SAINTS PERSPECTIVE, SCCC President Brad Bennett
The first day of fall happened this week, and it was a reminder that we are coming up to the last part of the calendar year. It’s hard for me to believe that we’re in the last quarter of 2025. Time seems to be going faster than ever.
But as we all know, that is just how time works. Fall is the time of year when many things come to a close, as the days grow shorter, the temperature drops, and we do those last-minute clean-up jobs in the yard and the garden. It can feel bittersweet to say goodbye to the backyard cookouts and slower pace of summer.
We are also coming to the close of an era here at Seward County Community College. Ron Oliver, chair of the SCCC Board of Trustees, will retire from his role after 34 years of service. His term continues through December 2025, and in January 2026, the board will welcome newly elected/reelected members.
To honor Ron’s contributions and vision for SCCC, we will host a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Members of the community are invited to stop by our conference rooms (SW229) on the second floor of the Student Union building, to join us in expressing appreciation to Ron.
As I think about how much he has done, it’s hard to know where to begin. For starters, it’s important to note that service on the SCCC Board of Trustees is essentially unpaid volunteer work. Because voters elect our trustees, some may think the role is compensated. That is not the case. And serving as a trustee is no small commitment. The duties of our trustees go far beyond attending a monthly meeting for two or more hours. Trustees are responsible for overseeing every aspect of college operations, from approving the budget and routine payment of bills, to signing off on employee hiring and management, navigating legal questions, and answering taxpayer and voter concerns.
Trustees take on committee work for these duties and more. They oversee the long-range planning needed to keep our institution relevant and effective. During the time Ron has served as a trustee, the college embarked on more than one major project. In the late 1990s, the Hobble Academic Building nearly doubled in size, adopted new technology for distance learning, and helped form the first online consortium for online class delivery.
The college built new student housing, added several buildings, from agriculture, cosmetology, Allied Health, the Champions Center, adult education, and took on responsibility for what is now the Industrial Technology division. In the past two years alone, SCCC expanded its geographic footprint with the acquisition of what is now the West Campus, and additional acreage adjacent to the main campus.
Those are only highlights. Under Ron’s steady leadership, so much more has been achieved in ways that are less tangible. The College weathered a pandemic and several presidential changes, including my own two terms. I am still inspired and grateful for Ron’s pragmatic, compassionate approach to such situations. He is the kind of leader and mentor we all hope to encounter, with a heart for those around him, and the grit it takes to show up and lead the way through difficulties.
Our board composition itself expanded to seven members, in part because Ron urged us to avoid the possibility of a stymied decision-making process. Though, to give him great credit, that type of conflict has never been a feature of the SCCC Board of Trustees: Ron allows space for disagreement, but he pursues consensus and peace among board members. He exemplifies the qualities we need in our community leaders.
At our spring commencement, Ron was on stage to hand one of his granddaughters her SCCC diploma. It was a sweet moment to witness and a great picture of how he has served us all on the board. Through his dedication, doors have opened for the next generation. As they walk through, Ron has been there to cheer them on.
Now, as he focuses on the next phase of his own life, it’s our turn to express our affection, our appreciation, and our willingness to put his principles into action for ourselves. Go Saints!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR — Brad Bennett is the president of Seward County Community College and leading member of the Ron Oliver Fan Club. He hopes to see you at the Oct. 5 reception on campus.
