President's Office Archives

Posted On: September 16, 2019
By: MC Admin

McPherson College was recognized as a “Great Colleges to Work For” for the fifth year in a row and received Honor Roll recognition for the fourth year in a row. McPherson College is the only Kansas school earning recognition on the lists.

The Honor Roll is an elite group of institutions that are standouts within their respective enrollment sizes. This year, 236 colleges were surveyed for the list and 85 were recognized while 42 were singled out for the Honor Roll.

“Everyone at McPherson College works very hard to make this a great place, and it’s exciting to be recognized again this year by the country’s leader in higher education,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “The fact that we have earned this distinction now for five years running–and been named to the Honor Roll for four years in a row–speaks to the strong, collaborative relationships among our faculty, staff, and administration.”

President Schneider points to some of the basics like the college’s health insurance plan that has not had a premium increase for 10 years, annual pay raises, and monthly all campus meetings, “huddles,” as reasons why people like working for McPherson College. Additionally, involvement in programs like training from the Kansas Leadership Center, which develop adaptive problem solving skills, and other significant professional development investments in the operating budget, sets McPherson College apart from other college campuses.

“The college is not just a place to clock in and clock out, but it is a community where people care about one another and help each other to be their best persons,” Becki Bowman, professor of communication and faculty chair, said. “It is not just a job to complete, but a place where ideas are created, nurtured, and brought to fruition. We are not just students, faculty and staff, but we are a family.”

McPherson College was one of just seven institutions nationwide to earn top honors in 11 or more of the report’s 12 categories, which include areas like compensation and benefits along with work and life balance.

“McPherson College has always been my home,” Tony Segovia, softball head coach, said. “I’ve enjoyed everywhere I’ve worked, but there is something special about this place. I also went to school with many of the staff and faculty, so when I’m recruiting students to come here, I can truly tell them they are in good hands.”

Community is central to McPherson College’s identity, according to President Schneider. “As our college community continues to work through the challenges of an intense yet innovative strategic plan, Community by Design 2021, faculty and staff are actively implementing our plans. Community by Design drove decision-making and much of the work we did over the last year. In addition, we did all of it while balancing our operating budget and maintaining our overall student retention. By working together, these plans will nurture the creative processes to sustain innovative academic ventures that will shape the future of our residential campus community.”

The “Great Colleges to Work For” survey is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. It recognizes the colleges that get top ratings from their employees regarding workplace practices and policies.

Posted On: September 9, 2019
By: MC Admin

For the fourth year in a row, McPherson College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report on the 2020 “Best Colleges” list for Regional Colleges in the Midwest. Additionally, McPherson College is among only four schools in Kansas ranked as a “Best Value” school by the report.

Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included on the “Best Value Schools” ranking list. When evaluating colleges for this list, U.S. News & World Report considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically and takes into account academic quality as well as cost.

“It is an honor to be included on such a well-respected list,” President Michael Schneider said. “It’s further proof that McPherson College is being recognized for the work being done by our faculty and staff to ensure quality education, excellent student experience, and value.”

Initiatives such as the college’s Student Debt Project, which teaches students how to graduate debt-free, and the college’s successful career placement rate are just two examples of why McPherson College is recognized on the “Best Colleges” list, according to President Schneider.

“We have some of the highest placement rates in the country with two-thirds of our graduates having jobs or graduate school placement before they even graduate,” President Schneider said. “Combined with our focus on eliminating student debt we are proving to students and families that a McPherson College education is the best choice, and resulting in growing enrollment this fall and steady retention over the past few years.”

This year, McPherson College moved up 10 places in the “Best College” ranking, and was included in the top twenty schools for Campus Ethnic Diversity as well as in the top twenty of Top Performers on Social Mobility. The social mobility ranking is new to the report this year and measures how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants (those typically coming from households whose family incomes are less than 450,000 annually, though most Pell Grant awards to students with a total family income below $20,000.)

The U.S. News & World Report has been ranking colleges for 35 years. The rankings are based on several key measures, each weighted as a percentage of the total score. Graduation, retention rates, and social mobility, assessment of excellence by peers, quality of faculty resources (such as class size and student-faculty ratio) account for more than three-fourths of the ranking.

