By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post
Listen to the full interview with Ryan Purdy and Daniel Stinman on our Kubota Podcast Page
North Platte, Neb. - Mid-Plains Community College leaders say student involvement, academic success, and continued investment in campus facilities were among the major themes at this week’s Board of Governors meeting.
President Ryan Purdy began the meeting by recognizing the North Platte Community College Volleyball Team for a standout season. In their first year back in Division I, the Lady Knights not only hit a .500 record but also earned a Region IX Tournament berth and defeated Western Nebraska for the first time in nearly three decades.
“They were picked to finish toward the bottom of the south,” Purdy said, “but they were actually seeded number three going into the tournament.” He added that the team “won more Division I games than they ever anticipated,” and noted that the players also excel in the classroom.
Student engagement continues to trend upward, driven in part by Trustees Jackson Dellevoet and Vernon Graham, who reported on campus activities ranging from athletics to student events.
Purdy praised their leadership, saying, “I can't say enough about Vernon and Jackson and that student piece.” He added that both campuses have seen strong turnout at theater performances, music concerts, and family events such as trunk-or-treat and Santa’s Workshop.
Purdy also updated the Board on the recent Nebraska Community College Association meeting, where MPCC honored several recipients. Rascal Martinez received Alumni of the Year, Susie Bolt was named Faculty Member of the Year, and Sean Aiton was recognized as Staff Member of the Year. Purdy said the association’s legislative advocacy is essential, noting that Executive Director Courtney Witzig “really helped us reach out to the legislative representatives around the state.”
Financially, the college continues to operate from a stable position. Purdy said MPCC maintains several months of reserves to cover periods without state aid, explaining, “We have to try to have some money in the bank” because aid is distributed only twice a year. The Board approved more than $2 million in expenses and accepted a clean annual audit. Purdy noted the audit came back with “zero findings,” adding, “A lot of that is kudos to the business office…they have to stay up on reporting regulations.”
Several major upgrades were also approved. A new advanced birthing simulator will replace the decade-old model that has been used for nearly 500 practice deliveries.
“It’s very real life,” Purdy said of the new system, which allows nursing students to train through high-risk and emergency scenarios.
The Board also approved first-floor renovations in McMillen Hall, which Purdy described as overdue. He said the remodel will improve enrollment services and help with student flow through the building. Additional paving work on North Campus will complete the college’s long-term transition from asphalt to concrete.
“It's the finalization of getting rid of the asphalt,” Purdy said. “We think it’s cheaper to maintain and more durable.”
A new air-brake simulator will bring the diesel technology and CDL training programs up to current industry standards. Purdy said the purchase replaces equipment that is decades old and will give students realistic diagnostic tools used in agriculture and transportation.
Marketing and Public Relations Director Daniel Stinman outlined several upcoming dates for students. Spring registration is open, and classes begin January 12. The winter session starts December 8, offering short, accelerated courses during the semester break. Nursing program applications remain open until January 15, and MPCC scholarship applications will be accepted through March 1. Stinman also noted that Santa’s Workshop returns December 4 on both the McCook and North Platte campuses, and all MPCC locations will close for Thanksgiving break at 3 p.m. on November 26.
The next MPCC Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for December 17 at 6:30 p.m. on the North Platte North Campus.