When people ask, “What’s going on in the big building on Western Avenue? Is the college moving?” — it makes me smile.
The college’s main campus on Kansas Avenue isn’t moving. But the college is always moving, in the sense that movement is connected to growth, action, and progress. And what’s going on at our West Campus is something to smile about.
We are definitely making progress at our West Campus facility, which is already in use for the expanded CDL and truck driving program. You’ve probably noticed the big trailers parked on the lot. The new trailers, which we purchased with grant money specifically given to the college to grow our transportation program, are waiting for the necessary paperwork licensing them to go on the road as our students practice driving.
Inside the building, you’ll find a truck driving simulator — also purchased with grant funding — that makes it possible for students to get more practice with tricky driving situations. The simulator isn’t a substitute for real-life driving practice. Any experienced driver knows time behind the wheel is the only way to become skilled and safety-minded. The simulator is a way to offer students additional time refining their skills when instructors are training other classmates.
SCCC also offers truck-driving instruction in Garden City, through a partnership with Garden City Community College. It’s our vision to supply the transportation industry with a steady stream of licensed, capable, well-trained drivers who keep industry and commerce moving and at the same time, keep highways safer for everyone.
But truck-driving is only a small part of what we’re doing with the big building on Western Avenue. This summer, working with local contractors — and again, putting grant dollars to good use — we’re transforming the southern section of the giant space into a new home for our adult education program.
The program has long been housed at the old Epworth building near Liberal Memorial Library. That structure, which began as a hospital, was the original home of the college. It later became the home of the college students — it was used as a dorm for a time! Once SCCC erected on-campus student housing, the building served our Allied Health programs for many years, before that department got its own, main-campus center (thanks, once again, to generous donors and funds raised specifically for that project).
While the building has served us faithfully, we know, just like any property owner knows, that old structures demand a lot of TLC, repairs, upgrades, and money to heat and cool. Since we are always looking for ways to economize, our plan is to retire the Epworth Building. We will fold Adult Education offerings into the generous space at the west campus.
The old Epworth Building, which began as a hospital, was the original home of the college. It later became the home of the college students — it was used as a dorm for a time!
Like all aspects of education, from kindergarten to graduate programs across the state, our adult education program has begun to shift its focus. We continue to teach English and GED classes. Those practices and offerings have become more closely connected to the end goal of successful adults ready for gainful employment.
Over the past two years, we found many partners in the region who provide grant funding to fill gaps left by policy changes at the state and federal level. Many of those entities are workforce-connected, or even employers themselves, who understand the importance of education and its connection to safe and successful business ventures. As always, SCCC aims to make the very most of the gifts and grants provided.
The fiscal year is wrapping up, and our business office, led by Vice President of Finance Maddie Day, will spend the next two weeks making absolutely sure that everything we’ve done over the past 12 months is properly accounted for. Costs covered by the college funds are scrutinized, item by item; if an employee forgets to use our sales tax-exempt card for a necessary purchase, we require that person to reimburse the college for the tax charges, even if that’s “just” $1.73. These small measures matter because they reflect our aim to be excellent stewards of what has been entrusted to us.
As a new fiscal year and a new academic year approach, SCCC is on solid financial ground thanks to efforts like these. Making the most of grants and large gifts. Taking our responsibilities as property owners and facilities management seriously. Following the lead of an elected board that has sworn — literally — to be wise stewards. Expecting everyone on campus to do their part to control costs and make the most of what we have.
That’s a long answer to the question, “What’s going on in the building on Western Avenue?” But like anything a person or organization wants to do well, it takes attention and determination. We can’t wait to welcome you to see the results!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR — Brad Bennett is the president of Seward County Community College. The only truck he drives is a Dodge Ram pickup but he has clocked a lot of highway miles to represent SCCC in Topeka and around the region. You can email him at brad.bennett@sccc.edu, and he’ll be glad to make you a coffee in his office and have a visit about any of your questions.
Categories: Adult Basic Education, Campus, President's Blog
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