The September meeting of the Board of Trustees of Hutchinson Community College began with a pair of hearings, one pertaining to the College’s Revenue Neutral Rate and the other regarding the 2024-25 budget.

Following the hearings, the board approved the budget after a presentation by Julie Blanton, Vice President of Finance and Operations. The budget includes a mill levy set at 21.829, the same as the year prior and its lowest level in at least ten years. Tuition and fees are each slated to increase by $2.00 per credit hour. The $10.00 per credit hour reduction for Reno County residents remains in place.

The Board welcomed and met the 2024-25 Student Ambassadors. The Ambassadors is a group of students that provide tours to prospective students and their families. They share personal experiences about their time here and answer questions about HutchCC and the community. This is a limited group selected by the Admissions Office.

In other business, the Board approved several items of routine business and received an update on its strategic planning initiatives.

The next meeting of the board will be on Thursday, October 10.  The meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Shears Technology Center Justice Theater.  The public is invited to attend. Board meeting agendas and meeting information can be found at www.hutchcc.edu/boardmeetings.
 

The Dillon Lecture Series will welcome Steve Ford, the son of former President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford, for a lecture as part of its 2024 series. Ford’s presentation will take place at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Tuesday, September 17 at 10:30 am.

A teenager when his father assumed the reins of the presidency from Richard Nixon, Ford left the White House at age 18 to pursue his dream of being a cowboy on cattle ranches out West, followed closely by his ten secret service agents. Later in his life, he went on to a successful acting career, appearing in over 30 movies.

Before becoming an actor in 1980, Steve worked on the professional rodeo circuit as a team roper and served three years on the Board of Directors of The National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City and currently serves on the Board of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.

He is highly sought after nationally as a motivational speaker for corporate events relating to his inspiring experiences during his family’s stay in the White House and his years in Hollywood.

Steve speaks about his own successful battle overcoming alcoholism and shares with audiences inspiring stories of character and leadership that lead to the Ford family’s success which will help audiences rethink their own lives.

Tickets to the lecture will be available beginning at 9:45 am the day of the lecture at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Ford will appear at a press conference for members of the media prior to the lecture.  The press conference is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. in the Media Interview Room of the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

2024 is the 43rd season for the Dillon Lecture Series on the HutchCC campus.  For more information on the Dillon Lecture Series or to become a patron, visit www.hutchcc.edu/dls or call Becky Rogers at 620-665-3505.

Hutchinson, Kansas — Faculty have returned which means the start of the fall semester at Hutchinson Community College is just around the corner. With classes starting August 21, campus has been busy with students getting enrolled and last-minute preparations. 

Like many of its peers, HutchCC is currently experiencing a positive trend. “Hutchinson Community College was very fortunate throughout the pandemic and in the years following to maintain strong enrollment,” shared HutchCC President Dr. Tricia Paramore. “Community colleges, including HutchCC, have been able to capitalize on the rising costs of a college degree by expanding scholarship opportunities, continuing to grow our partnerships with high schools, and continuing to utilize technology to grow our online offerings.” 

Specifically at Hutchinson, several programs are at capacity with the start of the semester still more than a week away. Added Dr. Paramore, “We’re experiencing very strong enrollment in many areas such as Automation Engineering Technology, Welding and several Allied Health programs – nursing, radiology, physical therapy assistant, surgical technology and respiratory therapy. In addition, we currently have over 200 students on the waiting list for our CDL program.” Enrollment is up overall. Even with HutchCC’s 34 high school partners, dual credit enrollment is up 31.6% since 2021 with enrollment for this fall still in progress. 

Many Kansas community colleges have dorms that are already full before the semester even begins. Hutchinson Community College is no exception. “We are currently at full capacity”, stated Shelby Branting, Director of Resident Life and Student Activities. “Our waiting list is increasing daily so anyone who’s interested in the potential of on-campus housing is encouraged to contact us sooner rather than later.” 

While dorms may have a waiting list, many opportunities still exist at HutchCC’s main campus, its centers in McPherson and Newton, and through the college’s robust online program. Email MyFuture@hutchcc.edu or visit www.hutchcc.edu/starthere for more information.  

Hutchinson Community College Cosmetology will be hosting its annual Back to School Haircut Day August 12 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the school’s center at 200 E. 3rd Ave., Hutchinson.

Children in pre-k through grade 12 are eligible for a free haircut to be performed by HutchCC cosmetology students and volunteer cosmetologists and barbers. No appointment is necessary; haircuts will be done on a first come, first served basis.

“This day is a highlight of the year for us and our students,” stated Alex Hass, HutchCC’s Cosmetology Program Coordinator. “We look forward to offering this each year and are excited to help those in our community prepare for the upcoming school year.”

For more information, or if you are a cosmetologist or barber interested in volunteering, contact Alex Hass at 620-669-4575 or email at hassa@hutchcc.edu.