In addition to the gifts received as part of Samuel’s memorial, a local family, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered a $65,000 pledge to endow the fund – challenging community members to contribute. The lead donor hopes that, with additional support, the fund could generate multiple scholarships for Southwestern College nursing students each academic year.

“The nursing program continues to make good progress, we are now in the final phase of approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) and anticipate accepting applicants for entry to the program in the fall of our 2025 academic year,” said nursing program director, Shona Turner. “We presently have students in the pre-nursing pathway who will apply for entry and are excited to begin recruitment efforts in earnest to fill our initial cohort once KSBN approval is received – scholarships are vitally important as we recruit students and build a strong program.” 

The Dr. Shanthi Samuel Endowed Scholarship for Nursing and Health Sciences was created to provide service-minded students financial assistance as they pursue a nursing degree at Southwestern College. 

“The scholarship is named for our friend and neighbor Dr. Shanthi Samuel – while she may not have graduated from Southwestern College, she was a Builder at heart. Dr. Shanthi was a true ambassador of our college, sharing her care and support with numerous students, faculty, and staff for nearly 50 years – we remain grateful to her and the Samuel family and we are excited to honor her legacy through the support of nursing students,” said Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing.

Samuel passed away in May of 2024. She was born in 1941, in the city of Bangalore, South India. She completed her undergraduate and medical school degrees in India, graduating from the Christian Medical College in Vellore in 1967.  It was there that she met and married Chandy Samuel. The newly minted physicians worked together in a small remote mission hospital in South India and provided emergency, primary, and surgical care to a very underserved population before immigrating to the United States in 1971.  They moved to Syracuse, N.Y., to pursue training in their medical specialties; Chandy in surgery and Shanthi in pathology.

They brought their young family to Winfield in 1976 when Chandy (known as Dr. Sam) joined a local surgery practice.  Dr. Shanthi began practicing medicine at William Newton Memorial Hospital in 1980, after completing her pathology residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.  She was a dedicated, patient-centered, detail-oriented pathologist for nearly 35 years and a teacher at heart, offering cancer prevention education to community members and ‘show and tell’ presentations to school children demonstrating the effects of smoking and chronic alcohol use on human organ specimens from her hospital laboratory. 

Samuel loved hosting and caring for Southwestern College students, faculty, and staff and remained a strong supporter and ambassador of the college throughout her lifetime.

“This scholarship will make a great deal of difference in the lives of our students for years to come. The Dr. Shanthi Samuel Scholarship truly is an investment in the future of healthcare in our community. It is a continuation of Dr. Shanthi’s care for others and her dedication to the advancement of healthcare in our community,” said Liz Frombgen, president of Southwestern College.

Obituary for Dr. Shanthi Samuel

“Building a More Socially Connected Community: A listening & learning session with Legacy Foundation and Deets Library,” will address a 2023 report published by the Surgeon General that explains that the "epidemic of loneliness" can be just as harmful as daily cigarette smoking. 

“If you're concerned about loneliness in our community, join us for a conversation about how to build social connections in Cowley County,” says Emily Hedges, Deets Library director.  “All members of the community are invited to attend, including SC students who can speak to the particular challenges faced by young adults new to the area.”

Questions that will be asked include:

• Who is most socially isolated or lonely in our community?
• What makes you feel like you are welcome and belong in our community?
• What makes you or others feel like they don't belong in our community?
• What helps people in our community connect with each other more easily?

“We will discuss factors leading to disconnection and who is most at risk, as well as brainstorm solutions to overcome these challenges,” Hedges says.

A light dinner will be provided by the Legacy Foundation.  For more information, or to RSVP (appreciated but not required), contact Hedges at emily.hedges@sckans.edu.

“This grant allows us to engage key members across our campus community in leadership development that will help us make progress on strategic initiatives,” says J.K. Campbell, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Southwestern College.  “I appreciate KLC giving Southwestern the opportunity to participate in leadership training experiences that will build our capacity to embrace change and meet challenges in productive and influential ways.”

Organizations that receive a Leadership Transformation Grant will establish a core team of three to six individuals to take on the responsibilities of the grant. Organizations chosen will have one year to participate in KLC’s dynamic program experiences and utilize KLC resources and consultation.

“KLC has been awarding grants to civically engaged organizations around the state for the past 10 years and we look forward to helping them make lasting progress on their biggest challenges. We’re proud to see this program grow every year since we started offering these grants,” said Kaye Monk-Morgan, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center.

In the 10 years of awarding these grants, KLC has given 700 grants, trained more than 15,000 people, and partnered with more than 350 Kansas organizations and communities.

President Liz Frombgen led the dedication and spoke of the love and spirit that the Grays provided, having spent their professional lives growing the students of Southwestern.

Photo: The Dr. Wallace and Ina Gray Garden in the courtyard at Winfield Hall was officially dedicated during Homecoming festivities at Southwestern College.  Pictured are (from L-R) Toni Gray, Ina Gray, and SC President Liz Frombgen.

“The Grays have offered Southwestern College so much – their time, talent, and resources,” Frombgen said.  “They’ve done this with intention and with love. And today we get to honor their graciousness. For years to come, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who interact with this space will get to feel the welcoming and accepting spirit of Ina and Wallace.”

In addition to the engraved limestone marker which will be set in concrete, there are additional plans for the garden, which include planting more flowering plants.

Dr. Wallace Gray earned his doctorate from Vanderbilt University before beginning his teaching career in 1954 in the undergraduate religion department of Southern Methodist University. Two years later, the family arrived in Winfield. An ordained Methodist minister, Wallace became the Kirk Professor of Philosophy and Religion. One tribute described how his courses “opened the minds of Kansas farm boys and girls to modern historical and literary interpretations of the Bible.”

By the time he retired from Southwestern 40 years later, he had taught more than 5,000 students, but not all were Builders. He had taught English at the YMCA in Hiroshima, Japan, and during summers instructed supply pastors in schools of theology in Kansas City and Dallas, as well as other classes and scholarly opportunities.

Toni Gray, daughter of Ina and Wallace and member of the Southwestern Class of 1976, also spoke at the occasion, "When I asked Ina Turner Gray her favorite quotation about gardens, she chose, 'To nurture a garden is to believe in tomorrow,' attributed to Audrey Hepburn.  In addition to her belief that Southwestern College is key to our tomorrows, she loves flowering and vegetable gardens."

Ina Turner Gray earned her master of arts from Scarritt College in Nashville in religious education and church history and she completed postgraduate work in sociology at the University of Hawaii.  For twenty years Ina served as the Executive Director, Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society in Social Science, retiring in 1996.

“Ina offered thoughtful and creative leadership to Pi Gamma Mu – a society that has offered enrichment to the thousands of faculty and students and that was founded here at Southwestern College in 1924 by Dean Leroy Allen,” Frombgen said.  “So Ina’s work to advance Pi Gamma Mu carries particular weight and perhaps extra admiration here on our campus.”

Frombgen is grateful for her friendship with Ina.

“I regret that I never was able to know Wallace,” Frombgen said.  “In Ina, I have found a great friend."

The College has shown marked improvement in first to second-year retention, a key indicator of institutional health. Overall retention has improved from 48% in 2022 to 56% 2024.

Photo: Southwestern College’s first-year students, the Class of 2028, gathered for a group picture along with student orientation leaders in August.

“As a campus community we have made retention a priority of our work and while we’ve made incredible progress over a short time, we still have ground to cover,” said Elizabeth Frombgen Southwestern College President. “We are committed to an actionable plan focused on providing support and removing barriers so that our students can complete the work, have a great experience, earn their diplomas, and ultimately be prepared for success and service in their future endeavors."

Southwestern began moving students into residence halls on Aug. 7, classes began on Aug. 19.

“Now, 20 plus days in, we’ve celebrated important institutional traditions, such as the Moundbuilding Ceremony and Opening Convocation, and are looking forward to mid-terms, fall break, Homecoming festivities, athletic competitions, and performances,” said Frombgen. “Students are noticeably more engaged in campus life than they have been in recent years and are embracing the culture of our campus community as they make a home here in Winfield.”

