President's Office Archives - McPherson College

Posted On: May 5, 2025
By: MC Admin

A student from the Environmental Stewardship class at McPherson College teaches local elementary school students how to play the EcoPyramid game. The game was one of the projects that received a Horizon Fund Grant.

For over a decade, McPherson College has supported student entrepreneurship by awarding mini-grants that help students develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges. With more than 300 grants awarded to date, the college recently announced the newest recipients of the Horizon Fund Grants.

This spring, the Horizon Fund granted six projects ranging from a game to teach elementary students about ecosystems to an affordable recording studio. The individual grants range from $100 to $500, and students can reapply for continued funding of existing Horizon Fund Grant projects.

Abbey Archer-Rierson, chief of staff and head of the entrepreneurship program at McPherson College, said, “The Horizon Fund Grant is just one of many ways McPherson College demonstrates its commitment to entrepreneurship and supports entrepreneurial students on our campus. The grants have supported a variety of wildly creative ideas, and this most recent round of funding is no exception.”

Recipients of the spring 2025 Horizon Fund Grants are:

Fabian Camacho, elementary education, Liberal, Kan. – build an ofrenda (a traditional altar to honor deceased loved ones) for Dia de Los Muertos – “It is more of a goal to build community among students and bring people together. Though it’s a Mexican holiday, everybody can contribute to it.”

Canon Cavanaugh, history, secondary education, Hutchinson, Kan. – affordable recording studio – “I’m meeting the community’s need for art, the artists’ need to express themselves, and the general need for bands to have affordable material they can play.”

Environmental Stewardship Students – Wyatt Conklin, Summer Dorn, Amanda Goering, Grant Harned, Ty Kraemer, Breckyn Porter – EcoPyramid demo decks for testing in local classrooms – “There are plenty of games that are inspired by nature or based on the concepts of ecology and conservation. The flexibility of EcoPyramid to be fast paced enough to be played in a classroom setting, but variable and strategic enough to be played by older players over and over, makes the game unique and well-suited for the edutainment industry.”

Elijah Leck, health science, McPherson, Kan. – ceramics/pottery studio – “I have found great pleasure, satisfaction, and learning experiences in working with clay, and I think others could too. I want to help others who need some sort of physical output and might discover how working with clay can be a healthy practice.”

Ryhan Lucas, biology and Spanish minor, Shawnee, Kan. – study abroad to learn more about creating a non-profit organization that addresses health issues – “I want to develop a non-profit organization that offers low-cost medical services from physicians and mental health professionals who understand the cultural stressors that minority populations often experience.”

Malia Pfeiff, elementary and special education and communication minor, Moundridge, Kan. – special education and life skill supplies for a local classroom – “I have seen first-hand the impact this can have on teachers and students. As someone going into education and working as a paraeducator at Eisenhower Elementary School, I see the need for updated supplies and a wider variety of supplies.”

Posted On: April 23, 2025
By: MC Admin

Students Val Zarkh, Brock Lauer, Kevin Dodds, and Professor Duke Rogers.

The McPherson College Board of Trustees approved a motion to increase the portion of the college’s endowment allocated to its student-managed investment portfolio, bringing the fund’s total valuation to more than $1 million.

Since 2011, students in the college’s Investment class have gained real-world financial experience managing a portion of the college’s endowment. What started as incremental $100,000 investments in both 2012 and 2013 has grown over time to approximately $700,000, with the latest increase pushing the portfolio over the $1 million mark.

“It’s a huge vote of confidence in what we do and trust in the class that Rod Gieselman built during his tenure on the business faculty,” said Duke Rogers, associate professor of business, who teaches the course. “To the best of my knowledge, no other KCAC-affiliated institution offers this kind of real-world hands-on experience where students get to trade in real money. It raises the stakes and accountability much more than simulators or alternative modalities for teaching the concepts.

“As with any professional money manager, if the client doesn’t see the growth or doesn’t like or agree with the decisions made with the fund, they retain the right to terminate our services. It doesn’t get more real-world than that.”

