Alisha Dorsing presents a PowerPoint to Hesston Fire/EMS staff about the basics of labor and delivery in EMS and how to handle a variety of obstetric emergencies during a training session held at Hesston College.
It’s not every day you find firefighters and EMTs practicing emergency deliveries in full gear, but thanks to a creative collaboration between Hesston College’s nursing program and Hesston Fire/EMS, that’s exactly what happened on the college’s campus.
The spark for this training came from Alisha Dorsing, a senior nursing student at Hesston College and field training officer with Hesston Fire/EMS. Tasked with planning April’s EMS training, Alisha saw a golden opportunity.
“As a current nursing student, I have spent a lot of time in the simulation and skills labs, so I’m familiar with all the resources we have there,” she shared. “While working on plans, I asked Gregg [Schroeder] whether he’d be interested in collaborating. He immediately agreed.”
Gregg Schroeder, director of nursing education at Hesston College, had been eager to coordinate with EMS in the past but hadn’t quite been able to make it happen until now.
“This year presented a unique opportunity when Alisha was tasked with providing education on emergency and complicated deliveries,” he explained. “I was thrilled, and together we began planning the event earlier this semester.”
The training brought 15 EMS team members into Hesston’s state-of-the-art simulation lab, where they practiced everything from routine deliveries to more complex situations like breech births and shoulder dystocia. Dorsing led a detailed review of EMS protocols and guided her team through hands-on practice using the lab’s advanced birthing manikin and task trainers. The capstone of the evening was a full-scale emergency scenario where the team responded to a simulated labor call — complete with a “patient” who had ruptured membranes and fallen — transporting her and assisting with delivery right in the simulation suite.
It was a night of invaluable experience for Hesston Fire/EMS.
“Our staff expressed so much gratitude for the opportunity to learn in this environment and get hands-on training,” Dorsing said. “Using the pelvic manikins gave the staff lots of opportunities to practice different maneuvers to ensure safe delivery of an infant. Participating in a full scenario in the simulation lab with the high fidelity birthing manikin really helped our staff to work on critical thinking, scene management and supporting the patient during childbirth. And of course, Gregg jumped into character as the concerned husband, so they got to practice methods of keeping him calm, too.”
Hesston Fire/EMS Chief Zach Bergen said the collaboration was a major win for his team.
“From my perspective, collaboration with Hesston College and the nursing department has had untold benefits to our department and the community,” he said. “Outside instructors can bring fun new views to our job. It also helps us to keep up to date with the current patient care standards.”
Dorsing’s dual roles as a nursing student and field training officer made a notable impact.
“Her expanded knowledge has enhanced her medical skills, and she shares that with the department, both on calls and in training,” Bergen noted. “She’s also been a part of updating our EMS protocols, bringing in the latest practices. This training was a perfect example of how her educational journey benefits everyone.”
While nursing students didn’t participate this time around, Schroeder sees plenty of potential.
“Chief Bergen expressed interest in expanding these simulations, including future opportunities for nursing students to participate — such as receiving the patient in a simulated ER handoff scenario,” he said.
The best part? Everyone involved is excited to keep the momentum going. Plans are already in motion to use the simulation lab for more EMS training this summer and beyond.
Both Schroeder and Bergen agree these partnerships pay dividends for the community.
“By practicing newborn deliveries in the state-of-the-art simulation lab, the EMS crew gains hands-on experience in a controlled, high-fidelity environment, enhancing their confidence and readiness to respond to rare but critical situations involving childbirth,” Schroeder said. “This ensures better outcomes for both mothers and newborns in urgent, time-sensitive scenarios.”
Bergen echoed the sentiment.
“I’d like to express my thanks and appreciation to Hesston College for being a partner with us both in training and in bringing excellent people to our department,” he shared. “Collaborating with the college allows for the students to see what we do and possibly pique an interest in doing emergency work…I look forward to more collaboration in the future.”
With partnerships like this, Hesston is proving that when it comes to caring for the community, teamwork really does deliver.
For those inspired by this teamwork, Hesston Fire/EMS is always accepting applications for paid per-hour volunteer EMTs and firefighters. No experience is required, training is provided. Visit hesstonks.org/departments/fire_and_ems/fire_and_ems_employment.php to learn more.
Alisha Dorsing helps fellow Hesston Fire/EMS staff practice high-risk deliveries using Hesston College’s simulation lab and high-fidelity birthing manikins.
Alisha Dorsing helps fellow Hesston Fire/EMS staff practice high-risk deliveries using Hesston College’s simulation lab and high-fidelity birthing manikins.
