The State of Student Life at CCCK

Written by Cathy Brown, Chief Student Engagement Officer

McPherson, Kansas – Student Life is a very “happening place” that serves our on-ground student population. Since starting the year off in August, our office has been busy with training new and returning Resident Directors, new and returning Resident Advisors, and new Student Government Association members. We’ve put our heads together to develop and create a new Briner Academic center, plan chapels and small groups meetings, and prepare dorms for our students.

This year we had three amazing returning Resident Directors, Abby Hinman (CC ’12) in Stoll Hall, Guy Gardner (CC ’06) in Parsons Hall, and Elijah Barsness in Kline Hall. Our newest Resident Director is Rachel Barnard – Gillespie Hall – and we are thrilled that she joined our team this past fall. Having four dorms requires us to have sixteen Resident Advisors that are current students who show leadership qualities and have a relationship with the Lord. Resident Advisors are charged with leading small groups on Monday where they help students unpack the previous chapel. This not only allows stronger relationships to be built with each other but also gives space for personal conversations about Jesus to happen. Resident Advisors are also charged with creating two programming activities for their hall monthly. These range from movie and popcorn events to span nights and more.

Student Government on campus allows students to have a voice in what happens within the institution. This special group of individuals not only gives students a voice on campus but also helps plan and run social events for the student community and work to strengthen relationships on campus overall. Planning at least two events per week where students can relax and feel like they are part of a community is sometimes a challenge, especially when dealing with so many different personalities, but it is great to see the team come together in the end and put these events on for the student body.

Another group of special people involves the ladies who work in the Briner Academic Center. Mrs. Bev Kelley (CC ’79, CX ’04) and Mrs. Randi Hughes work tirelessly to make the Academic Center a place where students feel welcome and want to hang out. This space is located in the library and offers students a one-stop shop for obtaining support, signing in for study hall times, obtaining a tutor for the subject that they struggle with, sitting and putting a puzzle together, hanging out, or even taking a quick nap. Students also have access to support through our Academic Support Specialist, Pat Muntz (CC ’72). Students needing accommodations for learning can seek Mrs. Muntz out for assistance. Mrs. Muntz then works with each professor to aid in student success.

Our campus Pastor, Zach Fleming (CC ’05) works weekly to create opportunities for students to learn about Christianity and the importance it can have in one’s life. Zach brings in speakers to help engage students in the Word and offers students a safe place to discuss life. Meanwhile, the wonderful Missy Mayse (CC ’97) – a face familiar to many – is always there to help students, faculty, and staff with any needs they have. With her bowl of candy treats and smile, Missy always aims to please.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a regionally accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Central strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person – heart, mind, soul, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.