Since 2022, the College has launched new academic programs and initiatives to provide students with additional learning opportunities and support to help them reach their academic goals. In addition to an honors program, new majors include agribusiness, construction management (both in partnership with Cowley College), and criminal justice and legal studies. Also on the horizon is the return of a bachelor of science in nursing, with students now enrolling in pre-nursing as the College works to open the program in the fall of 2025. The College has also added a first-year experience advising program that includes a summer orientation for students and families, all aimed at supporting new undergraduates and their families during the transition to college life. These initiatives support improved retention.

"We are fortunate to have an incredible group of students, faculty, and staff here on the hill and far abroad via our online programs, the work we do together each day as learners and teachers builds opportunity and expands possibility. I am pleased that our College is off to a strong start in this new academic year," added Frombgen.

Community members and educators are invited to a discussion of civics education in American classrooms. The event features Steven Steinbach, a Winfield native and co-editor of “With Liberty and Justice for All?: The Constitution in the Classroom” (Oxford University Press).

“With Liberty and Justice for All?” will be of interest to anyone—whether teacher, student, or citizen—seeking a better appreciation of how constitutional disputes have influenced the course of U.S. history. The book combines essays by constitutional scholars with a wealth of supporting primary source documents, discussion topics, and suggested classroom strategies.

Steinbach taught United States History and American Government courses and served as history department chair at Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was a partner in the Washington, D.C., law firm of Williams & Connolly LLP, where he specialized in criminal and civil litigation. Steinbach grew up in Winfield, graduated from Winfield High School in 1974, and attended Harvard College and Yale Law School.

“On the heels of Constitution Day, and with the coming election, it’s the perfect time to discuss the important role of civics education in schools,” said Emily Hedges, Southwestern College librarian. “Preparing the next generation of educators is a key mission for Southwestern College. By partnering with the Winfield Public Library and their work to support community and civic engagement, we open this important conversation to our combined communities, including current and future teachers, and anyone who is interested in civic education.”   

Copies of the book may be purchased at a discount from the publisher at www.oup.com with promotion code AAFLYG6.

Community members will have an opportunity to view the Academy-Award winning documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” followed by a discussion with Lev Mitin, local high school senior who lived through the event; Stephen Woodburn, local historian to offer perspective on the Russian/Ukrainian conflict; and Joe Hedges, a local business man who spent time on the ground in Ukraine, involved in the project to monitor the contact line between Ukraine and Russia in the years leading up to war.

The viewing of “20 Days in Mariupol” will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with discussion to follow. Attendees are welcome to join in for the discussion only.  “20 Days in Mariupol” is available to screen anytime at pbs.org/frontline, on Frontline's youtube channel, or on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel. The film tells the story of the 20 days director Mstyslav Chernov spent with his colleagues in the besieged city of Mariupol in February-March 2022 in the first weeks of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chernov compiled footage that he collected in Mariupol together with the team from PBS's Frontline and the Associated Press.

For more information, contact Emily Hedges by email at Emily.Hedges@sckans.edu. 

The opening convocation will wrap up the festivities for Builder Fest 2024 and officially start the academic year. It will feature the recognition of students included on the Dean’s Honor Roll for the spring 2024 semester and the announcement of the Scholar of the College.

Kelly is from Newport News, Va., but now calls Wichita home.  He is a graduate of Old Dominion University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in corporate communication and a master’s degree in management from Colorado Technical University.

Kelly is responsible for supporting current and cultivating new corporate and business partners that foster greater value for communities and organizations served by KLC. Before joining KLC he was assistant vice president – project manager with Equity Bank headquartered in Wichita. A proud Air Force veteran, Kelly understands the idea of servant leadership and aims to exemplify it on the job and in the community.

Kelly has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his military and civilian career. In 2020, he was named Wichita Business Journal’s 40 under 40 and received the Diversity & Inclusion award. Additionally, he was honored with the Exceptional Young Leader Award in 2021, presented by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Kelly serves on multiple boards and committees including the Greater Wichita YMCA Metro board, Wichita Art Museum board, The Gathering committee, and is a proud Rotarian. One of Darryl’s passion projects is supporting efforts to revitalize Wichita’s Historic Dunbar Theatre and surrounding areas. Darryl is a staunch proponent for getting involved and believes that you must be the change that you want to see.

2024 Opening Convocation Livestream

John Haskell “Tex” Gibbons, from Elk City, Okla., played at SC in the late 20’s.  In 1929, Gibbons was named First Team All-Conference and Second Team in the annual Inter-collegiate Tri-State Basketball Tournament held in Stewart Field House. After graduation in 1931, Gibbons joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and played for several teams.  In 1935 he was a member of the AAU National Champion McPherson Oilers team that qualified for the 1936 Olympic Games.

Photo: John Haskell "Tex" Gibbons from the 1929 SC Moundbuilder Yearbook.

According to Wikipedia, basketball at the 1936 Summer Olympics was the first appearance of the sport of basketball as an official Olympic medal event. The tournament was played in Berlin, Germany, under the watchful eye of Adolf Hitler. Twenty-three nations entered the competition, making basketball the largest tournament of the team sports, but Hungary and Spain withdrew, meaning 21 competed.

The International Olympic Committee and International Basketball Federation, which is the governing body of international basketball, used the 1936 tournament to experiment with outdoor basketball. Lawn and dirt tennis courts were used for the competition, but this caused problems when the weather was adverse, especially during the final of the tournament when the USA played the game on a clay and sand court in the rain.

The US team beat the Philippines 56-23 in the quarterfinals, beat Mexico 25-10 in the semifinals, and defeated Canada 19-8 to capture the gold medal.  The team finished the Olympics with a record of 8-0. James Naismith, the game's inventor, watched many of the 1936 Olympic basketball matches and helped award medals at the end of the basketball competition.

Gibbons, a captain on the team, went on to teach and coach at UCLA before joining Phillips Oil where he made his career in the petroleum industry.

Gibbons passed away in 1984 at the age of 76. 

This year, there will be four different move-in dates:

• Wednesday, Aug. 7—Freshman Fall athletes.
• Thursday, Aug. 8—Transfer and returning Fall athletes.
• Wednesday, Aug. 14—Freshman Spring and Winter athletes and non-athletes.
• Saturday, Aug. 17—Transfer and Returning Spring and Winter athletes, and non-athletes.

Builder Fest (Aug. 7-23) is an on-campus experience introducing new students to the many aspects of Southwestern College, including Freshman Workday on Friday, Aug. 16.  

Some of the other Builder Fest activities include:

• Monday, Aug. 19, classes begin for students.
• Tuesday, Aug. 20, rock painting party from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Wallingford lawn.
• Thursday, Aug. 22, annual Moundbuilding Ceremony at 7 p.m., at Cole Mound Plaza at the bottom of the 77 Steps.
• Friday, Aug. 23, Opening Convocation at 11 a.m. in Richardson Auditorium.

Friends of Southwestern College are invited to attend the Moundbuilding Ceremony and Opening Convocation.

For more information about Moundbuilder Check-In, visit online at www.sckans.edu/checkin or contact the office of admissions at (620) 229-6236. 

The team is put together by PhD Hoops Travel Tours which offers a selection of distinct travel tours each summer.

The team consisted of players ages 17 to 21 and competed against teams from Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, and France.  The USA team, which consisted of players from New York, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, went 3-2.

“It’s an awesome experience to represent the United States,” O’Brien says.  “You cannot duplicate the feeling of coaching a team with USA on their chest.”

According to O’Brien, the team had just three practices before competing.

“I like putting together a team; figuring out our strengths and weaknesses,” O’Brien says.  “It’s exciting getting young people to play for each other and for our country.”

