Thursday Sunny, with a high near 94. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

FridayIncreasing clouds, with a high near 86. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Friday NightA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

SaturdayA 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.

Saturday NightShowers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 69.

The Hays Police Department responded to 11 animal calls and conducted 31 traffic stops Mon., May 13, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Mental Health Call–2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1:02 AM
Driving Under the Influence–8th and Vine St, Hays; 2:27 AM
Harassment, Telephone/FAX–300 block W 13th St, Hays; 7:21 AM; 7:31 AM
Animal At Large–2900 block Walnut St, Hays; 8:56 AM
Credit Card Violations–3400 block Vine St, Hays; 5/7 6:25 AM; 6:28 AM
Animal At Large–500 block E 11th St, Hays; 10:38 AM
Animal At Large–1500 block US 183 Alt Hwy, Hays; 10:43 AM
Credit Card Violations–1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 5/6 8 PM; 8:05 PM
Credit Card Violations–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 5/6 7:30 PM; 5/6 7:45 PM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 11:40 AM
Welfare Check–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 11:58 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 1:08 PM
Phone/Mail Scam–500 block W 6th St, Hays; 1:43 PM
Trash Dumping–1000 block E 8th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–200 block W 12th St, Hays; 2:09 PM
Aggravated Battery–400 block W 5th St, Hays; 3/15 9 PM; 3/25 9:30 PM
Lost Animals ONLY–500 block E 13th St, Hays; 2:52 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2700 block Augusta Ln, Hays; 2:56 PM; 2:57 PM
Burglary/business–500 block E 17th St, Hays; 5/9 6:30 PM; 5/12 6:30 PM
Wildlife Incident–3700 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 5:05 PM
Animal At Large–1900 block Lincoln Dr, Hays; 5:36 PM
Suspicious Activity–4000 block Gen Hays Rd, Hays; 10:42 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and conducted 33 traffic stops Tue., May 14, 2019, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Drug Offenses–1000 block Elm St, Hays; 12:10 AM
MV Accident-Private Property–400 block E 14th St, Hays; 8:07 AM
Welfare Check–1100 block Downing Ave, Hays; 9:20 AM
Animal At Large–200 block W 14th St, Hays; 12:14 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–500 block E 14th St, Hays; 5/13 6 PM; 5/14 12:57 PM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–2900 block Vine St, Hays; 1:09 PM
Animal Call–2100 block E 21st St, Hays; 2:20 PM
Domestic Disturbance–400 block Santa Fe St, Hays; 2:57 PM; 3 PM
Criminal Damage to Property–2500 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 1/14 3:02 PM; 5/14 3:02 PM
Domestic Disturbance–400 block Santa Fe St, Hays; 5/10 12 PM; 3 PM
Driving Under the Influence–1200 block Vine St, Hays; 3:30 PM
Theft of Services–2700 block Hall St, Hays; 4:30 PM; 4:47 PM
Missing Person–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 4:52 PM
Bicycle – Lost,Found,Stolen–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 5:42 PM
Juvenile Complaint–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 6:08 PM
Disturbance – Noise–500 block W 16th St, Hays; 6:39 PM
Civil Dispute–3200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:30 PM; 6:35 AM
Credit Card Violations–2500 block Marjorie Dr, Hays; 5/9 8:25 PM; 8:30 AM
Suspicious Activity–3300 block Thunderbird Dr, Hays; 11 PM; 11:30 PM

FHSU University Relations

Nominees for three top awards have been announced by the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.
Thirty-five graduating seniors have been nominated for the 2019 Torch Award, the highest student honor, and 33 faculty were nominated by members of the class of 2019 for the Pilot Award for outstanding faculty member.

In addition, 12 graduate students who will complete their degrees this spring were nominated for the association’s Lighthouse Award to honor the outstanding student completing graduate studies.

The Torch and Pilot Awards, created in 1974, are presented every year at the Graduate and Faculty Dinner in advance of Commencement. The Lighthouse Award was created in 2018.

Torch Award and Lighthouse Award candidates are nominated by members of the faculty on the basis of classroom excellence, participation in professional organizations and involvement in student, civic or research activities.

