Cottey expands its curriculum, looks to the future

"Leadership is one of the most valuable things we can teach students," said Cottey College President Dr. Judy Rogers.

Rogers presented an update of changes at Cottey College at a breakfast on Wednesday. In its fourth year, the president's leadership class for high school girls helps prepare them for the future, whether Cottey is a part of that future or not. This year's class has 13 participants, and students from the leadership class have gone on to bright futures, some of which began at Cottey College. Rogers reports that four past president's leadership program students are now Cottey students, and are just a few of the 20 local residents who have chosen Cottey to further their educations.

"We want people in this area to think of us as one of the options for them," Rogers said. To that end, regional leadership scholarships of $3,500 are available to students in the surrounding six-county area, and the school is working with the Ellis Foundation to identify ways to offer financial aid to first-generation college students from single-parent homes.

The college has sought ways to recruit students from near and far, and has boosted its curriculum and athletic program offerings to help them to meet their goal of achieving the school's capacity enrollment of 350 students. This year's enrollment brought the student total to 320.

International studies and a mass communication program have been added to the school's academic offerings. With the help of curriculum consultants, Rogers said the college is building strong programs and is seeking faculty to support those new programs.

Visiting Professor Barbara DeSanto taught special courses recently as well -- one on seeking ways to attract visitors to Nevada, the other on creating marketing plans and materials in support of those ideas.

The athletic department is growing stronger each year as well, giving women an opportunity to "learn leadership, learn teamwork, to learn how to lose and to win," Rogers said.

Athletic Director Dave Ketterman said the Comets' basketball team boasts a 16-7 record this year. Volleyball had a winning season as well, and Ketterman reported that Nevada High School athlete Lindsey Rice has signed to play for the Comets next year. Greg Tietz is hard at work building the college's first softball team, and has nine tentative players lined up for next year.

Rogers expressed great appreciation for the community's support, and urged local citizens to take advantage of upcoming programs such as summer programs for youth and week-long summer courses for adults as well.

For more information, visit www.cottey.edu.