The remaining one-fourth of the ranking is determined by a college’s student selectivity, and amount of alumni giving and the financial resources at the institution’s disposal. The data gathered for the rankings serves as an objective guide for students and families who are making decisions about attending college.

Posted On: September 8, 2019
By: MC Admin

By Michael Schneider, President
McPherson College

Kylee Martin from Goodland was one of thousands of Kansas high school students considering their college options. She visited a couple of state schools. Even after receiving some great scholarships, she knew that student loans were inevitable. She qualified for over $40,000 in loans to pay for her degree—it was tempting to take the money, but she didn’t need it. She didn’t end up at a state school. Instead, she came to McPherson College. As a student here, she realized quickly that she didn’t have to mortgage her future. Kylee joined our Student Debt Project and learned how to manage her finances to take care of the cost of education before graduation.

We don’t think graduating with a mortgage on your education needs to be a solution to college access. And as a private institution, we’ve done something about it. We make college accessible without lots of debt. The Student Debt Project helps students at McPherson College eliminate their need for loans so they can graduate with little—to zero—student debt.

National media are obsessed with the price of a college education, while colleges are countering with bigger scholarships. Nationwide, student loan debt is at an all-time high of $1.52 trillion—second only to mortgage debt. Some 371,000 Kansans collectively owe more than $11.5 billion in federal student loans. In fact, among all Kansas graduates in the class of 2018, nearly 60% of them graduated with debt. I think what Kansans are worried about most is college loan debt. Debt should be the new focus of our discussion with college-ready families.

There’s a myth that students who attend private colleges accrue more debt than their public university peers. But it’s not true nationally, and especially not true here in Kansas. In fact, McPherson College graduates finish with no more debt than graduates from Kansas’ public universities—both average less debt than the price of a new Honda Accord.

Funny thing, though—about 81% of McPherson College graduates finish their degree in four years, compared to 66% of Kansas’ public university students. That means our graduates are already out in the workforce earning a living, while their friends at public university are still working on their degrees.

The Student Debt Project combines financial literacy education, jobs and mentorships to create a pathway for students to graduate with little or no debt. McPherson College is matching a percentage of every dollar students contribute to their education while they are in the program. Dedicated community mentors are supporting our students as they balance work, education and life during their college career, as well as providing financial management skills for a lifetime.

We developed the Student Debt Project because it’s good for the economy, good for families, good for Kansas, and good for the nation.

As the president of a small college that competes with state-run and for-profit schools, I’m often asked the question: Should small colleges exist?

My answer is, absolutely! Programs like the Student Debt Project are one reason why.

And when the Class of 2020 graduates in May, our focus on financial literacy, employment and mentorships will speak for itself. Kylee Martin will walk across the stage to receive her four-year degree at McPherson College, graduating with little—to zero—student debt.

Learn more about the Student Debt Project at McPherson College.

Posted On: August 29, 2019
By: MC Admin

An initiative introduced by McPherson College and McPherson Hospital with a focus on community health sets out to become a new model for community health care in rural areas. It features a new enhanced health science degree at the college with a wide variety of hands-on educational opportunities thanks to a partnership with the hospital.

Working together toward healthier communities is the goal of the partnership. The partnership will provide opportunities for student learning and community outreach with the intent to create a new model for rural community health in Kansas. There is more to a healthy community than just treating people who are sick, explained McPherson College President Michael Schneider.

“We are looking at this from a holistic, patient-centered approach to health care in rural communities,” President Schneider said. “In small communities, you need to be resourceful uncovering ways to build a healthy community. It includes everything from mentoring at-risk youth to making sure our elderly citizens are safe when they return home from a hospital stay. It also includes solving our challenges to provide good mental health support and treatment for all. This partnership will put our students out in the community working with support from McPherson Hospital to solve these challenges.”

The new degree and partnership was announced August 29 at McPherson College where Rep. Roger Marshall, M.D., spoke about the importance of working together to support rural health.