Pilot Award candidates are nominated on the basis of classroom excellence, ongoing research and service activities.

Nominees for the Torch Award and the Lighthouse Award are listed alphabetically by hometown. The list excludes one student who requested privacy.

Torch Award Nominees

ABILENE: Bryan Hirsch, a double major in history and secondary education, is an Abilene High School graduate.

ANDALE: Abbie Maxwell, majoring in nursing, is an Andale High School graduate.

BELOIT: Remington Behrends, majoring in communication sciences and disorders, is a Beloit High School graduate.
Arrica Overmiller, a double major in radiologic technology and medical diagnostic imaging, is a Beloit High School graduate.

BENNINGTON: Dustin Stanley, majoring in organizational leadership, is a Bennington High School graduate.

CHANUTE: Zoie Stewart, majoring in communication sciences and disorders, is a Chanute High School graduate.

CLAY CENTER: Tori Ihnen, majoring in English, is a Clay Center Community High School graduate.

COLBY: Connor Mountford, majoring in political science, is a Colby High School graduate.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.: Alexis-Athena Wyatt, majoring in English education, is a Widefield High School graduate.

ELLIS: Kori Clark, majoring in psychology, is an Ellis High School graduate.

FLAGLER, Colo.: Adam Daniel, majoring in tourism and hospitality management, is a Flagler High School graduate.

GREAT BEND: Kiley Heine, majoring in sociology, is a Great Bend High School graduate.
Kaylan Lagerman Garcia, majoring in psychology, is a Great Bend High School graduate.

HAYS: Nicole Feyerherm, majoring in English, is a Hays High School graduate.
Nicholas Glassman, a double major in accounting and management, is a Hays High School graduate.
Cameron Klaus, majoring in finance, is a Hays High School graduate.
Russell Krug, majoring in geosciences, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Monica Michaud, majoring in computer science, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Adam Schibi, majoring in accounting, is a Thomas More Prep-Marian High School graduate.
Rebecca Stegman, majoring in organizational leadership, is a Hays High School graduate.
Courtney Storer, majoring in medical diagnostic imaging, is a Hays High School graduate.

HUTCHINSON: Josh Hermes, a double major in music and secondary education, is a Trinity Catholic High School graduate.

KANSAS CITY: Diane Hernandez-Ramirez, majoring in organizational leadership, is a Turner High School graduate.

LARNED: Marley Palmer, majoring in nursing, is a Larned High School graduate.

LIBERAL: Maricela Alonso, majoring in elementary education, is a Liberal High School graduate.

LYONS: Kayla Reid, a double major in communication sciences and disorders and organizational leadership, is a Lyons High School graduate.

MCDONALD: Anna-Lura “Allie” Frisbie, majoring in accounting, is a Cheylin High School graduate.

NEOSHO, Mo.: Hanna Selman, majoring in art, is a Neosho High School graduate.

OBERLIN: Baron Green, majoring in accounting, is a Decatur Community High School graduate.

RUSSELL: Roy Koech, majoring in criminal justice, is a Creek Valley High School graduate.

SALINA: Anneka Sundell, majoring in criminal justice, is a Salina South High School graduate.

SCOTT CITY: Rachel Kropp, a double major in finance and accounting, is a Scott Community High School graduate.

TRIBUNE: Brooke Wineinger, majoring in communication sciences and disorders, is a Greeley County High School graduate.

WHITEWATER: Braden Allmond, majoring in physics, is a Fredric Remington High School graduate.

WICHITA: Micquille Robinson, majoring in construction management, is a Wichita Northwest High School graduate.

Lighthouse Award Nominees

ARCADIA, Neb.: Celeste Gould, completing a Master of Science in speech language pathology.

CLAFLIN: Katie Hipp, completing a Master of Science in speech language pathology.

ELLIS: Alicia Kroeger, completing a Master of Business Administration.

GARDEN CITY: Ricky Carrasco, completing a Master of Business Administration (human resource management).

HAYS: Kiera Schwarz, completing a Master of Business Administration (finance).

