Four candidates are vying for three open seats on the Allen Community College Board of Trustees. Spencer Ambler and Ken McGuffin are not seeking re-election.
Incumbent Mary Kay Heard is running for a second four-year term. Also on the ballot are Gena Clounch, Vicki Curry and Lonnie Larson.
After witnessing so much change over the last four years, Mary Kay Heard wants to serve another four-year term.
Heard senses ACC is on the verge of something special with plans for a new activity center.
This is an opportunity, especially for the college to do it with the city and the county, Heard said. To have these three main taxing entities thinking about working together, its almost unheard of. It is so exciting and I think we have to try to get this done.
Heard said one of the biggest hurdles has already been cleared because the school already owns the land for the prospective center.
Heard is no stranger to serving community. She helped organize the USD 257 Endowment Association and served as president and chairman of that board. She has also served on the Iola Tree Board, the Iola Library Board, the Allen County Hospital Board and the Iola Bank and Trust board.
Heard was also the first woman board member of Iola Industries.
I just feel that women dont need to sit back. They need to contribute because they can. I am pleased that three of the four candidates that are running are women, Heard said.
Heard is proud of the direction ACC is headed and believes it serves as a tremendous asset to both Iola and Allen County. She points to its low tuition and the fact that the school offers 75 Kansas system-wide transfer courses as well as 17 career and technical education programs.
I think the college has tremendous leadership in John Masterson. Everyone they have put into place does a tremendous job. Jon Marshall, Cynthia Jacobson, Brian Counsil they are all very good at their jobs. The teachers care so much about their students, Heard said. Its just great to be a part of something like this.
Heard talked briefly about the recent renovation of the student center, saying the school was able to walk away from the project debt-free. She said though she didnt play much of a role in the project, the opportunity to do more excites her.
Heard said serving on the board has given her a greater appreciation of ACC.
To see how things are done and know that we have the opportunity to help every kid in Allen County and a lot of kids from surrounding counties is rewarding. I always look for opportunities to do good.