“Health care, like many industries in Kansas, struggles to find qualified employees,” said U.S. Congressman Marshall. “I served as an OBGYN for more than 25 years and understand the need to find and retain hardworking, qualified medical staff. Partnerships and educational opportunities like the one announced today are an important step in meeting the health care needs of all Kansans and creating educational opportunities for those who want to live and work in rural America.”

The joint initiative aligns the college and hospital to provide students access to its facility resources and people for internships, field experiences, observation, and clinicals. The cooperating effort offers students opportunities for real-world experiences in all aspects of health care delivery, and develops a workforce pipeline for the hospital and other health care agencies across the state as students graduate from the new program. One of the first efforts the new initiative will pursue is a survey of all the health related opportunities available for students in Central Kansas.

“The delivery of health care and the needs of consumers have changed dramatically over the years and are likely to continue,” Terri Gehring McPherson Hospital president and CEO, said. “By combining our resources, talents and expertise we have the opportunity to accomplish so much more than we can individually to address these needs.”

President Schneider add, “Our organizations face similar challenges. This partnership allows us to work together with common goals. The primary focus of the college is creating pathways to careers in community health for our students. By working with the hospital, we also have the ability to provide signature outreach programs for some of the most vulnerable populations of any community, such as at-risk youth and the elderly.”

Last year, the college conducted an environmental analysis that included community focus groups with more than 60 area health professionals and community leaders participating. The research uncovered opportunities for developing an enhanced health science degree focused on health careers as well as support for a college and hospital partnership.

“The concept of partnering makes a lot of sense,” John Worden, chief operating officer at the hospital, said. “It became clear as we discussed the possibilities that we can unite and work together in a way that improves the health care delivery model and provides educational opportunities for students.”

Over the next 10 years the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 10-20 percent growth in careers related to community health. In Kansas, community health careers in telemedicine, telehealth, behavioral health, health care administration and community health planning are in high demand. Locally, a Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted annually by the hospital, prioritized the need for more mental health resources and services.

Kansas is among states with the highest number of rural hospitals and greatest shortage of health care professionals of all types, according to the National Rural Health Association. Additionally, according to the Kansas Hospital Association, more than 25 percent of the state’s population lives in rural areas.

“In the focus groups, we observed amazing community support for both the college and hospital,” Gehring said. “Participants were excited about the potential partnership and asked how they could help. This reinforced why McPherson is such a great community. We work together with a shared vision of success.”

Curriculum for the new degree will be offered beginning in the fall of 2020. The degree is designed for students who want to study in the field of health care while participating in outstanding internship opportunities which allow them to give back to the community. For more information about the community health degree program, please contact McPherson College admissions at [email protected].

Posted On: August 21, 2019
By: MC Admin

The Lundquists hosting McPherson College

McPherson College has announced a gift of $1 million from Richard and Melanie Lundquist, noted California philanthropists. The gift recognizes the work of renowned car restorer, Paul Russell and Company, and was announced at a private event hosted by McPherson College at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. Russell serves as president of the college’s national advisory board for automotive restoration.

“We are committed to McPherson’s automotive restoration program, particularly since it is the only four-year program like it in the country,” Melanie Lundquist said. “The college strives to provide the best student experiences. We really enjoy the collaborative partnership we have developed with the college.”

Paul Russell and Company restored a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Figoni and Falaschi Teardrop Cabriolet owned by the Lundquists that took top honors as Most Elegant Convertible class and was among four contenders for the Best of Show at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours.

“Having just gone through a concours-quality restoration project, the Lundquists appreciate the value of craftsmanship and understand the importance of educating the next generation of craftsmen,” Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration at McPherson College. “We are grateful that they have recognized McPherson College as an institution worthy of their support.”

Chris Hammond, a McPherson College graduate, was senior mechanical restorer on the project, and Paul Russell and Company currently employs three McPherson College graduates. Russell is a champion of educating the next generation of craftsmen and has been a long-time supporter of the McPherson College program.

“McPherson College is honored to be recognized with this gift from Richard and Melanie,” President Michael Schneider said. “This gift is evidence that the quality of education provided at McPherson College is valued. Our entire campus works hard providing outstanding educational opportunities and career experiences. This is a signal to the industry that we are committed to excellence and it takes people like the Lundquists stepping up to help us drive the future of this industry.”

