Cowley County Community College: A Legacy of Education and Community Enrichment
Cowley County Community College, a cornerstone of education in Kansas, boasts a rich history, a vibrant campus life, and a commitment to academic excellence. This article explores the college's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading educational institution, highlighting its academic programs, campus culture, and contributions to the community.
From High School Basements to a Thriving Campus: The Early Years
The story of Cowley County Community College begins in 1922, when classes were initially held on the top floor of the senior high school, in the location where the Brown Center stands today. Just two years later, in 1924, classes were moved to the first floor, or basement, of the high school. Despite these modest facilities, the college quickly established itself as a valuable asset to the community.
In 1936, the gymnasium, known as W.S. Scott Auditorium, was built, providing a much-needed space for athletic and recreational activities.
Building a Foundation: The Mid-20th Century Expansion
The 1950s marked a period of significant growth for the college. Groundbreaking began on Galle-Johnson Hall, named after the late Kurt R. Galle, who was dean at the time of its construction, and the late Dr. Paul Johnson. This new building provided much-needed classroom and office space, solidifying the college's presence in Arkansas City. Dr. Paul Johnson became dean of the college in 1963.
The 1960s brought further change and development. Dr. Paul Johnson was designated the college’s first president on July 1, 1967. In 1968, a master plan was designed to purchase the land around Galle-Johnson Hall and the old Senior High School (which is now known as Ireland Hall). Also, on July 1, 1968, Dr. Gwendel A. Nelson was named the second president of the college.
Read also: Cowley: Academics and Campus Life
Expanding Horizons: The 1970s and Beyond
The 1970s saw continued expansion of the college's facilities. The Renn Memorial Library was constructed in 1972, thanks to a generous donation from the late Nell Renn, a well-known Arkansas City resident and former Kansas legislator. Renn set aside about $270,000 in her will for construction of a library on the Cowley campus. The Renn Memorial Library was named in honor of Mrs. Renn’s late husband, Oscar “Jack” Renn, one of the early instructors at the college and himself a Kansas legislator. In 1973, a bond issue was passed to build the Harold B. Walker Industrial Technology Building and a central heating plant, further enhancing the college's academic and technical capabilities.
In 1974, Ireland Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and declared a state landmark. The Nelson Student Center and the Recreation Center (now known as the Linda Adams Hargrove Athletic Center), were new buildings on the campus in 1976. The Nelson Student Center was named after the second president of the college, Dr. Gwendel A. Nelson.
Growth and Innovation: The 1980s and 1990s
The 1980s and 1990s were marked by continued growth and innovation. The first dorm, now known as the D. Robert Storbeck Dormitory, was opened with housing accommodations for 80 students in 1980. Dr. Patrick J. McAtee became the college’s third president on July 1, 1987. Also, in 1987, the college’s first major off-campus location was opened in downtown Mulvane. While, the Kirke W. Dale Dormitory opened to house 86 students. Cowley opened its first Wellness Center in 1992. It was originally located at 117 W. Central Ave. After four years in that location, it was moved to its current spot at 201 W. Fifth Avenue. The William (Bill) R. Docking Dorm was opened in 1994. William R. Docking is the Chairman of Union State Bank in Arkansas City, and president, CEO and chairman of Docking Bancshares. He is also the son of the late Kansas Governor, Robert F. Docking. The Brown Center, consisting of the Robert Brown Theatre, Earle N. Wright Community Room, vocal and instrumental music rooms, was completed and dedicated in 1995. Named after the late Robert A. Brown and Roger A. Wright.
The 21st Century: Modernization and Expansion
The 21st century has seen Cowley College embrace modernization and further expansion. In fall 2000, the Sid Regnier Bookstore was added to the Ark City campus. The Oscar Kimmell Dorm was opened in 2001 and houses 72 students. Kimmell was dedicated to the community and the college. The Patrick J. McAtee Dining Center was dedicated and opened in 2001. The Dining Center was named after Dr. Patrick J. McAtee. The Wellness Center was officially named the Ben Cleveland Wellness Center in 2003. Cleveland was a long-time coach at Cowley College. He also served as an Industrial Technology instructor and Department Chair. He was inducted into the Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. A $350,000 gift from the Daisy E. and Paul H. Brown Charitable Trust helped make the Web-Brown Academic Center on the Arkansas City campus a reality. In 2008, the Central Avenue Dormitory was built. The college added another new dorm, The Lodge, in 2011. Also, in 2011, the college unveiled the Travis Hafner Training Center which benefits each of Cowley’s athletic teams and is considered to be one of the top junior college indoor training centers in the nation.
Academics: A Pathway to Success
Cowley College offers a wide array of academic programs designed to prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Students can complete their first two years of coursework leading toward a bachelor’s degree at a university in virtually any field of study. Cowley has articulation agreements with universities, online colleges, and technical schools in Kansas, Oklahoma, and beyond. Cowley College offers multiple majors and career pathway possibilities to prepare students for transfer to a four-year program or to enter the workforce with a two-year job-ready degree.