O’Brien credits his longtime friendship with Richie Schueler, owner and CEO of PhD Hoops, for the opportunity.  Schueler is a former college basketball player, 10-year college basketball coach, and current basketball analyst for Fox Sports and the ESPN family of networks. PhD Hoops was designed to give players and coaches a platform to exchange basketball knowledge, ideas, and resources with the intent of enhancing the game worldwide.

The eight-day trip also incorporated some sightseeing which included visiting the beach of Normandy, the Eifel Tower, and The Louvre Museum. O’Brien was particularly awestruck with the Olympic rings that are currently hung on the Eifel Tower.  The Summer Olympics will be held in Paris beginning July 26. O’Brien says that they would light up at 11 p.m. and were amazing. 

Manfre will transfer to Southwestern College from La Trobe University.  She plans to major in health science and participate in flag football.  She is the daughter of Anthony Manfre and Teresa Manfre.

This merit-based award annually recognizes a transfer student who demonstrates outstanding academic ability as well as strong community engagement. Scholars must be accepted for admission to Southwestern College before they are considered for the Full-Tuition Scholarship competition. 

The scholarship will award full undergraduate tuition and is renewable for three years if certain criteria are met.

Dear Editor,

As a group, we represent the most local trustees serving as volunteers on the Southwestern College Board of Trustees. As the college has completed another academic year and is preparing for the return of students and the arrival of a new class of Moundbuilders in August, we simply write to express our support for Southwestern and to highlight its indispensable role in our community – a fixture since 1885.

While larger universities often dominate discussions about higher education, it is crucial to recognize the unique and profound contributions of institutions like Southwestern College, particularly in the context of Winfield and Cowley County. The college, under the leadership of President Liz Frombgen, has been urgently confronting challenges and making bold, strategic, and often difficult decisions to put the college on a path to sustainable growth. This work has included a data-driven approach to inform work around retention, program realignment, and operational discipline. Certainly, some decisions have stirred attention and anxiety, but continuing the status quo would have had far greater consequences for the college and our community. With all of this in mind, we write to remind you of the importance of Southwestern College.

Southwestern College provides a personalized and holistic education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, service, and intellectual curiosity. Students benefit from faculty and staff who support and challenge them. This educational environment prepares students for professional success but also cultivates responsible, thoughtful citizens – who we hope will choose Winfield again as they begin their careers – becoming teachers, doctors, pastors, nurses, lawyers, and business leaders who will serve our community into the future. These young people are our future neighbors, they are our best succession plan. In fact, three of Winfield’s doctors are Southwestern graduates.  

Moreover, Southwestern College serves as a cultural and intellectual hub for our community. The college frequently hosts public lectures, performances, athletic competitions, camps, and conferences that enrich the cultural fabric of our town. These events offer residents opportunities for lifelong learning and cultural engagement.

The economic impact of Southwestern College cannot be overstated. The college is a significant local employer, providing jobs for faculty and staff – it also maintains contracts for maintenance and food service personnel. Additionally, students, faculty, and visitors contribute to the local economy through housing, dining, and shopping. The presence of the college attracts businesses and fosters an environment of growth and vitality. And, here we would add that there is a renewed commitment on the part of the college to be a more significant participant and partner in the strength of our region. We have witnessed first-hand the commitment President Liz has to create economic synergy and growth in Cowley County through program development and strategic partnerships.

Furthermore, the college's community service initiatives and partnerships with local organizations enhance the quality of life in our town. Students and faculty actively engage in volunteer work and educational outreach, addressing local needs and contributing to the common good. These efforts not only benefit those directly involved but also strengthen the bonds between the college and the community.

Southwestern College exemplifies the ideals of higher learning, civic engagement, and community spirit. Its continued success is vital not just for its students but for the well-being and prosperity of our entire community.

We urge our friends and neighbors to support Southwestern College in recognition of its enduring importance as a cornerstone of our community. Please consider making a gift in support of the Builder Fund which directly benefits the experience of students and helps strengthen the college in countless ways. There is an active matching gift challenge open until June 30… Visit www.sckans.edu/buildermatch to learn more or call 620-229-6397.

Equally important though, as students return, please be a Southwestern supporter. Attend games and performances, cheer these young people on, welcome them to our community, and show them kindness. Put a Builder Pride sign in your yard and wear SC apparel – be a fan of the Moundbuilders. Their success is OUR success. Your support of Southwestern College truly does make all the difference – the students, faculty, and staff all feel your care.

As we look forward to the 140th academic year at Southwestern College we invite you to be a part of the effort to preserve and grow an institution that means so much to our community. Let’s not take SC for granted.

Signed by the Trustees of Southwestern College from Winfield –

Susan Andrews
John Baker
Laura Buterbaugh Bradbury
Dr. Bryan Dennett
Cory Helmer
Dr. Daniel Miller

Area students on the list include:

Harrison graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics, a minor in Leadership, and a secondary licensure in mathematics. Carter graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology.

The Fran Jabara Award is presented to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and excellence in its recipients.  Jabara, an Oklahoma State University and Wichita State University graduate, was an advocate of the American free enterprise system and founded the Center for Entrepreneurship at WSU in 1977.

Harrison has participated on the Leadership Team and the Student Government Association – where she most recently served as the vice president for student organizations. Harrison has played volleyball and golf while at Southwestern, and was a member of the Hope Squad, president of the Newman club, a math tutor, and a student ambassador.

Harrison has accepted a position to teach math at Burlington High School.

Carter was a member of the A Cappella Choir and Builder Bandits while at Southwestern.  He was also a section leader in the Grace United Methodist Church Choir.  According to Southwestern College President Elizabeth Frombgen, he was a leader on campus, and in the areas of residence life and student life, he served the college and his peers well. 

Harrison and Carter each received a plaque and a cash award.

Pettey earned her bachelor of arts degree in physics and masters degree in business administration from Southwestern College and her Ph. D in business administration from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

“Dr. Pettey is a fierce advocate for Southwestern College in all ways—but particularly for our students,” says Southwestern College President Elizabeth Frombgen.

Prior to working at Southwestern College, Pettey was employed at Cessna Aircraft Company as a Systems Safety Engineer for three years. She then worked for General Electric Aircraft Engines at Strother Field as a Process Engineer on the CF34 engine line.

In late 2007, she was hired at Southwestern as an adjunct professor to teach Quantitative Methods for the business department and she joined the college as a full-time professor in January of 2008.

“Dr. Pettey continues to be an active faculty member at the college, serving the college on various committees – this year she is the faculty chair and is serving as the assistant faculty athletics representative,” Frombgen says.  “Additionally, she is often called upon to sing the national anthem at sporting events. She also sings and plays piano for the Faculty/Staff Chapel Band. She is an active person who enjoys playing tennis and pickleball.”

Pettey lives in Winfield with her husband, Brian, and son, Hayes.

Presented were the Fassnacht Outstanding Administrator/Staff Award to Tad Humphrey, telecommunications specialist, and the Fassnacht Outstanding Faculty Award to Kurt Keiser, professor of business and the business division chair.

Awards for years of service were also presented for:

• 30 years: Dawn Pleas, Terry Quiett, and Rodney Worsham
• 20 years: Misty Terrell
• 15 years: Lonnie Boyd, Matt O’Brien, Stephannie DeLong, Jimmy Tagg, and Tad Humphrey
• 10 years: Michael Beardslee, Anthony Gropper, Jason Haunschild, and Mark Whitener
• 5 years: Allyson Allen, Shannon Grose, Reggie Jarrell, James McSorley, and Trevor Strong.

The Student Government Association initiates the process for naming Masterbuilders by calling for each SGA member to nominate students.  The list of students who receive votes is then submitted to a faculty vote.  Finally, the entire student body votes, choosing recipients from the names remaining on the list. 

Masterbuilders for 2023-2024 include: Cevin Clark, Arkansas City; Olivia Worsham, Medicine Lodge; Paiden Bell, Lawrence; Cierra Harrison, Cheney; Mallorie Lund, Wichita; and Jarvis Jennings, Columbia, Mo.