The McPherson College Automotive Restoration program began in 1976 with funding from local entrepreneur, Gaines “Smokey” Billue, and has evolved into a nationally recognized and award-winning leader in restoration education, offering the only four-year bachelor’s degree for restoration technology in the country. The program offers student experience outside of the classroom at some of the most prestigious car events in the United States, like Pebble Beach. The college also has a growing alumni base who work in all facets of the car collecting world including Hagerty, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, Historic Vehicle Association, RM Sotheby’s, in their own shops, and private collections.

Posted On: April 26, 2019
By: MC Admin

Taylor Ellison

Last year, two-thirds of McPherson College graduates had jobs waiting for them before they graduated. This year’s graduating class is already starting to receive job offers including two students who will join the management training program at Equity Bank.

Taylor Ellison of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jesse Freeman of Castle Rock, Colorado will graduate on Sunday, May 19 at McPherson College and will begin work with Equity Bank in June. Both are students in the business program at the college. They were selected by faculty to interview with the bank in March. Both were contacted for a second round of interviews that include Equity Bank CEO Brad Elliott, a 1989 graduate of McPherson College. The two students will join several other alumni who work for Equity Bank and who are on its leadership team.

Ellison will graduate with degree in business administration with emphasis in finance and marketing. He was an executive member in the business club and played basketball for the Bulldogs for four years serving as senior captain. He also was a 2019 KCAC champion of character recipient. Freeman will also graduate with a degree in business administration with emphasis in accounting and finance. He was a member of the cross country and track teams and was a national qualifier in both in 2018.

Jesse Freeman

Equity Bank is headquartered in Wichita and has branches throughout Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

“McPherson College’s career placement rates are some of the highest in the country and we continue to elevate the scope and visibility of our career services efforts,” President Michael Schneider said. “So it is very exciting for us to have a strong partner like Equity Bank who can offer experiential and as well career opportunities for our students.”

McPherson College graduates are employed before graduation at a rate that is three times higher than the national average and six months out 98 percent of all graduates are employed.

Posted On: April 24, 2019
By: MC Admin

Since 2010 McPherson College has been encouraging the entrepreneurial ideas of its students by awarding mini-grants that help students develop innovative solutions to common problems. With more than 250 grants awarded, the college recently announced the latest recipients of the Horizon Fund Grants.

This spring, the Horizon Fund is providing 10 grants to 11 students with ideas ranging from an on-campus coffee shop and online design company to a travel blog. The individual grants range from $100 to $500 and students have the opportunity to reapply for continued funding of an existing Horizon Fund project.

Abbey Archer-Rierson, chief of staff and head of the entrepreneurship program at McPherson College, said, “The Horizon Fund grant is just one of the many ways that McPherson College demonstrates its commitment to entrepreneurship and supporting entrepreneurial students on our campus. The grants have supported a variety of wildly creative ideas and this most recent round of funding is no exception.”

Any McPherson College student, in any major of study is eligible for the grant, whether individually or as part of a team. Grant proposals are considered each semester and evaluated by a team of faculty and staff that interview each applicant.

Recipients of the spring 2019 Horizon Fund grants are:

Victoria Gonzales, Elementary Education, Keller, Texas – Coffee stand on campus, “I will provide a variety of drinks and snacks including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. I will meet the needs of the students.”
Xander Lehn, Automotive Restoration Technology, Sacramento, California – Metal Garage, “Many classic cars had options and accessories when they were new but as they age, fewer and fewer businesses offer what collectors really want. My market is focused on people who like to use their classic cars for things other than just shows.”
Alex Ramsier, Automotive Restoration Technology/Management, Wooster, Ohio – Restoration Shop, “My idea is different because I am a young entrepreneur still in college looking to build an automotive business, when most students wait until after graduation or later to build a business.”
Francis Abate, Automotive Restoration Technology, Steamboat Springs, Colorado – Electrical business for automotive restoration, “The restoration and preservation of automobiles and related vehicles is a growing marketplace and the skills needed to repair these cars and trucks are becoming increasingly harder to find. My automotive restoration education is giving me the foundation necessary in order to serve this growing need.”
Rick Sakamoto, Business Management, Frankston, South Australia – Coffee stand on campus, “The idea is to start a coffee stand on campus with a menu that includes several different options to cater to a wide variety of students, staff, and visitors. It would operate one to two hours each morning including weekends.”
Mason Duffey, Automotive Restoration Technology/Communications, Bellbrook, Ohio – Automotive media equipment, “I want to go into automotive media after I graduate and had the idea to create my own internship by traveling the country this summer writing, photographing, and videoing my journey in order to build my professional portfolio.”
Amanda Lolling, Business, accounting/marketing and Graphic Design, Haysville, Kansas; and Matt Bouwkamp, Graphic Design, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma – Online graphic design, “We would like to meet the affordable art need. Artwork, especially personalized is often quite expensive. We would like to offer beautiful creations at an affordable price.”
Moneshya Green, Digital Media: Visual Design, McCook, Nebraska – Host family network for students, “My idea is to have ‘adoptive’ families for students who are a long way from home. The host families could possibly gain a babysitter, house sitter, or pet sitter, while the student could gain home-cooked meals, rides, and just a family to fill-in until they are able to go home.”
Jeremiah Greene, Automotive Restoration Technology, Farragut, Iowa – Upholstery shop, “It is something I am passionate about and there is a shortage of trimmers. I think my passion and skill set will set me apart from other students or businesses.”
Stef Krsmanovic, Health Science, Gornji Milanovac, Serbia – Recruiting students from Serbia, “I think it is a unique idea because I’ll do something that is going to promote McPherson College in a whole different world.”
Ian Rhoten, Graphic Design/studio, Wichita, Kansas – Writing and illustrating a children’s book, “My book would be a meaningful adventure for children to experience with depth to interest adults. Children can understand more than most people give them credit for. My book is not only for them to process and understand, but for adults to mull over as well.”

Posted On: March 29, 2019
By: MC Admin

McPherson College’s Power Day 2019 surpassed all goals and set new records on March 14 this year during the annual online day of giving, which supports students and programs across campus. Celebrating the five-year anniversary of Power Day, more than 300 alumni and friends of the college gave $156,770, exceeding last year’s total by nearly $40,000.

“The response to this year’s Power Day exceeded all my expectations,” Dave Barrett ’90, advancement officer, said. “Five years ago when we started this, we had no idea Power Day would connect with so many people. It’s really a day about celebrating McPherson College.”

Many McPherson College alumni agreed and shared why they are “Bulldogs Forever” on the college’s website and social media channels. Donors were encouraged to leave comments throughout the day and those were shared on the college website. Common themes were gratitude for community, support, and quality education.

“McPherson College gave me the opportunity to jump start my career. I want to ensure current and future students have the same or better opportunities that I did,” Kyle Smith, a 2013 graduate, said.

Brent Paul, a 1994 graduate, kicked off the day with a gift of $50,000 and more than 40 first-time donors made gifts to Power Day. Alumni from 35 states and two foreign countries participated in the day of giving. Support on campus was also strong this year with employee participation doubling. The 20-person staff of the Facilities Department was the largest department on campus with 100 percent participation.

“Power Day is a great example of our alumni and friends stepping up to support student experience at McPherson College,” President Michael Schneider said. “Encouraging a new generation of support through opportunities like Power Day ensures that we continue our tradition of successful fundraising.”

Posted On: March 11, 2019
By: MC Admin

McPherson College celebrated 20 employees and trustees for their years of service to the college with a reception, dinner, and awards program at Mingenback Theatre on March 7. The annual night of recognition celebrated the work of faculty, staff and board of trustees members who have served the college from five to 30 years.

“The outstanding achievements and accomplishments by the honorees in the classroom, within individual departments, and in the McPherson community propel the college beyond being a great college to work for,” President Michael Schneider said. “These honorees facilitate world-class experiences for our students and it is in this deep sense of campus community where our students excel to be leaders of the future.”