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Cowley College offers various courses specifically designed for transfer. Associate DegreesCowley College offers various courses specifically designed for transfer. degree in virtually any field of study at a four-year college or university. the degree or certificate. with Cowley College students are available on the Cowley College Web site. information about other schools. program major at the college where you plan to transfer. coursework is required. to your transfer school. the transcript. the resolution of transfer problems. 4-year colleges or universities. related cluster of occupations. and in-depth learning throughout life. and the different ways these disciplines view the world. enhance written and oral communication and quantitative reasoning skills. the regents universities in the state. the following fields will be required. college factual®< All CollegesFind ProgramsCowley County Community CollegeRequest InformationGet InfoThis overview covers the essential stats on Cowley County Community College, including its rankings, majors, diversity, and more. Want to know more about a specific stat? Just click on its tile, and you’ll go to a page that goes more in-depth on that subject. You can also use the links below to go directly to any section on this page.
Campus Life: Engaging and Enriching Experiences
Cowley College is more than just classes. There is something fun to do for everyone! College is more than just classes. There is something fun to do for everyone! The college offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of activities and organizations to engage students.
Student Organizations
Act One drama club: An important part of the theatre program is the Act One drama club.
Student Government Association (SGA): in 1988 and offers the campus many fun activities.
Phi Beta Lambda: and business-related fields or an interest in business.
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Collegiate Trap Shooting League: with other community colleges in Kansas. Membership allows students to participate in a Collegiate Trap Shooting League. national championships may be available. for shooting sports.
Creative Arts Society: of the world and the human condition. college to showcase their works through Writers' Corner and Mile Marker Review.
Cru®: Cru® is a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ. you'll have local and global opportunities to learn, connect and go.
Intramurals: students through regular recreational play and community service.
Esports Club: Join us every Friday from 6:30-10:00 PM for an epic night of gaming! a casual player or a hardcore competitor, there’s something for everyone. in an awesome, gamer-friendly environment. college students.
Pathfinders: forging our own paths. all Cowley College students.
Resident Life: and concerns that being away from home may bring.
Tiger Media: in media at the college. to sponsor more activities and gain more recognition on campus.
Phi Theta Kappa: Join Phi Theta Kappa, Honor Society of Cowley College! two-year college students.
SkillsUSA: SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. Connecting school to the real world.
Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention ProgramCowley College: Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention ProgramCowley College is the FIRST Hope Squad in Kansas! Cowley College students.
Cowley Student Social Science Association: of CCSS. the administration, and other groups.
A Glimpse into the Past: Student Activities in Earlier Years
The college has a long history of student involvement in extracurricular activities.
Debate and Oratory: Renn , K. R. Galle, Pauline B. Sleeth, soon followed by J. D. and Murrell Snyder. more appear as debaters, readers, orators, and extemporaneous speakers. was organized and A.C.J.C. tournaments. ginia. Missouri and Norman, Oklahoma. 1926, 1927, 1930, and 1939. the casualities of war years.
Music: Participation in musical events continued to grow. Messiah", which began in 1931 and continued until the war crisis. its first band. and music by Archie San Romani, helped rally school spirit.
Tigerama: affair known as the Spring Tigerama. a dress-up affair with a receiving line, refreshments, and repartee. Dancing was not allowed until 1937. matter of conjecture throughout the state for many years. there would be a band and dancing available. the seniors of the area high schools. creativity in its planning theme each year. ning in 1928. from among any young lady in the city. second year student with a good academic standing at the junior college. County Community Junior College. tailed most college life and organizations. renewal of student centered action. and the Eta chapter of Phi Rho Pi was re-instated. and speech, a long list of speech arts became a way of college life.
Drama: act plays became popular. Victor Barnes, Bill McDaniel, and Kindra Snively. to many of the high schools in the area. college functions. through the years, was that of dramatic production. play production. work by creating the Pauline B. doing noteworthy work in theatrical productions.
Phi Beta Lambda: Delta Lambda Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, a national business fraternity. Mary Wilson and Catharine Goehring were the leaders in this action. Kansas. themselves. lege. organization in 1959, under the direction of Marie Ludwig. selling and business management. in the Tiger Den, and the proceeds provided a business scholarship. dinner, which the club sponsored. organization of the college to the present time.
Student National Education Association (SNEA): The St. tion, and was known in college circles as S.N.E.A. Education Association). the group promoted interest in the teaching profession. from C. E. St. pective teachers. to the lives of many students. time.
YMCA/YWCA: for the entire student body and faculty. number of scholarships to top ranking seniors in high school. to the present time. For a while the Y.M.C.A. for college students.