Dre’Shaun Flowers, McAlester, Okla., was named the recipient of the Dr. Dawn Pleas Student Affairs Leadership Award.

The Dawn Pleas Student Affairs Leadership Award celebrates a student who has been a role model on campus, regardless of whether or not they held a formal leadership position.  This award is designed to promote the Southwestern College values of personal growth, responsible citizenship, and leadership through service. 

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Southwestern College, presented the SGA faculty and staff citations.  The staff citation was awarded to Claire Nichols, director of campus life.  The faculty citation went to Tammy McEwen, professor of biology.

“Morea is a Builder, and she brings expertise and leadership to this critically important role,” said President Liz Frombgen. “The search committee was committed to finding someone who exhibited integrity and a high level of technical ability, but who also deeply loves our college and Winfield – as a graduate and long-time member of our affiliate faculty, Morea, is the perfect fit and we are excited for all that she brings to our team.”

A native of Winfield, Morea received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southwestern College. She has over 27 years of experience in accounting, finance, and operations. Having previously worked for the Kansas City Star and Cargill, for the past 10 years Simmons has worked for the Kansas Department of Corrections as the business administrator and chief fiscal officer for the Winfield Correctional Facility and Wichita Work Release programs. There, Simmons offered leadership and financial oversight to a facility with over 250 employees and nearly 1,000 residents. She has demonstrated success in the areas of budget management, multi-location site planning, strategic planning, leadership development, policy development, and asset management.

Simmons has served the college as an adjunct professor since 2018 teaching online courses, primarily to employed professionals and military learners looking to complete their degrees. She has taught courses in managerial accounting, cost accounting, financial accounting, intermediate accounting, corporate accounting, and strategic management and finance for non-financial managers.

“I am thrilled to serve Southwestern College in this new capacity, and I understand the importance of the work,” said Simmons. “Under the leadership of President Liz, our college is on the move and the team has plotted a necessarily bold course forward. I come into the position with a great love for Southwestern and I recognize the important role the college plays in our community. We must be diligent and strategic in decision making, always considering the experience of our students today and planning for students who will come to campus in the decades to come.”

Simmons has already begun work at the college having shared a period of overlap with Bob Schmoll who served the college as interim chief financial officer for the past year. Schmoll will continue to consult for the college and will work closely with President Frombgen on the launch of several undergraduate and graduate-level programs. 

“Morea has truly hit the ground running and is doing a fantastic job as we look toward our fiscal year-end on June 30, and plan for the academic year ahead,” said Frombgen. “Most immediately, Morea is taking up the oversight of several important facilities projects on campus this summer and she’s done a good job getting up to speed. We continue to be grateful for the experience and skill that Bob offers our college as we strengthen our financial position and leverage strategic opportunities. The transition of this role is so critical to our success, and we are blessed by the leadership that Morea and Bob offer.”

Jordan Burford, a psychology major from Andover, is the recipient from Southwestern College. She is the daughter of Theresa Maples and Kevin Burford and a 2021 graduate of Andover Central High School.

KICF awards up to 19 individual scholarships, one for a student at each Foundation member institution. The recipients are all full-time, degree-seeking students on the cusp of graduation, and have each demonstrated excellence in academics, character and integrity, and a commitment to the value of a private college education in Kansas. These students maintain GPAs of 3.5 or above while also contributing to their respective communities.

“The students at Kansas’ independent colleges are going to change the world for the better. It’s a privilege to support them in their endeavors and we’re grateful to Maud Wyatt for making it possible for us to do so,” says Matthew Lindsey, president of KICF.

The scholarship was established in 1995 through the generosity of Maud Wyatt, whose bequest has supported the work of KICF and its institutions since 1961. The Kansas Independent College Foundation seeks to develop, promote, and direct unified approaches to selected corporations, foundations, and individuals for financial support of Kansas’ independent colleges and universities.

The new public-private agreement brings together Cowley College, Butler Community College, Friends University, Newman University, and Southwestern College. By working together, the institutions have created a seamless and more affordable transfer option for Secondary Education majors. 

CAPTION--The presidents of five area college’s announced a partnership called Educate the State.  Signing the agreement were (from L-R) Michelle Schoon, president of Cowley College; Kim Krull, president of Butler Community College; Elizabeth Frombgen, president of Southwestern College; Amy Bragg Carey, president of Friends University; and Kathleen Jagger, president of Newman University.

In 2022, the Kansas Independent Colleges Association (KICA) announced a global transfer for any Kansas community college graduate earning an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree to transfer as a junior status directly to any Kansas private university.

Educate the State takes it a step further as these institutions also guarantee a lower tuition rate at the private university level for those wanting to become K-12 teachers.

Tuition per credit hour is discounted to $300 per credit hour at the university level for Educate the State students.

How to Access Educate the State:

1. Earn a Secondary Education associate degree from Butler or Cowley with a 2.75 minimum GPA.
2. Transfer to Friends, Newman or Southwestern based on subject matter emphasis as a full-time Secondary Education major.
3. Receive the discounted $300 tuition rate for final two years regardless of the four-year institution selected.

Cowley Secondary Education Pathways for Educate the State:

Earned Associates of Arts (A.A.) or Associates of Science (A.S.) degree pathway in:

• Secondary Education – Math (AS)
• Secondary Education – Science (AS)
• Secondary Education – Language Arts (AA)

Butler Secondary Education Pathways for Educate the State:

Earned Associates of Arts (A.A.) or Associates of Science (A.S.) degree pathway in:

• Secondary Education (AA)
• Secondary Education Science (AS)

“Educate the State gives Cowley College students an affordable option to pursue a degree in secondary education at one of three high-quality private institutions,” Cowley College president Michelle Schoon said. “This partnership provides opportunities for our students to stay local and fill the shortage of educators in our region.”

Cowley College and Butler Community College students can go on to enroll in the following Secondary Education Pathways at Southwestern College:

Earned Associates of Arts (A.A.) or Associates of Science (A.S.) degree pathway in:

• Secondary Education – Math (AS)
• Secondary Education – Science (AS)
• Secondary Education – Language Arts (AA) 

Southwestern College president Elizabeth Frombgen says this is a great way to serve the state of Kansas.

“Since our founding in 1885, Southwestern College has proudly prepared and educated teachers who have gone on to serve students and communities all across Kansas,” said Frombgen. “Through cooperative initiatives such as Educate the State we will leverage incentives and partnerships to attract more young people to the vocation of teaching and in doing so we will better serve our communities, and more broadly, Kansas.”

Learn more about Educate the State

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south-central Kansas. Today its Winfield campus is the residential hub that guides students to lives of meaning and service, with well-rounded academic and extra-curricular offerings attracting traditional-aged students from throughout the nation and world. Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Visit sckans.edu for more.

Cowley College was founded in 1922 and has a rich history of providing quality education for over a century with multiple campuses located in Arkansas City, Mulvane, Wellington, Wichita, and Winfield Kansas. Cowley College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce development courses, catering to various career paths and interests. Visit cowley.edu for more information.

The camp will have two sessions for different age groups starting with first through fifth graders from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and sixth through ninth graders from 10:30 a.m., to noon each day.

According to Southwestern College head men’s basketball coach Matt O’Brien, the campers will learn fundamentals such as shooting and ball-handling, but above that, will have a chance to have fun with kids their own age playing basketball.

The camp staff will include current and former SC players as well as the SC coaching staff. Registration is currently open and can be found on the Winfield Recreation website at www.winfieldrec.com.  Cost of the camp is $55.

Class of 2024 Commencement activities include:

Friday, May 3

• 12-1 p.m.—Business division reception, Mossman Hall room 134

Saturday, May 4

• 2:30-4 p.m.—Natural science and mathematics division reception, Welcome Center patio
• 3-4 p.m.—Creative technologies and communications division reception, lower level of the Christy Administration Building.

