LIBERAL, Kan. — Seward County Community College trustees met at 7:30 p.m. Monday for the first scheduled board meeting of 2026. Newly elected member Brett Reiss joined sitting members Marvin Chance, Jr., John Engel, Kelly Hill, Dustin Ormiston, Casey Mein, and Keeley Young as the board conducted its annual organization process.
The following officers were elected for the 2026 year: Marvin Chance Jr. as Chair, Dustin Ormiston as Vice-Chair, with SCCC President Brad Bennett continuing as clerk, and SCCC Vice President of Business Affairs Maddie Day as treasurer.
The following board committees were approved for the 2026 year:
Assoc. of Community College Trustees representative & alt.: John Engel, Keeley Young
Alumni Association: John Engel
Accreditation: Marvin Chance, Jr.
Board Policy: Kelly Hill, Brett Reiss
Budget/Finance: Marvin Chance, Jr., Dustin Ormiston
Foundation Representative & Alternate: John Engel, Casey Mein
Insurance Committee: Casey Mein, Dustin Ormiston
Kansas Assoc. of Community Colleges: Marvin Chance, Jr., alt. Keeley Young, Brett Reiss
Seward County Council of Governments: Dustin Ormiston, Keeley Young, Brett Reiss, open to all
Negotiations: Casey Mein, Keeley Young
Honorary Degree Committee: Marvin Chance, Jr., Kelly Hill
Athletics Program Exploratory Committee: Kelly Hill, Dustin Ormiston
Representatives Jami Benyshek and Alexis Crispin of the independent auditors Adams, Brown CPA presented the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The two praised the SCCC business team for a smooth process.
As part of its ongoing process, the board reviewed Policies 202 and 204, accepted with no changes. Policies 201 and 203 were accepted with the new board officers, and Policy 203, the regular meeting time for BOT was moved from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Policy 801, which outlines degree requirements, was updated with minor changes connected to course changes in the math department, as required by the Kansas Board of Regents.
The new Policy 503 was approved to provide guidelines for SCCC’s on-campus security cameras. The primary purpose of utilizing security cameras is intended to deter crime and to assist in protecting the safety and security of employees, students, visitors, and College property.
The board approved annual accounts receivable write-offs. These unpaid bills are listed as write-offs for accounting purposes, although SCCC continues to pursue collection, noted VP Day.
In his report to the board, President Bennett provided an update about repairs to the college swimming pool boiler. The new heater is on campus and should be installed in the next week. SCCC will update the community about pool access and class schedules.
The SCCC Board of Trustees meets on the first Monday of each month, with date changes due to legal holidays and requirements announced in advance. Board agendas and information are available via Board Docs on the sccc.edu “About” tab or via paper copies at the SCCC Library. For more information, contact the Office of PR & Marketing at 620-417-1125.