HILL CITY & JOPLIN, Mo.: Judy Sansom, completing a Master of Arts (English).

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.: Rodiel “Kirby” Baloy, completing an Education Specialist degree in advanced professional studies (education leadership).

HUTCHINSON: Jared Ridder, completing a Master of Science (biology).

LARNED: Jessica Johnson, completing a Master of Science (health and human performance).

SALINA: Addison Tritt, completing a Master of Professional Studies (human resource management).

SENECA: Kayce Feldkamp, completing a Master of Business Administration, (accounting).

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo.: Cyrus Green, completing a Master of Science degree in geosciences (geology).

Nominees for the Pilot Award are listed alphabetically.

Dr. Ivalah Allen, associate professor of music and theatre.
Micki Armstrong, academic advisor for sociology.
Dr. Lexey Bartlett, associate professor of English.
Erica Bittel, instructor of art and design.
Dr. Emily Breit, associate professor of economics, finance and accounting.
Dr. Sarah Broman, assistant professor of teacher education.
Dr. Keith Campbell, professor of sociology.
Dr. Gordon Carlson, associate professor of communication studies.
Arlea Carmack, FHSU Virtual College instructor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Betsy Crawford, assistant professor of advanced education programs.
Reade Dowda, assistant professor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Keith Dreiling, professor of mathematics.
Dr. Anthony Gabel, associate professor of management.
Dr. Eric Gillock, professor of biological sciences.
Dr. Mitch Greer, assistant professor of biological sciences.
Dr. Glenn Growe, assistant professor of economics, finance and accounting.
Dr. Jung Hee, assistant professor of social work.
Dr. Rose Helens-Hart, assistant professor of applied business studies.
Dr. Chris Hober, professor of nursing.
Dr. Bob Keener, assistant professor of agriculture.
Brooke Mann, instructor of psychology.
Dr. Brian Maricle, associate professor of biological sciences.
Dr. Helen Miles, assistant professor of health and human performance.
Dr. Kim Perez, associate professor of history.
Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, assistant professor of political science.
Dr. Mindy Salmans, lecturer for advanced education programs.
Dr. Sam Schreyer, associate professor of economics, finance and accounting.
Dr. Carl Singleton, professor of English.
Dr. Kevin Splichal, assistant professor of advanced education programs.
Dr. Jian Sun, professor of political science.
Dr. April Terry, assistant professor of criminal justice.
Dr. Juti Winchester, assistant professor of history.
Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, associate professor of communication studies.

Norton County Attorney

NORTON — Melissa M. Schoen, Norton County Attorney announces the sentencing of the following individuals in 2019 who were arrested by the Norton County Sheriff’s Department and Norton Police Department as a result of their on-going drug investigations.

In January, Dawson Stevens was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 41 months having been found guilty of Attempted Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Flee and Elude of Law Enforcement. After serving his prison sentence, Stevens will be under supervision with Community Corrections on post release and probation. He was also sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 32 months for having been found guilty of Distribution of Cocaine and Distribution of Methamphetamine. This sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation. Stevens must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 25 years as a result of the convictions for distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine.

In February, Kyle Burge was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 32 months having been found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment.

Also, in February, Jonathan Towery was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 40 months having been found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine. The sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment. Towery must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

In March, Joseph Gilbert was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 49 months having been found guilty of Distribution of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment. Gilbert must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

Also in March, Christopher Chastain was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 48 months having been found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug treatment. Chastain must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

On April 1, Wiyanna Burge was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 51 months having been found guilty of Distribution of Marijuana and felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her sentence was suspended to 36 months of supervised probation with Community Corrections for the defendant to obtain drug and alcohol treatment.

On April 8, Michael Cliff was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 27 months having been found guilty of Distribution of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of supervised probation with Court Services for the defendant to obtain drug and alcohol treatment. Cliff must register as a drug offender with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for 15 years as a result of the conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

Also on April 8, Cody Stewart was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 29 months having been found guilty of Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Use a of Communication Facility, and Possession of Methamphetamine. His sentence was suspended to 18 months of supervised probation with court services.