Sunday, May 5

• 9:45 a.m.—Order of the Mound ceremony and reception at the Cole Mound Plaza (recognition of students graduating in the top 10% of the class and meeting guidelines stated in the college catalog).
• 10:50 a.m.— Class of 2024 Baccalaureate service, Grace United Methodist Church, 320 College St.
• 2:30 p.m.—Commencement ceremony and graduate hooding for main campus and professional studies students, Richard L. Jantz Stadium.

The 2024 Commencement activities will be live-streamed on closed-circuit television on the Southwestern campus as well as online on the Southwestern College Facebook page and the Southwestern College YouTube channel.  The viewing location on campus will be in Richardson Performing Arts Center.   

Parking for graduation day will be available for persons with handicap permits in the parking lot between the Christy Administration Building and Roy L. Smith Student Center.  Security personnel will assist in finding parking and by providing rides on golf carts. 

In case of inclement weather, the decision to move the commencement exercises indoors will be posted on www.sckans.edu/campus and social media sites.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun and the shadow of the moon falls on the earth’s surface.  For this eclipse, the moon’s shadow will race across the earth’s surface starting in the eastern Pacific Ocean and traveling through Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and on through a number of Midwestern and eastern states before entering the Atlantic Ocean at the Canadian Maritime Provinces.  When viewed from Cowley County, the eclipse will start at 12:31 p.m. The maximum eclipse will occur at 1:48 p.m. when 90% of the sun will be covered, and the eclipse will end at 3:06 p.m. 

The 90% coverage seen in Cowley County for this eclipse will be similar to the maximum coverage experienced in Cowley County during the August 2017 solar eclipse.  A telescope will be used to project an image of the eclipse, and a limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available for use by participants.  These eclipse glasses will be distributed near maximum eclipse at 1:45 p.m. 

“At no time will the eclipse be safe to view in Cowley County without adequate eye protection, and normal sunglasses are not sufficient,” says Bob Gallup, professor of physics and mathematics at Southwestern College. “Even at maximum eclipse, the 10% of the sun still visible will be able to cause serious and permanent eye damage.”

Questions and requests for more information can be directed to bob.gallup@sckans.edu.

“This would be a great opportunity for students, faculty, and members of the public to see what they do and how Court of Appeals cases are handled,” says J.K. Campbell, associate vice president for faculty affairs and dean of faculty at Southwestern College.

Judges Amy Fellows Cline, G. Gordon Atcheson, and Rachel Pickering will hear oral arguments starting at 10 a.m. The case being heard is a wrongful termination case brought by Stephen Mattice against the city of Stafford.  Mattice brought a claim under the Kansas whistleblower statute after the city of Stafford terminated his employment as police chief. The district court originally dismissed the claim. The Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the case for further proceedings. After discovery, the city moved for summary judgment, contending that Mattice could not meet the elements of the statutory claim. The district court granted summary judgment, and Mattice again appeals, contending that the district court improperly resolved material fact disputes.

The 14-judge Court of Appeals hears all appeals from orders of the Kansas Corporation Commission and all appeals from district courts in both civil and criminal cases, except those that may be appealed directly to the Supreme Court. In fiscal year 2022, the Court of Appeals resolved appeals in more than 1,000 cases, including 781 cases in which the court issued formal written decisions.

The court may hear appeals en banc, which means by all 14 of its judges. Most frequently, though, the court sits in panels of three judges.

Court of Appeals judges decide appealed cases by reading the trial record and written briefs filed by the parties, and sometimes hearing oral arguments from lawyers. They research and review relevant laws and write decisions, some of which are published in bound volumes.

Entry fee is $125 per person and covers green fees, golf cart, door prizes, and lunch.  Businesses may sponsor a hole for $250, or they may assemble their own four-person team and sponsor a hole for $650.  There will be many prizes available on the course and all proceeds go to purchasing new uniforms for the Southwestern College football team. 

“The last couple years have been a lot of fun seeing our hard work payoff from the previous years,” says head football coach Brad Griffin.  “To bring a conference championship back to Southwestern College has ultimately been the goal this whole time. Our plan is to continue to work hard, do great things on and off the field, and make another championship run. It takes a lot of dedication and support to have success and we are very thankful to all those that have helped our program get to where it is.”

Reservations are required by Monday, April 15.  For more information or to register, contact Griffin at (620) 481-0382.

The financial aid team will help people complete their FAFSA and will be able to answer general financial aid questions. 

“We are asking community members to bring their tablet or laptop to complete the FAFSA or create their studentaid.gov ID,” says Randi Whalen, financial aid counselor at Southwestern College.  “We are targeting learners from all populations, including high school juniors and seniors and their families, adult learners who are in school or thinking about going back, learners who are considering online or main campus classes, and military.”

Whalen says that the goal of this event is to reach out to not only families in Winfield, but to surrounding communities that may not have access to local college resources like Winfield and Arkansas City do.

For more information, contact Whalen by email at Randi.Whalen@sckans.edu.  

Acceptable items

GON Recycling accepts the following electronic items: computers, laptops, servers, network equipment, LCD Monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, POS scanners and equipment, stereo equipment, small household appliances such as toasters, irons, and coffee pots, telephones, telecommunications equipment, phone systems, security equipment, industrial equipment, UPS systems, cell phones, VCRs, radios, keyboards and computer mice, lead acid batteries, rechargeable batteries, industrial control panels, ink and toner.

Medical Equipment

Medical equipment that has been inspected and decontaminated of blood-borne pathogens, fluids, solvents, pressure gases, or radioactive sources is also accepted. Proof of decontamination is required. This can be a decontaminated sticker or paperwork attached to the unit.

CRT TVs & Monitors

GON Recycling will recycle CRT TVs and monitors for a $5 fee. Everything else is at no cost. If you need to recycle these items, please bring the funds to pay the recycling fee.

Unacceptable Items

GON Recycling cannot accept these items: refrigerators, air conditioners that are not properly drained, light bulbs, smoke alarms, alkaline batteries and items that contain blood-borne pathogens, fluids, solvents, Freon, pressure gases, radioactive or gasoline sources.

For questions about recycling, please contact Tad Humphrey at Tad.Humphrey@sckans.edu.

“Every gift to the Builder Fund creates impact at Southwestern College – in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff – to the future of our college,” says Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen.  “The Builder Fund helps us meet current needs across campus, but it also helps us invest in important initiatives that will make our college stronger and more attractive. Stepping up for Southwestern means investing in a bold vision of what Southwestern College will become.”

Gifts may be made online at www.sckans.edu/stepup, by stopping in at the Dole Alumni office at 201 N. College in Winfield, or by calling (620) 229-6397. The college is also encouraging supporters to share their pride for Southwestern on Thursday, March 21, by connecting with fellow alumni, wearing SC apparel, or by sharing support of the college on social media pages.

“Step Up is a day when we acknowledge the ways in which Southwestern has impacted our lives and community and together show our care for the college, offering support in all the ways we’re able,” said Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, vice president for advancement, communications, and marketing. “March 21 promises to be an exciting day at Southwestern as we will connect with Builders and friends from down the street and from all over the world who will offer their support and play an important part in helping us surpass our goal to advance Southwestern.”

Step Up for SC

The public is invited to attend, there will be no admission charge. 

Julieta Villarreal García, Ph.D.

March 25, 2024 (Monday)
11:00 a.m.
Richardson Performing Arts Center
Admission:  FREE

“Dr. Garcia’s career is a shining example of the vision and persistence required of servant leaders, and I am delighted that she has accepted our invitation to share her story with our students and the broader community,” Frombgen says.  “Along with the Docking Family and our friends at Union State Bank, all of us here on campus are excited at the opportunity to host and learn from Dr. García – we invite our community to join us.”

In 1986, Dr. García spearheaded the creation of The University of Texas at Brownsville and then served as its president for 22 years graduating over 40,000 students and leading the design and establishment of the Brownsville campus.

In 2011, she helped lead an effort to envision a new 21st Century University model that eventually consolidated two UT universities, established a medical school, and created The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her life’s work has been focused on expanding higher education opportunities for the people of the Rio Grande Valley. 