Spotlight on Alisha Dorsing — a leader in the making
Alisha Dorsing has worn many hats during her time at Hesston College and Hesston Fire/EMS — and she’s made an impact with each one.
Earning her EMT license at the end of her sophomore year at Hesston, Dorsing quickly expanded her skills, earning her Firefighter I certification and later advancing to Field Training Officer through a rigorous promotional process. Under the supervision of Captain Gracie Hochstetler, also a Hesston College alum, she helps train new staff in ambulance operations, EMS procedures, equipment use and patient care. She’s also instrumental in preparing EMT students for their practical exams with scenario-based training, all while balancing part-time EMT and firefighter duties.
“Alisha’s educational journey has enhanced her medical knowledge and patient care, which she has shared with the department both on emergency calls and in the training environment,” said Bergen. “Her expanded knowledge has even helped us update our EMS protocols to reflect the latest medical standards.”
Schroeder echoed the praise, adding, “Her involvement as a student provided her with a strong understanding of the resources available in our simulation laboratory. As a student nurse, she was able to identify key areas for review with her EMS colleagues, including the steps involved in newborn delivery, care of the laboring mother and post-delivery care for both the mother and baby.”
Following graduation from Hesston’s nursing program this month, Dorsing looks forward to her next position as a full-time registered nurse on the Labor and Delivery unit at Wesley Medical Center. She plans to stick around, though. A Hesston resident, she will continue working with Hesston Fire/EMS part-time.
From the classroom to the front lines, Dorsing’s leadership is helping elevate care — and inspiring future collaborations along the way.
Hesston College announces winners of 2025 Acuity writing contest
English
First place winners of Hesston College’s 2025 Acuity Creative Writing Contest are (left to right) April Galicia, Josalyn Wipf, Gresa Arapi and Mariah Hall.
Hesston College is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Acuity Creative Writing Contest, celebrating outstanding student work in poetry, fiction, nonfiction and editorial writing. The winning pieces, along with select honorable mentions and original student artwork, are featured in this year’s edition of “Acuity: the Journal for Writing and Art 2025.”
According to Miriam Barton, English professor and contest coordinator, this year’s contest was particularly robust. Not only did she receive a high number of entries, but the quality of submissions was also very good, making the honor for those selected even more prestigious.
The 2025 Acuity Creative Writing Contest winners are:
- First Place – Poetry: Josalyn Wipf, “Matching”
- Honorable Mention – Poetry: Jamie Krehbiel, “Just Another Woman”
- Honorable Mention – Poetry: Josalyn Wipf, “Table of Grace”
- First Place – Fiction: Mariah Hall, “A Darker Desire”
- Honorable Mention – Fiction: Justin Young, “Document 000”
- Honorable Mention – Fiction: Justin Young, “The Last Test_Epiphany”
- First Place – Nonfiction: April Galicia, “The Big Game”
- Honorable Mention – Nonfiction: Jaylon Hatcher, “The Start of my Football Journey”
- First Place – Editorial: Gresa Arapi, “MLK”
In addition to publication in the 2025 issue of “Acuity,” winners will also be recognized during the May 5 formation gathering where they will share readings from their pieces and receive their awards.
“It is important for academic communities to have a way to publish creative thought as a way to enhance dialogue and diversity of perspective,” shares Barton. “‘Acuity’ serves as a platform for creative writers to share their voice, develop as writers and represent the immense talent that we have here at Hesston College.”
Visit hesston.edu/acuity2025 to read the full issue and view featured student art.
Read More
Bel Canto Singers bring 500-Year Anabaptist celebration to Oregon
General
Music
The Hesston College Music Department invites the public to join in a historic celebration of faith, music and heritage at Anabaptism at Five Hundred: Hymn Festival on Saturday, May 24, at 4 p.m. at Zion Mennonite Church in Hubbard, Oregon.
The Hymn Festival will feature a historical narrative by Ken Rodgers, Hesston College music professor, tracing the evolution of hymns and texts central to Anabaptist worship over the past 500 years. Singers from surrounding churches are invited to join Bel Canto Singers to form a choir that will lead the event and combine with audience participation to create a communal expression of faith and song. Music will be led by Dr. Russell Adrian, director of choral activities.
This community-wide event is part of worldwide celebrations commemorating the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, a faith movement that began with the first adult baptisms in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 21, 1525. Those baptisms sparked the spread of Anabaptism across Europe and eventually around the globe, shaping religious history and traditions for half a millennium.
Join Bel Canto Singers for an inspiring afternoon celebrating a significant milestone in history through music and storytelling. For more information, contact the Hesston College Music Department at finearts@hesston.edu or 620-327-8141.
