Pratt Community College is pleased to announce a gift and pledge of $250,000 from Dr. Bill Wojciechowski. In 2018, Dr. Wojciechowski and his wife Terri established an endowed scholarship at the college. Funds from this recent gift will be added to the William and Terri Wojciechowski Endowed Scholarship bringing the total balance of the fund to nearly $300,000.
Dr. Wojciechowski left an indelible mark on the institution, spearheading initiatives to enhance academic programs, foster community engagement, and ensure the college's financial stability. His visionary leadership transformed Pratt Community College into a thriving educational hub, dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
In May of 2013, PCC’s Board of Trustees showed their appreciation to Dr. Wojciechowski by renaming East Hall and dedicating it as the Dr. William Wojciechowski Hall in his honor. The facility is a co-ed residence hall and offers apartment-style living amenities for 72 students. At the time, Dr. Wojciechowski stated “I was shocked and surprised. It was quite the honor. Anytime people go out of their way to recognize a person, it’s a great feeling to know that people appreciate your hard work.” He further shared “In the 24 years I have worked here there hasn’t been a day that I didn’t look forward to going to work.”
Affectionately referred to as “Dr. Woj,” he came to PCC following a career in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Colonel. Vice President of Students Lisa Perez-Miller remembers that he had a painting in his office with images under the words “Watch-A-House-Key.” He often joked with students, saying they couldn’t graduate until they could pronounce his name correctly.
During his presidency he oversaw, construction of the Riney Student Conference Center; national accreditations for the nursing, automotive technology, and business programs; reinstatement of the wrestling program; creation of the EduKan consortium; and the college received national recognition for its community service and was named to the President’s Community Service Honor Roll. He also helped the formation of the South-Central Kansas Nursing Partnership and saw the PCC Foundation grow to a value of $3.4 million. Other construction projects under his watch included Stanion Stables, North Hall, Dudrey Scholarship Hall, Chandler Hall, three wind turbines, and East Hall. Dr. Wojciechowski was recognize by the Association of Community College Trustees as the Western U.S. Region CEO of the Year (1994), honored by Phi Theta Kappa as one of the ten Outstanding College Presidents in the U.S. (1994), and received the Michael Bennet Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), the prestigious national award recognizing his commitment and support of Phi Theta Kappa honors society.
“The commitment that Dr. Wojciechowski has to Pratt Community College is incredible. Having had the privilege of working with Dr. Wojciechowski for over twenty years I can say that every day his focus was on PCC as well as its students, faculty, and staff. His dedication and commitment to PCC was contagious which allowed the College to achieve a high level of success in all areas during his presidency.” Stated Vice President of Finance and Operations, Kent Adams.
Dr. Wojciechowski served on a number of community, state, and national boards during his professional career. After retirement, Dr. Wojciechowski and Terri made annual gifts to fund scholarships for PCC students, as well as regular gifts in support of PCC Performing Arts. Terri passed away in August of 2022.
This scholarship is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Wojciechowski's leadership and commitment to education. Recognizing the importance of providing financial support to students, Bill and Terri championed the creation of the endowed scholarship as a means to make education more accessible. With their generous donations, they have established a perpetual source of funding that will benefit students for years to come. The scholarship reflects their deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and his unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for those seeking to better their lives through learning. Pratt Community College will be eternally grateful for their efforts and generosity.
“We are so grateful for the gift from Dr. Woj. He made a huge impact during his 24 years as president of Pratt Community College. His hand prints are all over the campus in facilities, programs and commitment to student success”, stated current PCC President Dr. Michael Calvert. “With this gift he continues to make impacts and help change lives in perpetuity. You can’t do any better than that.”
The mission of the Pratt Community College Foundation is to promote opportunities for a quality higher education and to advance institutional excellence through cultivating positive and enduring relationships with supporters. The Foundation exists as a separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization responsible for college advancement, alumni relations, and stewardship of the college's endowment fund. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
The mission of PCC is maximum student learning, individual and workforce development, high quality instruction and service, and community enrichment. A two-year public, comprehensive community college and an area technical school, PCC is located in Pratt, Kansas. For more information visit https://prattcc.edu/ or call 620-672-5641