In Washington D.C., she has served on the Clinton and Obama presidential transition teams, chaired the Advisory Committee to Congress on Financial Aid and in 2021, and served on the panel to select White House Fellows.

After the election of President Nelson Mandela and the end of apartheid, she was selected to work in South Africa to help integrate higher education. She has served on the boards of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. 

In 2009, “Time” magazine named her one of the Top 10 College Presidents in the US, and in 2014 she was recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders. She has received honorary doctorates from Notre Dame, Brown, Smith, and Princeton. In July of 2022, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.

She currently serves on the board for LLILAS, the Lozano Long Institute for Latin American Studies at UT Austin, Audubon Texas, and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Annually, she lectures at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education IEM program for professionals seeking to become university presidents and with HACU – Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Leadership Academy. She is currently working with Texas 2036, a group of Texans studying how best to shape the future in Texas across seven core state policy areas.

On campus, she teaches public speaking to students in the Math & Science Academy and courses in organizational communication and Latinas in Leadership focusing on the key communication skills needed for next-generation leaders.

Sponsors

The Docking Lecture is underwritten by Union State Bank and by the Docking family.

The Docking family has played a prominent role in public service, Kansas government, and politics for over half a century.  In 1956 George Docking was elected governor of Kansas.  He served two terms, leaving office in 1961.  His son, Robert Docking, was elected governor in 1966 and served four two-year terms, more than any other Kansas governor, leaving office in 1975.  Robert Docking’s sons have continued the family’s commitment to public service.  William Docking was appointed to the Kansas Higher Education Board of Regents in 1995 and served as its chair.  Thomas Docking, who passed away in 2017, was lieutenant governor of Kansas from 1983 to 1987, during the governorship of John Carlin. 

Union State Bank has been locally owned and operated in Cowley County since 1908. With approximately $300 million in total assets and ten locations, Union State Bank serves South Central Kansas and North Central Oklahoma with comprehensive banking solutions and expertise. Union State provides a wide range of financial products and services for individuals and businesses including checking, savings, loans and lines of credit, mortgages, credit cards, online services, and investments.

Livestream on YouTube

According to Abasolo and Jackson, the seminar is an opportunity for aspiring young coaches to hear from championship coaches from Southwestern.  The individual speakers are head football coach Brad Griffin and head baseball coach Mark Carvalho. Griffin has led the SC football team to two KCAC championships while Carvalho has led two different KCAC schools to a combined five conference titles.

Panel speakers are head women’s basketball coach Chardonnae Parker, head men’s and women’s golf coach Marcus Willey, and football running backs coach Keyshawn Wyatt. After the panel discussion, there will be time to mix and mingle with coaches and other audience members.

“The panel members are all relatively young coaches, still transitioning from players to coaches,” Abasolo says.  “This is an opportunity for many students to hear from coaches who have been in their shoes. Also, coaches from around the area can come and gain different perspectives from coaches of different sports. The seminar will also be a place for students at SC to learn about current and new classes at SC that can be applied in the coaching profession.”

Brad Griffin will speak at 4:30 p.m., Mark Carvalho at 5 p.m., and then the panel discussion with Chardonnae Parker, Marcus Willey, and Keyshawn Wyatt at 5:30 p.m.  Audience members may come and go as they please.

For more information, email trey.abasolo@sckans.edu or jordan.jackson@sckans.edu.

Register for Builder Coaching Seminar

The Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship recognizes two student leaders who are well-rounded, hardworking, and community-minded. The Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship will provide full-tuition support to Hernandez and Pippitt. Both scholarships are renewable for four years and are valued at approximately $150,000.

Pio Hernandez is the son of Pio Cesar Hernandez and Martha Sanchez and attends Goddard High School.  He plans to major in digital media and is interested in joining the Band-Its pep band at Southwestern. 

Alejandra Pippitt is the daughter of Tammy and Stacy Pippitt and attends Winfield High School.  She plans to major in education and participate in the spirit squad dance team.

According to Stephannie DeLong, vice president for enrollment management, the college received a large number of applications for the Moundbuilder scholarship.

“With over 200 applications for the Moundbuilder Spirit full tuition scholarship competition and over 50 attendees, we are proud to welcome two outstanding new Builders to campus this fall,” DeLong says.   “Allie and Pio’s essays demonstrated their unique vision of leadership and how they will continue to grow as members of the Builder family.” 

Southwestern's competitive full-tuition scholarship program began in 2016. As the number of students applying for admission to Southwestern has grown, the number applying to compete for the full-tuition competition has also increased. Since the beginning, the full-tuition program has attracted a talented and diverse group of students to apply. Each year a large proportion of the students who compete for the full-tuition awards, but are not selected as the recipients, choose to come to Southwestern.

DECA Inc., formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a not-for-profit career and technical student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

After a full day of preparation, presentation, networking, and campus exploration, one of SC’s four double teams, Capranzine Hunguana and Malvin Mupondi, earned a second-place International Marketing Award. Other SC students on the team include Hannah Brown, Rylee Fraser, Cameron Jewell, Jomri Paule, Eduardo Gonzalez, and Isaac Swanson. 

“This trip was filled with educational and communicative exposure as we familiarize ourselves with the ever-expanding world of business and entrepreneurship,” Allen says.

CAPTION—The Southwestern College DECA team participated in a DECA event at Tabor College.  Team members include: (bottom row, from L-R) Hannah Brown, Rylee Fraser, Cameron Jewell, and Malvin Mupondi.  Second row-- Jomri Paule, Eduardo Gonzalez. Third Row-- Capranzine Hunguana and Isaac Swanson.  

Hargrove, a Southwestern College graduate, coached women’s basketball for many years at Cowley College, Wichita State University, and also in the professional setting as head coach and general manager in the ABL and WNBA.  She has also served as an assistant coach for an Olympic team and is a member of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

The event is a student and community response to the 2023-24 Parkhurst Lecture presented on Jan. 24 by David Cunningham, executive director of the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), Council of Independent Colleges.  The title of his lecture was “On Not Throwing Away Your Shot: God’s Call as Gift and Liberation.”

The student panel will include Olivia Worsham, Samuel Shook, Joseph Kosongo, Cameron Carter, and Jordan Burford.  The community panel will include Tabitha Hogan, Mother Kathy Swain, Bruce Blake, Michael Beardslee, and Brock Brown.

The financial aid team will help people complete their FAFSA and will be able to answer general financial aid questions. 

“We are asking community members to bring their tablet or laptop to complete the FAFSA or create their studentaid.gov ID,” says Randi Whalen, financial aid counselor at Southwestern College.  “We are targeting learners from all populations, including high school juniors and seniors and their families, adult learners who are in school or thinking about going back, learners who are considering online or main campus classes, and military.”

Whalen says that the goal of these events is to reach out to not only families in Winfield but to surrounding communities that may not have access to local college resources like Winfield and Arkansas City do.

For more information, contact Whalen by email at Randi.Whalen@sckans.edu.  

Dean's Honor Roll - Fall 2023

The event is focused on empowering students to dream beyond societal expectations and encouraging self-discovery through education. As part of the event, speakers Jim Robinson, Jr., JD, and special guest, Brian A. Black, DM, will share with the audience.  “Building Builders” will be hosted on the Southwestern College campus at Wroten Hall, beginning at 9 a.m., but it is a come-and-go event. The event is sponsored by NetVue and Southwestern College.

The morning session features Robinson from 9 a.m., until 12 noon.  Robinson is the son of Forest James Robinson Sr., who was a SC alum, fundraiser, and interim president. He will be speaking about his father’s legacy and the purpose of his vocation.   In addition, sharing their reflections are employees Kristen Petty (professor of business) and Alissa Sheppard (student success advisor). 

The afternoon features Black from 1 to 3:30 p.m.  Black will be speaking on the legacy of Dr. King.  In addition, current SC students and recent alums will reflect on how they are building their own legacy.  