“I would like to thank the Norton Sheriff’s Department and the Norton Police Department for their ongoing investigations and continued hard work on cleaning up Norton County,” Schoen said.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The city of Hays is in the process of developing a fire/rescue training facility south of the newly remodeled wastewater treatment plant.

Money was budgeted for the project and the Hays Fire Department also received a grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, to finish the work.

In the past 18 months a fire training tower and burn box have been purchased and a substantial concrete pad was poured.

The final key component is a classroom at the site.

“It allows for the fire departments using the facility to do classroom learning before the training and then possibly debrief after the training,” says Toby Dougherty, city manager.

The city contacted the Fort Hays State University Department of Applied Technology and instructor Kris Munsch, whose students construct a garage each year.

“I reached out to Kris Munsch to see if they would have an interest in a joint project because essentially what we’re looking at is an oversized garage with restrooms, and Kris was excited about the project.”

City staff would provide assistance such as site grading and concrete work.

City commissioners will hear about the project proposal from Munsch and Fire Chief Ryan Hagans during their work session Thursday.

If the commission supports the idea, the plan calls for design by FHSU construction management students in the Fall 2019 semester with construction by the students in the Spring 2020 semester.

NCK Tech was also approached about the project to assist with plumbing, heating, and HVAC.

Dougherty says it “solely depends on the size of the class whether or not they can do their existing tasks and do any existing tasks. It’s going to be a ‘wait and see,’ but we’d like to have the involved as well.”

Other agenda items for the May 16 work session include discussion of  the following:

• Bid award and Federal Aviation Administration grant for a new airport truck and snow plow
• Bid award for contract sewer cleaning and video inspection
• Bid award for a Water Resources Department dump truck

Eber Phelps will also be sworn into office. He was appointed last week by the city commission to fill the unexpired term of James Meier who is moving to Wichita.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

FHSU University Relations

Degree programs offered by Fort Hays State University through the FHSU Virtual College received a No. 1 ranking for the best online degrees in Kansas and six top-10 recognitions in April for being among the best and most affordable programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities.

OnlineDegrees.com
No. 1, Online Degrees in Kansas
Tuition rates, number of online programs, student support resources and several other factors earned FHSU the top spot by Online Degrees, www.onlinedegrees.com’s ranking of the top online colleges in Kansas.

“Earning an online degree in Kansas makes sense for those in rural areas or who simply aren’t geographically close to schools offering their chosen programs,” says OnlineDegrees.com.

“Online programs allow students to complete their studies on their own schedules, making it possible to work, raise a family or fulfill other obligations. And research shows that online classes are typically less costly than on-campus classes.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2JoM4Og.

OnlineCourseReport.com
No. 2, Top 50 Universities Offering Online Courses 2019
Online Course Report, www.onlinecoursereport.com, gave the FHSU Virtual College this top ranking for its U.S. News and World Report news ranking, hourly tuition rate, student-to-faculty ratio, number of bachelor’s degrees offered completely online, graduation rate, and application fees.

“The online undergraduate programs at FHSU have been rated highly among a number of their programs – especially accounting and information technology – particularly in light of its low tuition,” says OnlineCourseReport.com.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2tvZ1Qd.

TopCounselingSchools.org
No. 2, The 25 Best Masters in Counseling Online Programs 2019
Ranked for its tuition rates, reputation, curriculum and value, FHSU’s online master’s degree in counseling was recognized by the Top Counseling Schools, www.topcounselingschools.org.

“Individuals who wish to grow in this field need more than a bachelor’s degree to stay ahead of the competition,” says TopCounselingSchools.org.

“Completing an online master’s degree in counseling program will provide them with the advanced knowledge and skills they need for most professional counseling positions.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2J2vQLq.

OnlineSchoolsCenter.com
No. 5, 20 Online Graduate Degrees: No GRE Required 2019
The FHSU Virtual College was ranked by Online Schools Center, onlineschoolscenter.com, for its graduate degree programs that do not require a GRE test score for admittance.

