MPCC Board of Governors meeting wrap up report

October 16, 2025 Nebraska News
midplainscommcoll

Mid Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy called into Mugs Thursday to review Wednesday evening’s Board Meeting:

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met for its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, on McCook Community College East Campus, 905 E. 7th Street, McCook, Nebr.

Board member Kirk Crawley started the meeting with a roll call. In addition to Crawley, those present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Board members: Molly Jeffres, Ted Klug Jr., Megan McGown, Kent Miller, Tyler Pribbeno and Tricia Schaffer. Board members Matthew Broz, Cynthia Duncan, Kim Korgan and Dr. Ben Lashley were absent and excused.

NPCC student trustee Vernon Graham and MCC student trustee Jackson Dellevoet were also present.

OPEN FORUM (Comments from students, faculty, staff, public and Board) 

  1. McCook Community College International Club Advisors Brandon Pritchett and Terra Michaelis introduced the MCC international students to the Board.
  2. The MCC Resident Assistants and Resident Life Assistants were introduced to the Board.
  3. Martin Conroy of McCook shared his enthusiasm for past partnerships with the college and his desire to see the college use city ball fields.
  4. NPCC student trustee Vernon Graham reported on activities in North Platte and MCC student trustee Jackson Dellevoet provided an update on happenings in McCook.
  5. MPCC Academic Dean of Science, Math, Health & Applied Technology Clint Reading introduced Dr. Evan Olson as a new mathematics instructor in McCook.
  6. MPCC Director of Business and Community Education Sharon Kircher introduced Kaleb Taylor as the new BCE administrative assistant.
  7. MPCC President Ryan Purdy recognized Executive Assistant Karen Haller who will be retiring after 26 years of service to MPCC.
  8. Board member Kirk Crawley shared his appreciation for the American Watercolor Society Internation Traveling Exhibition at the MCC Wrightstone Gallery.
  9. CONSENT ITEMS.On a single consent motion, the Board approved: 
  10. Minutes from the Sept. 24 Work Session, Public Hearings and regular meeting
  11. Preliminary Financial Report for September
  12. Nursing Faculty Resignation, Shanda Gronseth, effective September 19, 2025
  13. ACTIONS REQUIRED BY LAW
  14. The Board approved the bills for September in the amount of $3,545,258.99.
  15. The Board approved the constitution and creation of a new student club: Mid-Plains Community College Pickleball Club.
  16. The Board approved the purchase of two semi-trucks from Sahling Kenworth for the CDL program in the amount of $128,300.
  17. The Board approved the bid from Beveridge Construction in the amount of $84,950 including the cost of a performance bond, for North Campus grading and tree removal for future development north of student housing.
  18. REPORTS
  19. Cabinet Reports: The Board heard reports from MPCC President Ryan Purdy, Vice President of Academic Affairs and NPCC Dr. Jody Tomanek, Vice President of Student Affairs and MCC Kelly Rippen, Vice President of Administrative Services Mike Steele, Director of Institutional Effectiveness Tad Pfeifer, Human Resources Director Rebecca Wrage, Director of Institutional Advancement Haven Smith and Marketing & Public Information Director Daniel Stinman.
  20. ADJOURNMENT  

Upon hearing no further business, the Board moved to adjourn at 7:33 p.m. The next Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in North Platte.

FUTURE REPORTS

  • November – Auditor’s Report
  • November – Retention and Enrollment

UPCOMING MEETINGS

  • November 19 – Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, NPCC North Campus
  • December 17 – Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, NPCC North Campus