation day sessions for students to attend actual classes. Those wanting to sign up can contact 91�Թ�� Support and Testing Specialist Gina Owen at oweng@bartonccc.edu or (620) 786-7565 to select a time to attend orientation.

Once students complete orientation, they can choose from classes on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are three class times to choose from on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are 8-11 a.m., 1-4 p.m., or 6-9 p.m. There are two class times to choose from on Mondays and Wednesdays, which are 8-11 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. The Center for Adult Education is at 1025 Main Street in Great Bend.

Students will complete the required testing, learn how to navigate their GED.com account, and learn about WorkReady! Students will also meet one-on-one with their instructor to discuss goals, expectations, attendance requirements, and workload.

Those interested in taking the GED exam without any preparation instruction can do so right away, but are urged to receive advising before moving forward.

Minors must bring a parent or legal guardian to enroll. A completed Compulsory Attendance Waiver is required for any student 16 or 17 years of age and will be provided by the Center for Adult Education at the time of sign-up. Visit adulted.bartonccc.edu for more information.

Virtual reality exhibit at 91�Թ�� Library shares Holocaust survivors’ stories

vinduskaj — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:55:32 +0000

Virtual reality exhibit at 91�Թ�� Library shares Holocaust survivors’ stories vinduskaj Thu, 03/26/2026 - 11:55

March 26, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska

The 91�Թ�� Library will host a virtual reality experience exploring Holocaust history from April 10-24.

The Mobile VR Trunk, provided by the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Chicago, allows participants to experience powerful stories from Holocaust survivors through immersive technology. The experience combines 360-degree cinematography, animation, photographic mapping, and sound to share survivors’ memories and highlight the humanity that helped them endure one of history’s darkest periods.

The virtual reality exhibit, titled “The Journey Back,” provides viewers with an intimate and educational encounter with history while emphasizing the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society.

91�Թ�� Director of Library and College Archives Darren Ivey said that the exhibit is powerful.

"It's my hope people leave with a greater appreciation for the resilience of ordinary human beings and how one can overcome even the worst tragedies,” he said. “These firsthand accounts are powerful primary sources, and their voices deserve to be shared as widely as possible, especially as the World War II generation is nearly gone."

The experience will be open to the general community during afternoon and early evening hours, while mornings and early afternoons will be reserved for faculty and class groups. Each showing is limited to 10 headsets, so larger groups may need to attend multiple sessions. The exhibit features five videos with run times of 12 to 22 minutes, and the entire session takes just under an hour and a half.

The program is made possible through a museum scholarship that allows the Mobile VR Trunk to travel to educational institutions and communities.

Community members interested in attending can reserve a seat by contacting the 91�Թ�� Library at library@bartonccc.edu or by calling (620) 792-9365 during library hours. The 91�Թ�� Library is open Sunday, 1-7 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last reservation slot for each evening will be one hour before closing time.

91�Թ�� music students to present spring recitals

vinduskaj — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:48:34 +0000

91�Թ�� music students to present spring recitals vinduskaj Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:48

A 91�Թ�� student performs at a past recital.

March 25, 2026
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

91�Թ�� will host student recitals at 5 p.m. April 8, 22, and May 6 in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel in the Fine Arts Building. The recitals are free and open to the public.

91�Թ�� music students will showcase a diverse range of styles and genres, featuring vocal, brass, woodwind, string, percussion, guitar, piano, organ, small ensemble, and chamber music performances.

For more information, please contact Keyboard Instructor Alejandro Avila at avilaal@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9384.

91�Թ�� alumna Alysia Eliason reflects on career in education during Women in Education Month

vinduskaj — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:46:09 +0000

91�Թ�� alumna Alysia Eliason reflects on career in education during Women in Education Month vinduskaj Wed, 03/25/2026 - 08:46

March 25, 2026
Story by Amanda Staab
Courtesy photo submitted

This story is the second in a two-part series highlighting 91�Թ�� alumni who have become leaders in education in recognition of Women in Education Month.

For 91�Թ�� alumna Alysia Eliason, a career in education didn’t begin with a lifelong plan. Instead, it grew from hands-on experiences that showed her where her true passion was.

“I didn’t originally intend to go into education,” she said. “I come from a long line of nurses, but as I looked more into those careers and my own skill sets and interests, I realized nursing and business weren’t for me.”

While attending 91�Թ��, Eliason worked at the College’s Child Development Center with the school-age program, taught swimming lessons, and babysat for families in the community. Through those experiences, she discovered she enjoyed working directly with young people and helping them grow.