“Our list of 20 Online Degrees: No GRE Required features the online schools that attract prospective master’s and doctorate students who seek a faster path to their academic pursuit by skipping the GRE,” says OnlineSchoolsCenter.com.

“And because these graduate programs are delivered online, distance learners will find it easy, flexible and convenient to fit the coursework into their busy lifestyles.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2H7RLxm.

CriminalJusticeDegreeHub.com
No. 7, Top 10 Undergraduate Criminal Justice Certificate Programs for 2019
Cost, reputation and salary potential using statistics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche are just a few of the reasons why FHSU was ranked for its online criminal justice certificate program by Criminal Justice Degree Hub, www.criminaljusticedegreehub.com.

FHSU offers five specializations within this degree, including victim advocacy, law enforcement, corrections, law and the courts and justice networking.

“These programs will help to unlock your untapped potential and take your educational foundation to the next step by helping to refine the specialty services that you will use throughout your career in criminal justice,” according to FHSU’s website.

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2PQrF6d.

ValueColleges.com
No. 9, 25 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs 2019
The FHSU Virtual College received a ranking from ValueColleges.com for its criminal justice degree program and affordability. Value Colleges, www.valuecolleges.com, only ranked accredited programs that have established a reputation for quality and return on investment.

“FHSU is dedicated to helping its students. As a public regional institution, FHSU has long focused on the needs of working adults and local people, and online programs just mean reaching more,” says ValueColleges.com.

“With advanced opportunities and dedication to leadership, this school forges new pathways every day.”

To view this ranking, visit https://bit.ly/2VLk8ej.

About the FHSU Virtual College
Education at distance from Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Businesses in the L. Kuhn Addition 4 want Ellis County to start maintaining its roads again.

However, County Public Works Director Bill Ring said the county stopped maintaining the road about two years ago when he learned the property was not properly platted.

This means the roads legally are on private property. According to state statute, the county can’t work on private property. It  also risks liability if it sends workers or equipment to the site.

Galen Romme, who represented the addition at the county commission meeting Monday, said it was the owners’ understanding the addition was properly platted by the City of Hays.

“We are just trying to figure out what we need to do to maintain [the roads] again and get back out there and help these businesses out,” Romme said.

Romme said there are about 45 people employed at businesses in the addition. Employers include the Frito-Lay distribution center, a FedEx facility and other businesses.

The addition lies within a three-mile zone in which both the city and county must approve the plat.

A final plat within the 3-mile Hays Extra-Territorial Zone is supposed to be approved by the Hays Planning Commission and then by the Ellis County Commission and finally by the Hays City Commission.

The final plat was approved by the city commission on Dec. 9, 2010, but it was never reviewed or approved by the county commission.

Ring with the assistance of the County Clerk’s office researched county records and found no reference to the plat in county commission records.

The city records indicated the city recommended the county commission approve the final plat contingent there would be a maintenance agreement with the county. No agreement was developed. The roads also were never inspected by the county, Ring said.

He questioned if the addition’s roads should be concrete or asphalt based on the amount of truck traffic in the addition. The addition also does not have a second entrance/exit to provide access for emergency vehicles.

“Some trucks have gotten stuck on the roadway going into the development, blocking other businesses access to their properties,” Ring said.

The addition has about 2,100 feet of roadway, not including a half roadway (285th Avenue) on the east side of the addition that was never fully developed.

“My position has to be protecting the best interest of Ellis County and keeping us out of any litigious situation,” Ring said. “Working on private property, again which is a violation of statute, is not in the best interest of Ellis County.”

Commissioner Butch Schlyer said he agreed with Ring, the county can’t work on private property because of liability issues.

County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes asked if the final plat could still come before the county commission for approval. Ring said it was his understanding that it could, but he would have some stipulations on maintenance for the roads.

Romme said, “Going back to what we were told was that the city was in charge of that 3-mile area. The county acted accordingly like it was an approved plat all these years. Actions also speak volumes of words.”