The student investment fund has paid dividends beyond just the fund’s growth. The unique class gives students real-world experience in investing before they graduate, offering marketable skills they can list on résumés. And, it has benefited student recruitment and retention.

The investment class is offered each spring and is required for business majors with a focus on finance. However, its reputation also attracts students outside the business program.

That was the case for Andy Skinner, a 2012 graduate. Skinner started as a pre-med major, but after three years, he decided to explore other options and added a minor in business administration to his biochemistry major. In his final semester, he took the investment class and was part of the first class to manage a portion of the college’s endowment.

Managing real money with real consequences fueled his excitement about investing, and today, Skinner is a certified financial planner and a member of the McPherson College Board of Trustees, serving on the financial affairs committee.

“For me, the class was the spark that led me to my future career,” Skinner said. “It was exciting to see it come full circle for me when the students presented to the board of trustees.”

Each year, students make a presentation to the financial affairs committee, walking members through the process and structure of the class, it’s trading decisions for the year, and an assessment of the portfolio’s overall performance. Val Zarkh, Brock Lauer, and Kevin Dodd represented the Spring 2024 investments class and presented the annual report at the March 7, 2025, committee meeting.

“My favorite part of the class was doing the research on current events and seeing how they would translate into what was going on in the market,” said Zarkh, a senior from Chicago. “We were able to see, given what might happen in the next year with tariffs, for example, what stocks are going to do well and what are not.”

About 30 stocks are assigned to students who do research and make recommendations to the entire class. All students in the class vote on whether to buy, sell, or hold in May each year.

“The class teaches you to do your research,” said Lauer, a senior from Strong City, Kan. “Just because everyone else thinks a stock looks good, doesn’t mean you have to.”

“It teaches you to do your due diligence before investing in a stock,” added Kevin Dodd, a senior from Tecumseh, Okla. “It helps us look at the ratios and know exactly what they mean.”

Each stock has a binder that is passed down to the next class for analysis. The students have maintained an 11% average annual return, on par with professional investors and the S&P 500. Like professional funds, the student portfolio earns a modest management fee that supports the Business Club activities, such as trips and the annual protocol dinner.

Posted On: March 21, 2025
By: MC Admin

McPherson College’s Power Day 2025 exceeded all the financial goals for the annual online giving day, raising $430,441 for scholarships and programs. In its 11th year, more than 350 alumni and friends of the college made gifts that helped unlock seven matching challenges that totaled over $155,000.

Each of the matching challenges was also exceeded. This year’s matching challenges included:

$50,000 from the Paul Family for the MC Fund and academics, with over $162,000 from gifts
$35,000 from Harvey Geiger for Automotive Restoration, with over $51,000 from gifts
$25,000 from Midway Motors for Athletics, with over $29,000 from gifts
$20,000 for the Student Debt Project, with over $25,000 from gifts
$12,500 from Young Alumni, with over $35,000 from gifts
$10,000 from the Board of Trustees, with over $24,000 from gifts
$5,000 for Ecological Scholarships, with over $7,000 from gifts

“Our theme for this year was ‘Give, Connect, Inspire’ because Power Day is more than a day of giving; it’s a time for the McPherson College community to celebrate and remember what McPherson College means to us,” said Dave Barrett, director of Power Day. “This is the place where many of us were allowed to grow, learn life lessons both in and out of the classroom, and meet forever friends. Power Day is an opportunity for our alumni and friends to make an investment in the next generation of MC students, allow them to have their own unique MC experience, and recognize what makes this place so special.”

Power Day demonstrates the generosity of McPherson College alumni, friends, and employees, making an immediate impact on current students. The one-day giving blitz featured live and pre-recorded video messages on the college’s social media channels and website. Leading up to Power Day, alumni were encouraged to share stories about the community they built at McPherson College that continues today.

“Power Day is a great day to give to provide future Bulldogs with the exceptional faculty, supportive staff, and lifelong friendships that I valued as a student and value even more today,” said Lesli Earlston, a 1996 graduate.