Forrest James “Jim” Robinson, Jr. is a business litigation partner in the law firm of Hite, Fanning & Honeyman, L.L.P., in Wichita. He received degrees from Southwestern College (1980) and the University of Kansas School of Law (1983).  He was inducted into the Southwestern College Social Sciences Hall of Fame in 2009.

He has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career and is listed in “Best Lawyers in America” in the areas of “bet-the-company litigation,” “commercial litigation” and litigation—banking and finance” and is recognized as the 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in “Bet-the-Company Litigation in Wichita,” and as the 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in “Litigation - Banking and Finance in Wichita.” In 2018, he was appointed by the Kansas Supreme Court to serve as a member of the Kansas Judicial Council. He currently chairs the Council’s Civil Code Advisory Committee.

In 2020, he was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce, which is charged with leading Kansas forward from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He represents Kansas as a member of the Lawyer’s Committee of the National Center for State Courts in Washington D.C. and chairs its Committee to Increase Firm and Donor Support. In November 2018, he was inducted into the National Center’s Warren E. Burger Society, which honors individuals who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to improving the administration of justice.

Brian Black is the Global Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hexion Inc.

He is a senior leader and executive with extensive human resources, public relations, community, and government relations expertise, complemented by excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. He has a proven record of helping organizations and people perform optimally through positive role modeling, executive-level guidance, and informed leadership. Black is known for a strong legacy in community service, education, public policy, and cultural transformations.

Black has earned several honors and awards including the Kansas Health Foundation Fellowship, Charles F. Kettering Fellowship, National TRIO Achiever, Wichita Business Journal Leader in Diversity, and the A. Price Woodard Humanitarian Award.

Black earned his bachelor of science degree in management and masters degree from the University of South Carolina, and a doctorate of management from the University of Phoenix. 

VIDEO ARCHIVE

“We are excited to welcome these incredible young people to our Builder Family – they along with the rest of the incoming Class of 2028 will bring much joy and possibility with them to campus and to Winfield next August,” said Liz Frombgen, Southwestern College President. “It is difficult to capture just how talented and unique the students who came to compete for the full-tuition scholarships are; we are so fortunate that the majority of the finalists have chosen to make Southwestern their home for the next four years.”

The Pillars Scholarship is a merit-based award that recognizes two students who demonstrate outstanding academic abilities. Each of the scholarships is renewable for four years and valued at approximately $150,000.

Eva Navrat is the daughter of Tony and Jamie Navrat and attends Oxford High School.  She plans to major in graphic design and participate in softball.

Esmeralda Maldonado Posada is the daughter of Gladys and Fredy Maldonado and attends Newton High School.  She plans to major in business administration and management and participate in choir.

According to Stephannie DeLong Vice President for Enrollment Management, the college received a number of applications for the scholarship competition.

“With over 100 applications for the Pillars competition, we were excited to host such accomplished students,” DeLong says.  “The finalists invited to campus demonstrated their leadership and academic excellence in essays and interviews and exemplify the heart of true Builders.  We are honored to welcome such talented students to our campus this fall.”

Southwestern's competitive full-tuition scholarship program began in 2016. As the number of students applying for admission to Southwestern has grown, the number applying to compete for the full-tuition competition has also increased. Since the beginning, the full-tuition program has attracted a talented and diverse group of students to apply. Each year a large proportion of the students who compete for the full-tuition awards, but are not selected as the recipients choose to come to Southwestern.

Applications for the Moundbuilder Spirit full tuition scholarship competition are due by Monday, Jan. 15.  Students who are invited to campus to compete on February 3 will participate in an essay and interview and all competitors will receive a $1,000 renewable scholarship in addition to their academic and activity/athletic scholarship.  Two students will be selected to receive full-tuition scholarships.  Applications for the transfer full-tuition scholarship will open in April with competition held on campus this summer.

The Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship recognizes two student leaders who are well-rounded, considerate, hardworking, and community-minded. This scholarship is awarded to extraordinary people who exhibit great potential.

“To tell a member of the Southwestern College community that they exhibit the 'Builder Spirit' is a meaningful compliment,” says Stephannie DeLong, vice president for enrollment management.  “It is a point of pride to uphold and live out the tenets that are valued by our campus community.”

It is recommended that students who make application for this award exhibit a clear dedication to the community and a relentless work ethic.

“Southwestern College is proud to honor students who do the right thing, who are kind, who are resourceful and eager, and who will exemplify the values of Southwestern College by awarding them full undergraduate tuition, renewable for four years, if certain criteria are met,” DeLong says. 

Finalists will receive invitations to participate in the competition.  The competition consists of a timed essay and an interview with faculty/staff members.  Each finalist who competes will receive a renewable $1,000 scholarship.  Two finalists will be selected, based on the outcome of the essay and interview, to receive a renewable full-tuition scholarship for four years. The two scholarships are valued at approximately $150,000 each over four years. 

To be considered for the Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship students must have submitted both their application for admission and scholarship applications by January 15. For more information visit BeABuilder.com/scholarships or contact the office of admission at Southwestern College by calling 1-800-846-1543 extension 6236.

Apply for the Moundbuilder Spirit Scholarship

Turner comes to the college with broad experience in the healthcare industry, from direct patient care to administration to training and consulting. “Shona’s experience and passion stood out among an incredible group of finalists for the position,” shared President Liz Frombgen. “She is uniquely positioned to build a program that attracts and trains young people who are empowered to offer outstanding care and leadership to the vocation of nursing and to the communities that they will serve.” 

Turner’s hire is the next step in Southwestern College’s effort to relaunch a nursing program that was previously discontinued in 2011. Then, the college cited several factors leading to the decision to discontinue the clinical nursing program — notably, stiff competition for students from public institutions in Kansas. 

"While I certainly am understanding of the challenges that existed in 2011 and the need at that time to make a difficult decision – the reality now is that our community, region, and country has a critical need of highly-trained and caring nurses," Frombgen said. “Southwestern stands out for our ability to attract service-minded, high-character young people who are driven to make a difference in the communities where they live – and to that end, Shona will build a program that offers outstanding clinical preparation with a clear focus on service and leadership.” 

Turner earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southwestern College. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration, with an emphasis in health/healthcare/administration and management from the University of Phoenix. 

“We are fortunate to add Shona to our academic team at Southwestern; as we confront the very real need for nurses in our community and beyond, Shona is driven to build a program that offers responsive and comprehensive preparation and sets our graduates up for success in all ways,” said J.K. Campbell, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean of the college. Most recently, Turner has served as Chief Operating Officer for SCK Health in Arkansas City, Kan. She is experienced in managing hospital corporate compliance and quality improvement initiatives. Before that, as a consultant with Studer Group, she traveled to hospitals of varying sizes and designations across the country to develop and operationalize multi-faceted quality improvement initiatives, focused on the delivery of excellent care. Before consulting, she worked in several capacities at William Newton Hospital including Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Compliance Officer, Quality Improvement Manager, and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Turner was also pivotal in developing and leading the William Newton Healthcare Foundation as the Foundation’s first director, a position she served the hospital and community in for four years before focusing on hospital administration. 

“I am excited to get to work building a program that highlights nursing as not just a critically important profession, but as the admirable and highly-valued vocation that it is – we will prepare nurses who will stand out for the excellent care and leadership they offer,” said Turner.

According to Brae Wood, director of service learning at Southwestern College, about 400 students gathered around Island Park and put up various light displays and checked all the light bulbs to make sure they worked.

“It was an amazing day, and at the end of such a day, I sit in a lot of gratitude,” Wood says.  “As a service learning director who is committed to helping structure such experiences for our students; I love that there are various opportunities for students to make connections outside themselves through meaningful service whether those connections are to fellow teammates, to a deeper understanding of the community, to new community members who are great examples, or to the understanding of issues like why the Isle of Lights being free to everyone is important. Sunday was a great day.”

Joe Wood, Isle of Lights board member, says they are grateful for the assistance from Southwestern College.

“Isle of Lights has partnered with SC for set up for several years,” Wood says.  “As a board, we cannot thank them enough.  The students from various teams and organizations do a great job in supporting this community tradition.”

