By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
For the sixth time in more than 50 years of operation, Barton Community College will have a new president. Following a 15-minute executive session Tuesday afternoon, the Barton Board of Trustees voted in favor of Dr. Marcus Garstecki as the next president.
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Garstecki has served as chief enrollment management officer at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Originally from Wisconsin, Garstecki started his career in athletics, spending seven years on the coaching staff at Dodge City Community College.
After accepting the position, Dr. Garstecki shared his appreciation to the Board and committee for the opportunity to return to Kansas, where his higher education experience started in 2001.
“My wife Kacie and I are beyond excited to join the Barton Community College family,” he said. “We sincerely appreciate the hospitality and warm welcome we received during the interview process. One thing that we were looking for through this process was a place that felt like home. While we were on our visit, we sensed a genuine, close-knit, family atmosphere from everyone we met, making this an easy decision for us.”
Garstecki, along with fellow finalist Dr. Seth Carter, went through the interview process that included a public forum on the Great Bend campus earlier this month.
After 17 years as Barton President, Dr. Carl Heilman is scheduled to retire following the close of the school year. Garstecki's contract will begin July 1, 2024.
Listen below to the public forum in Great Bend with Dr. Garstecki on Jan. 16, 2024.