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Cottey weathers tough economy; casts hopeful eye toward the future
As Cottey College travels through its 125th year, there's much to celebrate, said Cottey President Dr. Judy Rogers, during a breakfast hosted by the college Wednesday morning.
Like everyone else, the economic climate of the past few months has had its impact on Cottey, "but we're financially sound."
Despite diminished income from endowments, the implementation of cost-cutting measures in terms of travel for staff, professional development spending and so forth, tuition has remained affordable and programs have been maintained with the help of community partners who have helped to sponsor programs like the President's Leadership Class -- a program for Nevada High School girls, summer enrichment classes for teens and more.
Because the college has no debt, and because of the support of the PEO Sisterhood, financial aid resources and the community, the college is in a good position to weather the economic storm faced by the country.
Cottey is still affordable, too, with all-inclusive tuition at $20,300 per year this year, with an average financial aid package of $14,800 per year.
Rogers revealed that the board is looking into instituting four-year programs at the school, it's early in that process and details aren't yet formulated.
The anniversary
"To be here for 125 years is quite an accomplishment," said Rogers, noting that at one point, more than 300 women's liberal arts colleges were in operation. Now there are 47.
"Virginia Alice Cottey chose to locate her school here ... and there's a synergy between the community and the college that helps everyone," Rogers said.
In honor of the landmark anniversary, special events are in the works, with the theme of "One Vision -- 125 years."
"Institutions naturally develop along lines that interest them," and one aspect in which Cottey College has grown substantially is in the realm of service, advocating social justice and leadership.
Founder's Day -- the first weekend in April -- and other events will be special this year as the college celebrates its history and its future.
In the community
Earlier this month, Cottey College was recognized for its efforts in community service with a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America's communities and is one of six schools to receive such an honor.
This year, a community-wide Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was organized, with about 500 documented participants. Through the effort, organized by Linda Platt, 12 projects were completed in one weekend.
Platt procured a grant and organized the event.
"It takes a great deal of leadership and energy to do something like that," Rogers said, in recognition of Platt's efforts.
Rogers urged community leaders to share with young women information about opportunities at Cottey for high school students, including summer programs on science, music and dance. "These give young women an opportunity to spend a week learning with other students literally from California to New York," during the week-long sessions. Students also stay in the Cottey suites during the sessions, providing a unique opportunity for young women to see the campus and see what the educational setting offered is really like.
Rogers also announced that once again, second-year students are embarking on a European educational trip. Visiting Rome and Florence, Italy, the students will visit places about which they have learned, participate in related educational modules and write a reflective paper about their experiences.
Athletics
Athletics at Cottey have made great advances this year as well. On Feb. 12, the Cottey Comets basketball team was ranked 20th in the nation. The honor was short-lived, because a defeat at the hands of Penn Valley that evening unseated them from that ranking. Nevertheless, the Comets are going into their post-season NJCAA Region 16 tournament with the top seed, but they'll face Penn Valley again on Feb. 27, in a game that will be webcast on www.knemknmo.com.
"This is the first time a Cottey game has been on a webcast," Rogers said.
The college also has high hopes for its fledgling softball team, which sarted its season Feb. 23, splitting a double-header with Independence Community College. The softball team's first home game is scheduled for 2 p.m., March 6. All dates scheduled are double-headers. The Comets' fall record was 6-2.
Athletic director Dave Ketterman also pointed out that athletes are scholars as well, boasting a 3.4 grade point average last semester.