Tech College’s new director of enrollment starts out with a record gain
By Russ Morgan (Contact)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Even though he’s worked at Flint Hills Technical College for only two months, John Cottenmyre has long been familiar with the school.
“I came to this school from across the street, as an EHS graduate years ago,” said Cottenmyre, who took over the position of director of enrollment in June.
“I studied welding and then worked for eight and a half years as a welder at Sauder.”
Cottenmyre is replacing Eric Tincher, who left to take a job as dean of students at Neosho Valley Community College.
Cottenmyre was surprised when the position opened up, he said.
“But Eric was very supportive and encouraged me to apply.”
Cottenmyre had worked closely with the technical college during the 10 years he spent as a counselor at Hartford High School.
“As a counselor I worked with students at the high school level to help them transition from high school to a post high-school education to a career.
“I’ll get to see both sides of that now,” he added.
The bulk of Cottenmyre’s new position involves the recruiting and retention of new students, and right now things look good for the technical college.
According to Lisa Kirmer, dean of student services, this time last year there were 462 students in all, totaling 365 full time equivalents, which is the number the school’s funding is based on.
At the start of classes today, the school has a record enrollment, with over 500 students enrolled, for an FTE of 400.
“We’re very excited about what’s happening at Flint Hills Tech,” President Dean Hollenbeck said. “We’re topping last year’s records. We’ve got more programs than in the past,” including dental hygiene and welding, two programs that are taking off, according to Hollenbeck.
To help with enrollment, the technical college has a number of options for financial assistance. One of those options is the Jones Foundation Tuition Voucher Program, which offers $1,000 to recent high school graduates from Coffey, Lyon or Osage counties who plan to attend either the technical college or Emporia State University. Currently, 38 incoming students at the Technical College are taking advantage of the program: 22 from Lyon County, 12 from Coffey County and four from Osage County.
Another option is the recently established Clint Bowyer Automotive Scholarship, which offers $4,000 for a graduate of Emporia High School who is enrolling as a freshman in the technical college’s automotive technology program. The school will be accepting applications for the scholarship until Monday.
Cottenmyre said he is excited to be working in a place with which he has so much history.
“The tech college has done an outstanding job in keeping up with the growth of technical education.”
As for what the technical college has to offer, Cottenmyre’s career path offers an example. “Those years welding with Sauder provided me with the ability to continue with my education and got me into teaching and counseling, and finally to where I am today.
“To return here as director of enrollment and see the changes that have been made since I was a student is just phenomenal.”
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