Government Programs: federal government set up several programs. C.W.A. (Civil Works Administration). (College Student Emergency Administration), and later the N.Y.A. tional Youth Administration). ance to more than fifty students. Credit Women's Club, and the National Secretaries Association. fessional Women, the A. C. for Jack Selan. namely St. John Chapter of S.N.E.A. ciation) and D.E.C.A. (Distributive Education Clubs of America). and the Merle Treadway Art Scholarship. and services to the community.
Student Housing: A Home Away From Home
Prior to 1980, there was any provision made for student housing. were available to the students for rental purposes.
Student Voice: Publications and Media
Student expression beyond the classroom. board. have been retained as a permanent record of student thoughts and deeds. history. (Copies are on file in the Renn Memorial Library). which began in 1924 and has been issued every year since. of the few things that was not a casualty of World War II. of all of them is available. tinued. In the 1925-1926 school year, two issues of the A. C. team and the forensics champions. yells made its appearance about the same time. on its publication. much of the college news and events until 1943. that publicity. azine called "The Tigerama", using pictures to dramatize college life. of war and Mr. Johnson's induction into the army lead to its demise. In 1945, with the return of more students and of Mr. ued over into the era of the Cowley County Community Junior College. due to the students* demands. year and continued as a yearly publication until 1964. a pictorial issue of "Tiger Tales" substituted in its place. yearbooks were published in the transition years from the A.C.J.C. era to that of C.C.C.J.C.
Athletics: A Tradition of Excellence
An athletic program for students was a matter of concern in 1922. and not until 1924 was a squad and a schedule organized and formulated. At that time fifteen men signified a definite intent to play football. The big problem was arranging for an adequate coaching staff. manager. direct charge of the players. player. the exception of shoes which the school supplied. opening season was a disaster, losing all seven games. in 1926 under the mentorship of Amos Curry. Chanute, now Neosho County Community College. (1943-1945). roll in college sports. the college was yet a part of the Arkansas City School System. Nolan, Delmar Steinbock, Barney Getto, W. G. Stegleider, Clint Weber, and Ben Cleveland. ity Junior College. college days in Arkansas City. nearby colleges and prep schools, winning two out of eight games. College Conference. 1923. college was to have more than that. coach in A.C.J.C. history. Missouri Tiger Team and was well-trained for the job. itely fixed the Tiger symbol in Arkansas City for all time. he molded them into conference champions two years in succession. a full load of academic subjects. losing only 146. players who just happened to come to college for an education. Eastern and Western Division. activities, was a casualty of war for one year. of C. E. Ruff, until the return of Dan Stark from military service. academic work, and "Bunt" Speer coached until the reign of Dan Kahler. of superior teams that won 170 games and lost only 47. 1958; State champions in 1953, 1954, and 1957. other national tournaments. outstanding players for the Kahler Bengals. Jim Lewis, and Dave Dunbar. further demonstrated his versatility. University to complete his doctorate degree. Other coaches succeeding Kahler in the days of A.C.J.C. Jeffrey and Joe Sumners. champions in the Western Jayhawk League for two years. C.C.C. J.C. ties and sixties. all of the minor sports throughout its existence. track provided many individuals an opportunity to show their prowess. Tennis began to emerge as the more important sport among the minors. Junior College. tion of the Arkansas City Junior College. vided for women. football and basketball, they will find it in William S.
Transformation into a Community College
The transition from Arkansas City Junior College to Cowley County Community Junior College was a pivotal moment in the institution's history. cataclysmic events marked the change over. munity Junior College. key factors in the change. The first was the enactment of S.B. which passed both houses in 1963 without a dissenting vote. (AVTS). but as of 1980, only fourteen have been approved. first and only one of its kind in association with a junior college. The second measure, originally known as H.B. form system of community colleges, not to exceed twenty-two. for requesting "deemed" approval. the fiscal year on July 1, 1965, as community colleges. tion of District 470. of Cowley. 1963 and 1965. acted in a dual capacity by serving as trustees of the college. Marilyn Childers, Robert Curry, Dr. Edgar Hinshaw, Dr. and Zora Weir. by the citizens of the county at large assumed full control. The quasi board of trustees designated Dr. dent of the newly re-organized institution. William S. appointed as academic dean and Anton F. tional-technical division. Technical School. Dr. Paul M. and thereby strengthen the prestige of the institution. The self study revealed areas of weaknesses, and needed changes. student body, and the fiscal policies were somewhat in limbo. Correspondent Status which gave encouragement. it…
Admission and Affordability
As long as you meet basic requirements, you should not have any trouble getting into Cowley County Community College since the school has an open admissions policy. Still, be sure to submit any requested materials and that your application is completed in full.
The overall average net price of Cowley College is $7,853. The affordability of the school largely depends on your financial need since net price varies by income group.
Faculty
The full-time faculty percentage at Cowley County Community College is 100%. This is higher than the national average of 47%.
Retention
At Cowley County Community College this rate is 61%, which is a bit lower than the national average of 68%.Freshmen Retention Rate 61 out of 100
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