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The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors opened its February meeting by celebrating a major milestone — the completion of a new electrical technology building on the North Platte Community College North Campus.
MPCC President Ryan Purdy said the project has been about 18 months in the making and marks the first new instructional building constructed on the North Campus since the mid-1980s.
The state-of-the-art facility will house the college’s electrical technology and electrical automation programs. Purdy said the previous lab space was overcrowded, with students working in tight quarters. The new building nearly doubles the available square footage and provides expanded room for hands-on training.
He described the program as the premier electrical technology program in the state and credited passionate faculty for its strength. Instructors are currently installing specialized equipment and workstations, with classes expected to begin in the new space before the end of the March semester.
Purdy said the investment reflects the growing importance of skilled trades across western Nebraska. He noted continued economic development in the region and strong demand for trained workers in fields such as electrical, HVAC, auto body and welding. Many of those programs can be completed in about one year, allowing students to quickly enter the workforce with an associate degree.
Following the ribbon cutting, the Board moved into its regular meeting. Student trustees provided updates from the North Platte and McCook campuses, including athletic activities now underway for basketball, softball, baseball and golf.
The Board also welcomed interim golf coach Mitch Carter, who replaces Will Pierce. Carter, originally from Australia, has been in Nebraska for several months and is currently working at Lake Maloney Golf Course while coaching the team this spring.
Faculty Senate representative Dr. Aaron McLean shared a student success story about a nontraditional student who completed refresher coursework at MPCC before earning a full-ride scholarship to the Creighton University College of Pharmacy.
Board members approved several action items during the meeting. The Board entered into a three-year audit engagement with Dana F. Cole & Company, as required by federal and state law. The agreement covers annual financial statement, federal financial aid and enrollment audits for the 2025-26 through 2027-28 fiscal years.
The Board also approved a bid from Mid-West Barrier of Bertrand for new windows on the first floor of McMillen Hall. The project will take place over the summer, with staff temporarily relocated during construction.
Tuition increases for the 2026-27 academic year were also approved. The adjustment represents about a 5 percent increase across the board. Purdy said the changes keep MPCC in line with other rural Nebraska community colleges while maintaining financial responsibility. Housing and meal rates will also increase by 5 percent, along with an additional $100 per semester for apartment-style units. State law requires college housing and meal plans to be self-supporting, meaning tax dollars cannot be used to subsidize those operations.
Despite the increases, college officials emphasized that more than $1 million in scholarships is available for students beginning this fall. Applications for MPCC scholarships are due March 1 at mpcc.edu.
The next Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for March 18 in North Platte.