Lindsey Temaat, a recent graduate of Allen Community College, interviewed ACC trustees for the school?s online publication, The Flame.
Members of the Board of Trustees at ACC play a big role in overseeing operations at the college and affecting change on campus. Perhaps most importantly, the trustees are community supporters and ?flag-bearers? for all of the positive things going on at Allen Community College.
?Trustees are elected by the community, so as in any representative government we should do our best to provide them with our best judgement and efforts on their behalf,? said Ken McGuffin, board chairman. ?That doesn?t mean that all of our decisions will be met with universal approval; however, we should be diligent in our jobs and make the best decision we feel is right after hearing all sides.?
The trustees also set and approve policies for the institution and assist in hiring to carry out those policies. According to McGuffin, the trustees also have an important fiduciary responsibility in making sure the school?s financial records are accurate and transparent, relying on audits and internal controls that the group is briefed on at every monthly meeting.
The board works with area high schools to provide high schoolers dual-credit through Allen, and also collaborates with local industries to provide training for employees.
Though highly influential, their voices are often unknown to Allen students and the wider community.
Here are their backgrounds:
Ken McGuffin
McGuffin is an Iola native raised by an auto mechanic and stay-at-home mom of four. When McGuffin attended Allen, receiving his degree in 1963, the school went by a different name, Iola Junior College, and was in the same building as Iola High School.
?Community college opportunities are very dear to my heart as they not only provided me a chance to graduate from college, but it was at Iola Junior College where I met my wife of 54 years, Kit,? said McGuffin. The couple have three sons, five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
After graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1965, McGuffin pursued a 34-year career as an instructor and administrator in area schools.
?My favorite part of being a trustee is connecting again with my educational roots,? said McGuffin. ?I know first-hand what education meant in my life, and I so dearly want the same opportunities provided for every student who chooses to come to Allen. I feel that we should try to remove as many barriers as we can that would hamper a person from bettering themselves through education.?
McGuffin has been a member of Allen?s board for six years, four of which he has served as board chairman. He has also served on numerous boards including CASA, Iola Library Board, Allen County Historical Society, and Friends of the Bowlus and is an emeritus member of the United School Administrators and the Kansas Association of Elementary Principals.
?The one thing that I wish for Allen is to see continued support and involvement with our community,? said McGuffin. ?We have made many good steps in that direction but still have work to do. I am not sure most of the community really understands just how valuable having a community college in their midst is for so many reasons. We need to make sure we all tell our story and get the good word out there about the many good things we do.?
Spencer Ambler
Spencer Ambler is the longest-standing trustee, reaching 32 years of service when he finishes this term. One of seven children, Ambler got his start in Chanute. His father worked at the cement plant in Parsons, and Ambler attended Humboldt schools. Ambler and his wife of 52 years, Helen, are known for their charismatic demeanors and bright smiles.
Ambler told the Iola Register in an interview this year that he considers this corner of the state a hidden treasure.
