SAINTS PERSPECTIVE, SCCC President Brad Bennett
Last week, I got into politics, right here in Liberal. That isn't how it might sound. Along with representatives from Garden City Community College and other groups in the region, I was able to welcome state legislators to Southwest Kansas for a legislative dinner. Our group heard from these legislators:
Rep. Shannon Francis-District 125
Rep. Bob Lewis-District 123
Rep. Marty Long-District 124
Rep. Bill Clifford-District 122 (soon to be Senate District 39)
Rep. Lon Pishny- (soon to be District 122-replacing Bill Clifford)
Rep. Jason Goetz-District 119
Sen. Ron Ryckman, Sr.-District 38
With nearly 80 people in attendance, we had plenty to talk about.
As President of SCCC, political activities are not my favorite: I would much rather be at home in Liberal, on campus, than traveling to Topeka or Washington, D.C. However, a key aspect of my job is looking ahead to ensure the college is strong and steady and able to serve our community over time. Staying in touch with legislators helps tremendously. That fact that we have some excellent elected officials makes it even better.
We often talk about how the college can be a primary driver of the local and regional economy. Our new West Campus and expanded CDL/truck driving program is a great example of how decisions at SCCC can impact the region. It is no small thing that we received significant funding from the State of Kansas and the federal government to transform a former retail building into a hub for career and technical education. The help provided by Sen. Jerry Moran enabled us to more than triple our graduate rate for truck drivers, and the ripple effect will be enormous.
Within our state legislative structure, it’s important to stay connected to our Kansas representatives and liaise effectively with the Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees funding for two-year community colleges. Over the years, policies have shifted back and forth when it comes to the way money is allocated; sometimes, the subject is contentious. Building relationships with elected officials and those appointed by the governor is one way to smooth the path and find solutions.
When all is said and done, I am glad to be on campus, where nothing has slowed down. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are already beginning to celebrate some of the semester’s accomplishments. This week, we inducted more than 70 students into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. It was great to see these young men and women recognized for excellence in academic work, and I know they are bound for a bright future.
The holiday concert is scheduled for Friday night in the Clifford and Irene Pepper Showcase Theater, and we’re all excited to hear our student musicians perform. Many Saints fans have gotten a sneak peek at the talent in the music department thanks to the Saints Pep Band, which has performed at home games and is already energizing the crowd.
Soon after we return from Thanksgiving break, we will be heading into finals. Hard to believe, but the semester is coming to a close. As I tell our students on campus, it’s important to manage stress and energy levels at this busy time of year. I know I am looking forward to time with family and a short break from all the activity.
Before you know it, we’ll all be back on campus, cheering on the Saints and Lady Saints in the Greenhouse, and starting a fresh semester of success. Go Saints!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR — Brad Bennett is the President of Seward County Community College, and an occasional visitor to the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, where he speaks up for the best interests of the college and its students. You can reach him at