“I realized I wanted to be involved more with kids rather than being behind a desk,” she said. “I am passionate about seeing kids succeed and accomplish things they don’t always believe they can do.”

That passion continues to guide her work today.

“The more opportunities I’ve been given to make a larger impact, the more committed I’ve become to continuing this work,” she said. “Education is the future. These are the people who will one day be running the world, and if I can play even a small role in helping someone reach their goals, that’s what it’s all about.”

One of the most influential people in Eliason’s life has been her mother, who shaped many of the values she brings to her work as an educator.

“My mom has always pushed me to be the best I can be,” she said. “She stood beside me through all the ups and downs and modeled what it looks like to provide for your family, make sacrifices, and balance everything life throws at you while still being present.”

After Eliason’s father passed away at an early age, her mother continued raising the family as a single parent while working as a registered nurse. Growing up, Eliason often volunteered with her at a nursing home in Ellinwood.

“She taught me that everyone deserves dignity and respect, even when they don’t always treat you kindly,” she said. “She showed me how important it is to stand up for yourself and to be there for others.”

Today, Eliason applies many of those lessons to her own work and life. Balancing the demands of education, family, and personal responsibilities takes organization and support, she said, along with a strong sense of perspective.

“Lists, lots of lists, and leaning into a community of people who support us,” she said.

Watching her mother juggle responsibilities growing up shaped how Eliason said she approaches life today.

“I always felt like she was superwoman,” she said. “I used to ask her how she did it all, and she always reminded me that things don’t have to be perfect. Sometimes breakfast for dinner is okay, and sometimes you have to ask for help when things get too heavy.”

Eliason said she’s grateful to now have a strong support system of her own, including a supportive spouse and a community of family and friends who help her balance the many demands of work and home life.

As a 91�Թ�� alumna, she credits the college with helping prepare her for the path that followed.

“91�Թ�� helped me step out of my comfort zone and try new things,” she said. “Being around different people and having that individual accountability really pushed me to grow.”

College life also helped her develop independence and organization while learning to balance work, school, and social responsibilities.

“It was my first real opportunity to be accountable to only myself,” she said. “Things weren’t always easy. My grades weren’t perfect and mornings have never been my favorite, but realizing those were things I needed to work on helped me grow.”

Those lessons helped prepare her to continue her education at Kansas State University, where she earned her degree in elementary education.

Looking back, Eliason said even the challenges she faced helped shape the person and educator she is today.

“If it weren’t for some of the opportunities and even the mistakes I made along the way, I don’t think I would be where I am today,” she said. “It helped me reassess what was truly important and, once I decided education was the path I wanted to take, helped me become much more successful.”

As part of Women in Education Month, Eliason said it is important to recognize the contributions women have made to education and society.

“Celebrating women’s history and the contributions women make to society helps show how far we’ve come and where we can still improve,” she said. “Seeing women recognized for their accomplishments inspires others in a positive way.”

For Eliason, the month is also a reminder of the women who helped make opportunities possible for future generations.

“There have been so many pioneering women who created change in education and leadership,” she said. “Their work helped make it possible for me to be where I am today.”

That legacy motivates her to continue supporting others.

“It makes me want to help inspire, mentor, and support other women as well.”

91�Թ�� to host writing workshop

vinduskaj — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:28:49 +0000

91�Թ�� to host writing workshop vinduskaj Tue, 03/24/2026 - 13:28

March 24, 2026
Story by Joe Vinduska

The 91�Թ�� Library will team up with the English department and 91�Թ��’s literary annual “Prairie Ink” staff to host a “Writer’s Workshop” from 6–7:30 p.m. March 26 in the Cavanaugh Room of the Learning Resource Center and via Zoom at https://bartonccc-edu.zoom.us/j/2440236758.

Participants will practice writing dialogue with the editors of 91�Թ��’s Prairie Ink Journal. The event is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

For more information, email PrairieInk@bartonccc.edu or visit prairieink.bartonccc.edu.

91�Թ���

91�Թ��� celebrates 20 percent growth over five years

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at 91�Թ��� resigns

91�Թ��� Theatre selects six student-written 10-minute plays for inaugural festival

Local 91�Թ��� business student benefits from Schmidt Foundation Scholarship

91�Թ��� to close for Easter break

91�Թ��� to host adult education classes in downtown Great Bend

Virtual reality exhibit at 91�Թ��� Library shares Holocaust survivors’ stories

91�Թ��� music students to present spring recitals

91�Թ��� alumna Alysia Eliason reflects on career in education during Women in Education Month

91�Թ��� to host writing workshop