Although the focus of Power Day is online giving, Barrett said it is also a day to reconnect with friends and communicate why it is important to support the next generation of students through scholarships.

“As we look to continue our tradition of successful fundraising, it will take all levels of donor support,” President Michael Schneider said. “Power Day is one demonstration of our alumni and friends stepping up to make an immediate impact on our students through robust scholarships and innovative programs like the Student Debt Project.”

More information about Power Day, including all the day’s videos, can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/power.

Posted On: March 14, 2025
By: MC Admin

CBS Sunday Morning will feature McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration program in an episode airing on March 16, 2025. The episode can be seen on CBS affiliate stations on Sunday at 8 a.m. Central Time and noon on the CBS News app.

“We are thrilled to be featured on this distinguished and beloved news program,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “It’s the perfect format to highlight a degree program that makes McPherson College unique and introduce this hidden gem of the Midwest to a wide audience.”

CBS Sunday Morning is one of America’s most widely watched and respected television news magazines, featuring unique stories since 1979.

Lee Cowan, CBS national news correspondent, followed McPherson College students to the Amelia Island Concours in February 2024 and visited campus in March for the story that focuses on the one-of-kind automotive restoration technology degree program. The program made news in August 2023 when its student-restored 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet placed second in class at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world’s most prestigious car show. It was the first time in the Concours history that a student entry received one of its coveted awards.

“The Path to Pebble,” a documentary detailing the program’s incredible journey to the Pebble Beach awards podium, has been released and can be viewed on the college’s website. Legendary television host and comedian Jay Leno, a long-time supporter of the program, narrates the documentary.

McPherson College, located in McPherson, Kan., is the only college or university in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree in automotive restoration. This has helped the school gain the support of noted car collectors like Leno and other important figures in the classic car industry. With job placement outcomes nearing 100 percent, graduates of the program work in all facets of the automobile collecting world, such as Hagerty, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, General Motors, RM Sotheby’s, the Henry Ford Museum, and private collections.

Last year, McPherson College announced a transformational gift of $1.5 billion that created one of the largest endowments of any small liberal arts college in the United States. With this historic endowment, the college has the resources to focus on campus building projects like the new 55,000-square-foot Campus Commons that will be complete in June 2025 and its remarkable Student Debt Project. The Student Debt Project combines financial literacy education, mentorship, and matching funds to help students reduce and eliminate college debt at graduation.

Posted On: March 7, 2025
By: MC Admin

The McPherson College community celebrated 18 employees and trustees for their years of service with a reception, dinner, and awards program at the McPherson Community Building on March 6, 2025. The annual recognition night celebrated the work of faculty, staff, and board of trustee members who have served the college for five to 30 years.

“The outstanding achievements and accomplishments by the honorees in the classroom, within individual departments, and in the McPherson community propel the college beyond being a great college to work for,” President Michael Schneider said. “These honorees facilitated world-class experiences for our students, and it is in this deep sense of campus community where our students excel to be future leaders.”

Those honored included:

30 Years – Renee Carlson, custodian

25 Years – Bryan Midgley, professor of psychology; Allan van Asselt, professor of chemistry

20 Years – Jd Bowman, professor of theatre; Amanda Gutierrez, vice president of automotive restoration

15 Years – Ed Barr, professor of technology; Kerry Dobbins, professor of history; T.J. Eskildsen, men’s basketball head coach; Manjula Koralegedara, professor of chemistry

10 Years – Matt Pfannenstiel, associate vice president of enrollment; Christi Paulsen, ERP manager; Jamie Pjesky, director of academic advising & student success; Tammy Sigwing, assistant controller

5 Years – Jerod Corbus, executive assistant to VPAA; Timothy Frye, associate professor of math

Board of Trustees – John Holthus, Randee Koger, Craig Little

Posted On: January 29, 2025
By: MC Admin

Pictured from left to right, Kent Freund, head coach men’s soccer; Ian Thomson, head coach women’s soccer; Courtney Ward, soccer; Jayla Moore, basketball; Josh Nichols, head coach women’s basketball; at awards luncheon.

