May 28, 2025
New Bench Installed at the Cowley College Tyler Technical Education Center Courtyard
Cowley College is proud to announce the installation of a new bench in the courtyard of the Tyler Technical Education Center, a project made possible through the generosity of Union State Bank and the skilled collaboration of Cowley鈥檚 faculty and students.
Union State Bank sponsored the courtyard through donations made during the planning and construction of the Tyler Technical Education Center. From the outset, the project was envisioned as a hands-on opportunity for student involvement鈥攁ligning with the college鈥檚 mission of experiential learning. Though the center officially opened in the fall, the completion of the bench was delayed to ensure students could play an active role in the process.
鈥淯nion State Bank has long been a valued partner of the Cowley College Foundation鈥� said Dr. Kori Gregg, Foundation President and CEO. 鈥淭heir pledge as a major donor to our Career and Technical Education Building campaign exemplified their commitment not only to Cowley College and our students, but to the community as well鈥�.
The newly installed bench features the Union State Bank logo within a custom plaque fabricated by Welding Instructor Rick Squires and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Chair Daniel Brooks. The concrete slab and bench installation were completed by students in the construction trades program under the guidance of instructor Zack Rozell.
Cowley College President Dr. Michelle Schoon praised the effort, stating, "This project is a great example of community partnership and student engagement. Union State Bank鈥檚 generosity allowed us to create a space that is both functional and symbolic of the teamwork and talent at Cowley."
The bench now stands as a welcoming feature of the courtyard, providing a place of rest and reflection for students, faculty, and visitors while also showcasing the craftsmanship and collaboration that define Cowley College鈥檚 Career and Technical Education programs.
Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu