The name isn’t set in stone, but the Barton Community College Board of Trustees has approved renaming the Physical Education Building the “Fleske Field House,” or some other name approved by donors Len and Sheila Fleske.
“There is time to figure out the exact name,” Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs told the board Tuesday. The Barton Community College Foundation has certified and signed a naming agreement. A donation has been made to the Next 50 Physical Education Building Renovation that merits the agreement. The amount of the donation will not be made public, which is the normal policy that protects the privacy of Foundation donors.
The Kirkman Student Activity Center will continue to bear that name, honoring previous donors. Board President Mike Johnson said some people have come to think of the entire structure as the “Kirkman Building,” but that was never the case. It is an addition to the main athletic complex added in 1995.
Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner said the addition to the PE Building was named the Kirkman Student Activity Center after K.W. “Pete” Kirkman in 1996. “At the time, it included the practice gym, wellness center, athletic offices, and multiple administrative offices. Later, the Kirkman Visitor’s Center was named when Admissions moved into administrative offices to create a one-stop shop for visitors and students. Both of those areas will retain their names as we continue to celebrate the generosity of Mr. Kirkman.”
Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki added, “We still want to honor the Kirkmans’ contribution.”
As for the Fleskes, Rolfs said, “They’re such awesome people and we’re extremely grateful for their generosity. Their very large contribution will benefit students and the community.”
Johnson said the Fleskes have supported the college and given much over the years.
Meeting at a glance
In other business, the trustees:
• Conducted a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and then approved the budget that was previously published.
• Heard a report on Student Support Services from Jennifer Christiansen, Student Support Services project director.
• Listened to an overview of the AI Consortium, provided by Dr. Garstecki; Dr. Kathy Kottas, dean of Workforce Training and Community Education; and Renee Demel, chief information officer.
• Approved new personnel:
- Carlos Sanchez – Assistant Soccer Coach
- Garison Breeding – Assistant Track & Cross Country Coach
- Arthur Fanucchi – Campus Safety Officer
- Scott Gray – Assistant Soccer Coach
- Marcella Thompson – Instructional Designer
All of the above are on the Barton County campus. Also approved were:
- Laura Pratt – Director of the OSHA Training Institute Education Center and Occupational Safety and Health Program at the Grandview Plaza campus (contract position)
- Angela DeWitt – Education Navigator (Adult Education), in the downtown Great Bend office and Larned State Correctional Facility.