Leadership students Cameron Unruh and Mateus Varotti helped in all the planning details for this huge service project. They worked with student team leaders representing each group or team; and helped get everything in place so that groups could show up and know what they were supposed to be doing. 

One student likened the service project to a huge game of Tetris as they jig-sawed the pieces together to make the various light displays fit; especially the teams that found themselves with “missing directions” in their pile of supplies.

“I am a proud SC alum and Winfield citizen who loves our community and sees the work of committed community members highlighted in a great reciprocal relationship between SC and Winfield,” Brae Wood says.

The Isle of Lights is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m., from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30.  There is no admission charge but donations are appreciated. 

The app, which began public beta testing in August 2023, is a ministry of the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship and is designed to be the next generation of small-group Christian study. It combines quality content with the dynamism of digital technology and the power of small-group study. All study materials are on the app, including lessons, videos, readings, and the complete Common English Bible.

In addition to complete personal study information, users attend small-group meetings through Zoom conferencing and have 24/7 connection through messaging and discussion threads.

Judges were impressed by the ambitious scope of the project.  

“This app is amazing!” one judge wrote. “Very robust with so many features to engage the user. It's easy to navigate and very aesthetically pleasing.” 

In addition to mobile apps, categories in the Internet class included websites (two divisions), blogs, and social media (two divisions).

The app was in development and testing for more than two years before being offered for purchase on the App Store and Google Play beginning in August. Studies available now include the Disciple I and Disciple II Fast Track programs. More Disciple studies will be added soon, and additional authors and topics are expected to be part of the offerings.

“This award is wonderful affirmation of a resource we believe will help us realize our vision of a new generation of small-group studies,” says Dr. Steve Wilke, executive director of the Institute for Discipleship. “Our goal was to bring this new resource to churches and other faith communities across the country and around the world to address the symptoms and causes of our shrinking Christian congregations: declining church attendance and engagement, biblical illiteracy, and social isolation, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

App users can form small groups to study the Bible within their own acquaintances or congregations, although many of the groups are made up of people from across the country or around the world. The app makes real-time connections possible without regard to geographical boundaries. 

“I am so pleased with the work of the Institute staff and volunteers who have done so much, and for the wonderful development team led by Vince Putera, president of Akar Inti Teknologi in Jakarta, Indonesia,” Wilke added. Putera is an alumnus of Southwestern College.  

More information is available at BeADiscipleApp.com. 

The Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship is dedicated to providing Christian resources and education that build disciples and strengthen ministries. More information is at InstituteforDiscipleship.org.

UMAC is a voluntary professional organization designed to provide recognition, fellowship, and vocational enrichment for professional and volunteer communicators of the United Methodist Church. Each year the UMAC Awards Contest recognizes excellence in print publications, digital publications, writing, internet communications, video production, audio, photography, visual design, publicity/advertising, and media presentations.

The session is intended for adults wanting to learn more about youth mental health and receive resources on how to handle a mental health situation.

Along with being police chief, Burr is active with Suicide Prevention of Cowley County as well as promoting Hope Squads in area schools.

For more information, contact Murphy-Ward by email at brandon.murphy-ward@sckans.edu.

If you would like Leadership Southwestern students to work on your property or would like to donate to the organization, contact Nathan Kaimathiri by email at Nathan.Kaimathiri@sckans.edu or by calling (404) 388-3805.

Kansas's first Apply Free Days will be held on November 7-9th, 2023, for Kansas residents! During these three days, any Kansas resident, regardless of age or income can apply for free at any of our 7 public universities, 19 community colleges, 6 Technical colleges, and the 21 private member institutions of the Kansas Independent College Association, including Southwestern College. Eligible programs include general applications, certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor degree programs. (Graduate programs or other mid-degree applications will not qualify.)

START YOUR APPLICATIONS EARLY!

To make sure your Southwestern College application is in tiptop shape and ready to submit on time, it's a good idea to start your application before November 7. Even if you finish the application early, you can wait until Tuesday, Nov 7th to push "submit" and finalize your application. Remember - only applications submitted during this three-day time frame, Tuesday, Nov. 7-Thursday, Nov. 9, will be free. There will be no refunds given for applications submitted outside of this three-day window, even for technological errors.

Please contact the SC Admission Office if you have problems with application submission.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN KANSAS APPLY FREE DAYS?

As a part of the statewide Apply Free Days program, all residents of Kansas who are applying for undergraduate programs at Southwestern College are eligible to submit their admission applications for free Nov. 7-9, 2023. Undergraduate programs include undergraduate-level certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees. This means all of the following applicants are eligible:

• First-time freshmen
• Transfer students
• Returning students
• Applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree

Applications for graduate-level programs are not eligible.

APPLY NOW

Apply to SC​

Learn more about the Kansas Apply Free Days on the Kansas Board of Regents website.

The Trunk-or-Treat will consist of decorated vehicles parked near the bottom of the 77 Steps and children and their families will be able to walk through and vote on their favorite one.

Ed Builders is an SC education organization that strives to do as many projects as possible to benefit children of all ages. 

The Trunk-or-Treat event is sponsored by Ed Builders with funding provided by the Southwestern College Student Government Association. 

The topic of his lecture is “But You're Not a 'Real' Musician! (or Thinker): Thought and Play between Philosophy and Music.” 

“Dr. Christopher Fox is unusual in the sense that he continued to play as a musician after becoming a philosophy professor,” says Jacob Goodson, associate professor of philosophy at Southwestern College.  “In his lecture for SC, he plans to reflect on what these two vocations have in common: musician and philosopher. I believe the title of his lecture is intentionally ironic: only a 'real' musician or philosopher could claim with any meaning that they are neither a 'real' musician or philosopher.”

Christopher Fox earned his PhD at the University of Memphis. He grew up in the Seattle music scene of the 1980s and 1990s, recording with the band Bitter End and, later, in Memphis with The Also. He has toured with former Queensryche vocalist Geoff Tate and continues to play bass when he can.

For more information, contact Goodson, by email at Jacob.Goodson@sckans.edu.

Along with the ribbon cutting, attendees will have the opportunity to tour Winfield Hall.

Students moved into the 94-bed, three-story residence hall, as the new academic year began. Winfield Hall’s design, which includes input from students and staff, includes suite-style living targeted to sophomores and juniors. The facility also includes common gathering areas including a large atrium, TOMARI Gathering Space, and The Farney Family Wellness Center, a fitness space which is accessible to all students, faculty, and staff of the college.

In the spring of 2021, Southwestern was selected by the USDA for an $11.66 million financing package through the Rural Development Community Facilities direct loan program to build a new residence hall.

The ribbon cutting kicks off a busy weekend of Southwestern College Homecoming activities, a full list of alumni and community homecoming activities may be found at www.sckans.edu/homecoming. For questions or more information, email alumni@sckans.edu.

The Pillars Academic Scholarship is a merit-based award that recognizes two students who show outstanding academic abilities. Pillars scholars are described as intellectually and creatively adventurous. Pillars scholarship applicants are typically honors students who have taken advanced placement courses in high school.

The Pillars Academic Scholarship is named for the four pillars of the iconic Christy Administration Building located at the top of the scenic 77 Steps. They represent the four values extolled in the college’s Alma Mater: Knowledge, Hope, Courage, and Freedom.

Finalists will receive invitations to participate in the competition.  The competition consists of a timed essay and an interview with faculty/staff members.  Each finalist who competes on November 18, will receive a renewable $1,000 scholarship.  Two finalists will be selected, based on the outcome of the essay and interview, to receive a renewable full-tuition scholarship for four years. The two scholarships are valued at approximately $150,000 each over four years. 

To be considered for the Pillars Academic Scholarship students must have submitted both their application for admission and scholarship applications by November 1. For more information visit BeABuilder.com/scholarships or contact the office of admission at Southwestern College by calling 1-800-846-1543 extension 6236.