The McPherson YMCA and McPherson Recreation Commission recognized the McPherson College Athletic Department as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. An awards luncheon was held on January 28 at the McPherson Opera House.

“Through unwavering dedication, compassionate hearts, and an unrelenting commitment to making a difference, the McPherson College Athletic Department has consistently gone above and beyond to support our mission,” said Quinlan Rageth, YMCA interim CEO. “Their selfless service, tireless work ethic, and inspiring leadership have truly set them apart, making them the perfect choice for volunteer of the year.”

Over the past year, McPherson College athletes participated in approximately 1,000 hours of community service. At the awards luncheon, the women’s basketball program was specifically recognized for conducting the YMCA Little Dribblers basketball program in 2024, and the men’s and women’s soccer programs were recognized for conducting the YMCA/MRC Spring Soccer Academy for many years. In addition to YMCA and MRC service projects, Bulldog teams participate in High-Five Fridays at the local elementary schools, Brush Up MAC, and provided volunteers at Burnin’ Down Main, among other yearly community service projects.

“Our student-athletes love serving the McPherson community,” said McPherson College Athletic Director Josh Daume. “Along with their coaches, they have embraced the opportunity to live out this important part of the college’s mission. While they don’t do it for recognition, this is a tremendous honor for our department, and we are humbled to receive this award from the YMCA and McPherson Recreation Commission. We look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”

Posted On: October 17, 2024
By: MC Admin

The center of Bulldog athletic activity has a new name – Holman Fieldhouse. The renaming marks the completion of a major renovation and addition to the former Sport Center and honors the family that supported the expansion project.

In 2022, McPherson College announced the first-ever seven-figure gift made to Bulldog Athletics by Craig and Karen Holman of McPherson. The gift totaled more than $1 million for the expansion and remodeling of the Sport Center as part of the Building Community comprehensive fundraising campaign.

The athletic expansion and renovation project added over 5,200 square feet to the former Sport Center facility and remodeled another 5,000 square of existing space. The expansion included an all-new athletic training room complete with treatment tables, taping stations, four whirlpools, an exam room, and three offices. It also more than doubled the size of the existing weight room and includes brand new state-of-the-art weight training machines and equipment. The renovation added lockers to the existing football locker room, increased storage space, and updated the existing weight room. The project was completed in February.

“It’s exciting to have this state-of-the-art athletic facility available for our students when we are competing to win in every sport,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “I am grateful to the Holmans for their long-time support of Bulldog athletics and their significant support for future student-athletes.”

Craig and the couple’s children are McPherson College graduates. While at McPherson College, Craig was an outstanding tennis player. He won conference singles, was District 10 singles championships three times, and was selected for the all-conference team all four years. He serves the McPherson community as a financial advisor, owning an Ameriprise Financial practice. Craig is a McPherson College Board of Trustees member and serves as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bulldog tennis teams. Karen has served the community as a registered nurse and helped instruct those seeking to become licensed practical nurses. She is a volunteer at Lincoln Elementary and plays the violin.

The Holman family has been loyal supporters of McPherson area tennis, particularly the Bulldog tennis program funding the Holman Family Tennis Courts on campus.

“The expansion and renovation of our athletic facilities has already paid great dividends in recruiting and is a tremendous asset to our current student-athletes and coaches,” said Josh Daume, McPherson College athletic director. “This has greatly enhanced the student-athlete experience at McPherson College, and we are truly thankful for the generosity of the Holman family in making this project a reality.”

As part of the Homecoming Campus Tour on Saturday, October 19 from 9-10:30 a.m., the Holmans will be in the main lobby of Holman Fieldhouse to visit with alumni and community members. Visitors can view the renovations to Holman Fieldhouse at that time.

Posted On: September 24, 2024
By: MC Admin

For the ninth consecutive year, McPherson College has earned recognition by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 “Best Colleges” list for Regional Colleges in the Midwest. This year, the college climbed six places in the rankings. Additionally, McPherson College was ranked on the ‘Best Value Schools” and “Top Performers on Social Mobility” lists.

