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Minutes for SB174 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Authorizing Wichita area technical college to affiliate with Wichita state University.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 23, 2017
Chairperson Aurand opened the hearing on SB174 and invited Jason Long to give a brief review of the legislation. (Attachment 1)
After Mr. Long's review, there was a brief discussion between Representative Good, President Flanders, and Representative Crum.
Chairperson Aurand invited the proponents to testify.
President John Bardo testified to the importance of developing a strong workforce. He shared a brief history of technical/vocational education. In the past such training had been achieved at the high school level. Presently, the technical skills needed are more complex and are being taught in schools of higher education. The affiliation of these two schools will expedite learning and offer a wide range of opportunities for students. (Attachment 2)
President Sheree Utash testified in support of this unification that is modeled after Washburn and Washburn Tech. This joint venture will allow a student to go through a training process that can span from basic classes to advanced degrees. (Attachment 3)
President Blake Flanders praised the increased visibility and ability to educate that he has seen with Washburn University and Washburn Tech, and he anticipates a similar increase in excellence in the Wichita venture. (Attachment 4)
Written proponent testimony was offered by:
President Jeff Fluhr, Greater Wichita Partnership (Attachment 5)
Mayor Shelly Hansel, Town of Wellington (Attachment 6)
Lyon Wells, Wichita Area Tech Colleges Governing Board (Attachment 7)
Gary Plummer, Wichita Chamber of Congress (Attachment 8)
There were no opponents, neutral testimony, or questions. The Chairperson asked the Committee if they would like to take action on the bill and there was general agreement, so he called for final action on SB174.
Representative Crum moved, Representative Schreiber seconded, to recommend SB174 favorably for passage. Motion passed.