Those honored included:

30 Years:
Marylyn Matthaei, executive assistant to the VP for academic affairs

20 Years:
Andrew Ullom, director of computer services
Kenneth Yohn, professor of history

15 Years:
Shane Kirchner, professor of education
Chris Paulsen, associate professor of technology
Ann Zerger, professor of art

10 Years:
Brian Martin, director of automotive restoration development
Carry Smith, custodian
Bonnie Wall, custodian

5 Years:
Andrew Olsen, assistant director of financial aid
Curt Goodwin, associate professor of technology
Amanda Peterson, grounds technician
Mariah Ramey, grounds and maintenance technician
Michael Dudley, assistant professor technology
Patricia Hartshorn, registrar

Board Members:
Balbir Mathur
Carolyn Shrock
Craig Holman
Steve Burkholder
Tom Crist

Posted On: February 12, 2019
By: MC Admin

A new program at McPherson College aims at helping students graduate with no student loan debt. The Student Debt Project focuses on making college a possibility by addressing families’ biggest challenge.

“Most schools are talking about cost and others boast large scholarship programs,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “Our data is clear. Students and parents are focused on debt. We want to meet them there.”

It’s hard to miss the news coverage of the amount of student loan debt in the United States. Last year nationwide, the average student loan debt was $37,000 with 44.2 million borrowers owing $1.31 trillion. The Washington Post reported, 11 percent of the nation’s college graduates with student loan debt were either delinquent or in default, according to the Department of Education.

The student debt project is part of McPherson College’s commitment to its strategic plan “Community by Design.” The project was tested during the last academic year with success and officially launched this fall with 24 students.

It focuses on three areas: employment, mentorship, and financial literacy. Each student completes a financial planning workshop where they create a budget, and works with a mentor to navigate their continually changing financial challenges as college students. Each student has a unique financial situation, requiring individual plans. However, a component of each plan includes students’ agreement to work throughout their time at college, and McPherson College will match earnings applied to a student account at 25 cents per dollar.

“In last year’s pilot cohort, we saw students make significant progress on reducing their student loan debt,” President Schneider said. “We hope that any student who will make the commitment can graduate with no student loan debt.”

Junior Kylee Martin participated in the pilot program because she was interested in graduating with as little debt as possible. She took the financial literacy training seriously and has worked in various internships to reduce her student loan debt.

“Once you see it start to add up it’s exciting and you see that you can do this,” she said. “I’ve been able to cut my tuition debt in half. It’s nice knowing that I don’t have to ask my parents for money. I even have some money saved for emergencies, and I’ve learned things that I will use the rest of my life.”

The Student Debt Project was sparked by the fact that many students take out excess student loans. “At McPherson College we found that in some years nearly forty percent of the total student debt is refunded back to them,” President Schneider said. “We started to think about ways we could educate students on how to better manage and budget their refunds in order to reduce their loan debt.”

McPherson College is hopeful that the project will make it possible for a significant number of its students to afford a college education, and to change the paradigm of what is really at issue in paying for a college education.

“We are encouraging any student, including our first-year students, who are serious about reducing their expected student loan debt to apply for the program,” Christi Hopkins, vice president of enrollment management, said. “Our goal is that this project will not only make coming to college possible for many, but also lead to sustainable, brighter start to our student’s careers. You pair no student loans with a job out of college and it is a big win.”

Students interested in learning more about the project can go to the college website at: www.mcpherson.edu/debtproject.

Quicklinks

Category: President’s Office

McPherson College Named “2019 GREAT COLLEGE TO WORK FOR”

McPherson College Ranks in U.S. News & World Report “Best College” List

Helping Students Graduate with Zero Student Debt Should Be the Goal of All Colleges

McPherson College Teams With McPherson Hospital to Offer New Model for Rural Health Care

McPherson College Announces $1 Million Gift

Two MC Students Selected for Equity Bank Management Program

McPherson College Announces Latest Horizon Fund Grant Recipients

Power Day 2019 Surpasses Previous Years

McPherson College Honors Faculty, Staff and Trustees

McPherson College Launches Program to Reduce Student Loan Debt