Only schools in or near the top half of their categories are included on the “Best Value Schools” list. When evaluating colleges for this list, U.S. News & World Report considers the most significant value among colleges that are above average academically and considers academic quality and cost.

McPherson College was also recognized among colleges that are successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students awarded Pell Grants. McPherson College performed well on the U.S. News’ social mobility ranking factors, which included borrower debt and college graduates earning in addition to Pell Grants.

“It is an honor to be included on such a well-respected list,” President Michael Schneider said. “It’s further proof that McPherson College is being recognized for the work being done by our faculty and staff to ensure quality education, excellent student experience, and value.”

Initiatives such as the college’s Student Debt Project, designed to assist students in graduating with little or no debt, and the college’s impressive career placement rate are just a few examples of why McPherson College is recognized on the “Best Colleges” list, according to President Schneider.

“We have some of the highest placement rates in the country, with nearly three-fourths of our graduates having jobs or graduate school placement before they even graduate,” President Schneider said. “Combined with our focus on eliminating student debt, we are proving to students and families that a McPherson College education is the best choice, and our campus improvements are putting the needs of our students first to create a living and learning environment for the 21^st century.”

The U.S. News & World Report has been ranking colleges for over 35 years. U.S. News measures academic quality using 17 metrics, with the most weight placed on outcomes, including not only the ability of a college to retain and graduate students from different socioeconomic backgrounds but also graduates’ average indebtedness. Class size, undergraduate academic reputation, and colleges’ investment in instruction and student services are among the other data points collected to develop this year’s rankings.

Posted On: September 23, 2024
By: MC Admin

McPherson College named on 2024 Great Colleges to Work For with honor roll distinction.

McPherson College is a great place to work, according to a new survey by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, appearing in a special edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education, recognize McPherson College for the tenth year in a row. McPherson College is also on the survey’s Honor Roll for the ninth year.

The results are based on a survey completed by 216 colleges nationwide. In all, just 75 institutions achieved recognition on the list for specific practices and policies. Only 42 colleges were included on the Honor Roll, an elite group of institutions that stand out within their enrollment size. McPherson College was recognized in 6 categories and among just five schools in the Midwest earning recognition on the list.

“McPherson College continues to move forward boldly and with confidence, supported by its dedicated community of employees,” President Michael Schneider said. “As we embark on a future supported by historic endowment estate commitments, our employees are vital to our success. They continue to provide meaningful input on our strategic plan, which sets a focus on the next 10 years with initiatives aimed at campus growth, academic innovation, and wellness.”

President Schneider points to some basic practices, such as the college’s compensation plan and benefits, including retirement contributions made after one year of employment, as reasons why people like working for McPherson College. Monthly all-campus meetings, called “huddles, where information is shared from across campus, foster community involvement. Programs like training from the Kansas Leadership Center, which develops adaptive problem-solving skills, and ESSDACK, an educational service agency that partners with schools to build a culture of resilience and care, set McPherson College apart from other college campuses.

In a comment featured on the survey’s website, one McPherson College employee says, “With the input and support of the campus community, the college’s progressive leadership has guided it into the beginning of an era of academic growth, student success, and institutional stability. The sense of pride and excitement for the future is very strong around campus.”

McPherson College was recognized in six categories: compensation & benefits, professional development, confidence in senior leadership, shared governance, faculty experience, and supervisor/department chair effectiveness.

“This national recognition is a reflection of the hardworking employees at McPherson College, who go out of their way not only to make McPherson College a great place to work but a world-class learning institution,” said Brenda Stocklin-Smith, director of human resources. “I am thankful every day to work at a college whose workplace culture exemplifies ultimate respect and caring — for our students, each other, and the surrounding community. A big round of applause to the employees at McPherson College.”

Community is central to McPherson College’s identity, according to President Schneider. “As our college community looks toward the future, faculty and staff are actively planning our current innovative strategic plan. The plan drove decision-making and much of the work we did over the last several years, and much of the work will continue as we focus on the future. In addition, we did all of it while balancing our operating budget and maintaining our overall enrollment and student retention. By working together, these plans will nurture the creative processes to sustain innovative academic ventures like the new Health Science program, continue supporting students to graduate with zero debt through the Student Debt Project, and transition MC from a traditional residential campus to a vibrant community.”