Commissioner Dustin Roths said, “I figure we readdress it and figure out what we can possibly do to take care of these businesses and [find] where there was a mix-up between the city and the county and the developer. [Let’s] figure out how we can take care of them, but it can’t be at our cost initially. We don’t have the funds to do this.”

Commission Chairman Dean Haselhorst said the county has no idea if the road was constructed to county specifications. He said he thought the road would have to be brought up to county specifications before he would agree to approve the final plat.

HPD

The Hays Police Department will be conducting training on Wednesday between 1 and 7 p.m. at 2513 General Lawton.

Police officers will be training with special tactical equipment. This training is being done with great care and safety.

As a home or business owner, you may see law enforcement officers move through your area. There is no need to be alarmed. The officers are merely conducting a realistic training exercise and there is no danger to the community.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the on-site supervisor Team Commander Tim Greenwood, or Chief Don Scheibler at 785- 625-1030.

HFD

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants on Wed., May 15, 2019 in the area on and around the Fort hays State University campus and from Walnut St. to the Highway 183 Bypass between 14th St. and 5th St.

This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.

The Kansas Legislature has approved a budget that provides $50.8 million for the Kansas Board of Regents for the budget year that begins July 1.

Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason released a statement today to express her gratitude to the Legislature and to the Regents. FHSU’s share totals $2,059,951.

“I am very grateful that Kansas legislators have shown their support for higher education in the budget they just approved for the next fiscal year,” said President Mason.

“Access to a quality college education is critical in meeting the requirements of the Kansas workforce and economy, and it is gratifying to see that the Legislature recognizes the work that all the Regents institutions are putting into addressing the needs of Kansas workers and employers,” she said.
“I also want to thank Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Board of Regents for their vigorous support and advocacy for the state’s public two-year and four-year institutions.”

President Mason said Fort Hays State consistently ranks among the top 10 public institutions in the nation with the lowest in-state tuition.

“This new money will help Fort Hays State keep its tuition among most affordable in the nation,” she said. “Low cost is vital to provide access to the higher education necessary in the 21st-century economy.”

President Mason said that regional public universities and colleges, such as Fort Hays State, do not have the ability to base operating budgets solely on fundraising or tuition hikes, or even a combination of the two.

“For us, state budgetary support is a crucial component in ensuring that we meet our responsibilities to our state and our students,” she said.

For almost two decades, Fort Hays State has kept tuition increases in the low single digits in favor of a business model built on increasing enrollment through providing high-quality on-campus and online educational experiences at the lowest cost possible. The model has proven very successful, as evidenced by the university’s remarkable record of 18 consecutive years of sustained, record-setting enrollment growth.

A study by the Kansas Leadership Center of tuition increases from the 2007-2008 academic year to the 2017-2018 year found that FHSU’s tuition was only $24.46 above inflation for the 11-year period. During that same time frame, enrollment increased from a 20th-day headcount of 9,588 in fall 2007 to 15,523 in fall 2018.

The Fort Hays State model is also based on meeting the needs of students by recognizing new career paths and then creating programs to prepare people for them. This applies to traditional on-campus students and an increasing numbers of non-traditional students – defined as students older than 25.

Most of these adult learners participate online or at remote sites because they cannot afford to leave home and family while gaining the education they need to advance in their current careers or begin new ones.

A comprehensive survey by The Washington Monthly, released in the fall of 2018, ranked FHSU in the top 10 nationwide for adult learners. The survey found that 31 percent of Fort Hays State students fit the adult-learner category. Key criteria included not only low-cost in-district tuition and fees, but flexibility of programs, available services and adult-student graduation rates – 80 percent in that category for FHSU.

“Regents institutions needed new money after the significant cuts of recent years, and the Kansas Legislature provided a much-needed boost this year,” said President Mason.

“More money means more access. It means more Kansas students, young and older, will be able to get the education needed to advance their lives and contribute to the economic health of the state,” she said.
“I and everyone here at Fort Hays State offer our thanks.”

Governor Laura Kelly orders flags lowered to half-staff tomorrow, May 15 in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day from sunup to sundown. pic.twitter.com/7UeH42EbVg

— Kansas.gov (@ksgovernment) May 14, 2019