Story by MPCC Communications
The Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors met for its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. (CDT) Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in the Community Room on McCook Community College – East Campus, 905 E. 7th St., McCook, Nebraska.
Board Vice Chair Kim Korgan started the meeting with a roll call. In addition to Korgan, those present were MPCC President Ryan Purdy and Board members: Matthew Broz, Kirk Crawley, Tyler Pribbeno and Tricia Schaffer. Board members Cynthia Duncan, Molly Jeffres, Ted Klug Jr., Dr. Ben Lashley, Megan McGown and Kent Miller and were absent and excused.
NPCC student trustee Sergio Quintana and MCC student trustee Hannah Schneider were also present.
2. OPEN FORUM (Comments from students, faculty, staff, public and Board)
a. Sergio Quintana shared North Platte campus updates and Hannah Schneider updated the Board on McCook campus happenings.
b. Faculty Senate representative Dr. Courtney Johnston updated the Board on faculty activities in McCook and North Platte.
c. English Instructor Dr. Cassandra Pfeifer updated the Board on the study abroad trip to Japan this summer. Two students are registered and up to ten students may participate. The application deadline is Dec. 4.
d. Vice President of Student Affairs Kelly Rippen introduced the new Dean of Enrollment Services Derek Grubb to the Board.
e. Kelsey Gillen was introduced as the new Student Success Coach/Head Softball Coach for McCook.
f. Dean of Student Life Dr. Brian Obert introduced the McCook resident life assistants and residence life staff to the Board.
g. Resource Specialist Terra Michaelis introduced the McCook international students to the Board. Twenty-one different countries are represented at MCC this year.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Due to unforeseen travel conflicts, a quorum of the Board of Governors was not present. The action items were discussed; however, no formal action was taken. In accordance with board policy, the chair of the Board of Governors will authorize the MPCC President to proceed with time sensitive items as necessary to avoid delays or disruptions in projects or materials. Any actions taken under this authorization will be presented to the Board of Governors for ratification at the November meeting.
a. Consulting, Research, and Assessment services for a Student Access, Retention and Success Needs Assessment
b. Student Needs Assessment Project Management
c. Cybersecurity Certificate
d. Digital Marketing Certificate
e. NPCC Osgood Mechanical Upgrade and Wrestling Practice Facility Renovation
f. Pediatric Nursing Simulator
4. REPORTS
a. Marketing and Public Information Director Daniel Stinman presented the 25-26 MPCC Annual Report to the Board.
b. Cabinet Reports: The Board heard reports from MPCC President Ryan Purdy, Vice President of Administrative Services Mike Steele, Vice President of Academic Affairs and NPCC Dr. Jody Tomanek, Vice President of Student Affairs and MCC Kelly Rippen, Director of Institutional Effectiveness Tad Pfeifer, Director of Human Resources Rebecca Wrage and Marketing and Public Information Director Daniel Stinman.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
- November 18 – Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, NPCC North Campus
- December 16 – Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 200, W.W. Wood Building, NPCC North Campus