The Great Colleges to Work For® survey is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. It is conducted by ModernThink, an organization committed to improving workplace quality. The survey recognizes the colleges that get top ratings from their employees regarding workplace practices and policies.

Posted On: August 22, 2024
By: MC Admin

McPherson College marked a significant milestone as it welcomed the largest incoming class in its history when fall semester classes began on August 21. The college enrolled 319 first-time freshmen, which is the largest freshman class on record.

This year’s freshman class grew 35% with total enrollment up 5%. Overall enrollment was bolstered by a second year of increased retention.

“McPherson College continues to make great strides in growing enrollment despite a couple of challenging post-pandemic years,” President Michael Schneider said. “With new buildings going up on campus and program expansions, students recognize that McPherson College offers them a valuable academic experience. Additionally, McPherson College has some of the highest placement rates in the nation and offers students the ability to graduate with zero debt through the Student Debt Project.”

The college anticipates nearly 600 students will participate in the Student Debt Project this academic year. More than 400 students participated in the Student Debt Project last year and nearly 30% of seniors who participated graduated with zero debt. The debt project combines financial literacy education, employment, and mentorship building lifelong financial management skills. Participants commit to working part-time while earning their degree, and the college matches student earnings applied to their account at $.25 per dollar.

“I toured and researched other schools, but never found another program that did as much as the Student Debt Project,” said Luke Wood, a freshman from Shawnee, Kan. “The program was straightforward and easily accessible, and there is a wonderful staff available to answer questions. After paying my first semester, I can say the Student Debt Project has already benefited me immensely.”

Last year, the college matched more than $300,000 to support student efforts. Alumni and friends of the college serve as mentors who work with students throughout the year. Last year, nearly 50 working and retired professionals served as mentors in the program.

“Without the financial assistance from the Student Debt Project, I would be unable to afford college,” said Raina Decker, a McPherson area freshman. “The program allows me to prioritize my education during the academic year and continue life post-graduation free from financial constraints.”

In addition to reducing debt at graduation, nearly three-quarters of the students graduating in May 2024 had pre-graduation placements, whether starting careers, acceptance in graduate school programs, or joining military service. Additionally, 80% of McPherson College students gain internship experience during their time at the college.

This summer, the college also received substantial support for one of its newest academic programs. In June, Senator Jerry Moran announced he had secured $2.1 million in new, congressionally directed funding for McPherson College’s initiative to create an educational center in Kansas for Rural & Community Health Science. The funding will modernize key parts of the Melhorn Science Hall, including several labs, and support professional development and statewide health outreach programs that enhance student experiences in health science.

Beyond academics and career preparation, students are excited about the new campus buildings and updates. The recently completed renovation and expansion of the Sport Center added more than 4,500 square feet of space, with an additional 2,000 square feet renovated. The Boiler House, a café offering expanded lunch and dinner options will open on campus soon.

The largest building project on campus, the Campus Commons, is the centerpiece of the significant campus update. Scheduled for completion in June 2025, this 55,000-square-foot building will serve as a hub for students with new dining, a coffee shop, a campus store, student clubs, activities, lounge spaces, administrative offices, and a new welcome center. It represents the largest-ever single investment in new buildings in the college’s 137-year history.

Quicklinks

Category: President’s Office

McPherson College Announces Spring Horizon Fund Grant Recipients

McPherson College Expands Student-Managed Investment Fund

McPherson College Exceeds Goals In One-Day Giving Blitz

CBS Sunday Morning Spotlights McPherson College

McPherson College Recognizes Employees For Years Of Service

McPherson College Athletics Recognized As Volunteer Of The Year

Bulldog Athletic Facilities Get New Name

McPherson College Ranks In U.S. News & World Report “Best College” List

McPherson College “Great” For Ten Years!

McPherson College Welcomes Largest Freshman Class In History Of School