Read More
Bel Canto Singers head to the Pacific Northwest with “Singing Through Generations” tour
Music
The Hesston College Bel Canto Singers are hitting the road once again, bringing their celebrated program “Singing Through Generations” to audiences in the Pacific Northwest. Conducted by Dr. Russell Adrian, director of choral activities, and accompanied by Ken Rodgers, music professor, this tour marks another opportunity for the ensemble to connect through music, community and faith.
The program commemorates the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism and highlights the enduring role of music in the life of the church across generations. Featuring a range of sacred choral works, “Singing Through Generations” is both a celebration and a reflection on the shared legacy of faith.
The Hesston and surrounding community is invited to a special home concert prior to the tour Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church. This concert will be available via live stream.
“We’re excited to share this meaningful program with our community before taking it on the road to audiences in the Pacific Northwest,” says Adrian. “I am looking forward to reconnecting with people and congregations from my first years of teaching at Western. Along with music making, we have several adventures planned for our students to discover the wonderful beauty of Oregon and Washington.”
Pacific Northwest Tour Schedule:
- May 20 – Seattle (Wash.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.
- May 23 – Western Christian School (Salem, Ore.)
- May 23 – Salem (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.
- May 24 – Hymn Festival at Zion Mennonite Church (Hubbard, Ore.), 4 p.m.
- May 25 – Morning worship at Zion Mennonite Church, 10:15 a.m.
- May 25 – Portland (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.
- May 27 – First Presbyterian Church (Bend, Ore.), 7 p.m., hosted by Bend (Ore.) Mennonite Church
- May 28 – Mennonite Village (Albany, Ore.), 3 p.m.
- May 28 – Albany (Ore.) Mennonite Church, 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the Hesston College Music Department at finearts@hesston.edu or 620-327-8141.
Singing Through Generations program
Read More
Laughter and desserts await at Hesston College’s “A Comedy Cabaret” May 2 to 4
Theater
Get ready for a night of laughter, sweets and spontaneous comedy as Hesston College Theatre serves up “A Comedy Cabaret” — a delightful blend of sketches, musical numbers and improv — May 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater (301 S Main, Hesston).
This performance will feature an array of hilarious scenes, monologues and charming musical theatre songs sure to usher in an evening of fun and laughter.
“I encouraged my students to draw inspiration from everywhere — classic comedy, TikTok, YouTube — you name it,” shares Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a playful mix of the traditional and the trendy, guaranteed to appeal to all ages.”
The experience includes entertainment from members of MaLARKey improv team who will lead a few improv games and offer the opportunity for audience involvement.
“Improv is all about spontaneity and creativity,” Jantzi explains. “The audience might throw out a situation, a famous person, or even a wild setting, and our MaLARKey team will run with it. Think ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ but with a clean twist!”
Upon entering the theatre, attendees won’t find the traditional row seating of a typical theatre performance. Instead they will gather around small tables where they can sit back and relax while snacking on desserts and chatting between acts, offering a less formal, but still engaging production. Featured dessert vendors include Salted Creamery and Lyndsey’s Cakes and Bakes.
“I hope the audience leaves with smiling faces and happy bellies,” says Jantzi.
Don’t miss out on an evening filled with laughter and desserts! Tickets are limited, so grab yours today by calling 620-327-8104. Suitable for ages 7 and up.
Read More
Hesston College showcases student creativity in annual art exhibit
Art
Hesston College is excited to announce the 2025 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, a vibrant showcase of creativity featuring works by the college’s talented students across various disciplines. The exhibit will be on display from April 22 to May 9 in at Hesston’s Regier-Friesen Gallery in Laban Peachey Center (325 S College Dr, Hesston).
The community is also invited to attend a special awards reception scheduled for April 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m to celebrate these talented student artists and their remarkable works. Awards include:
- Best of Show
- Merit Award I
- Merit Award II
- Juror’s Choice Award — Recognizing a piece that resonates deeply with the juror on an artistic or conceptual level.
The Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit is open to all Hesston College students, regardless of major or discipline. All visual art forms are eligible, provided they were created within the past calendar year.
“Having the exhibit open to all students no matter what their major or area of emphasis creates space for a wide range of interpretations on subjects and use of materials,” shares Joshua Cross, Hesston College art professor. “A student with no traditional art background will approach traditional art materials differently than a student who has taken multiple art classes, worrying less about what is ‘right’ and just creating and seeing where it takes them.”
This year’s juror is Monica Plank, a Hesston College alumna and professional artist and potter from Marion, Kan. Plank’s ties to the college run deep — her father once taught graphic design courses at Hesston. She is currently serving as an adjunct ceramics instructor at Hesston College while also teaching at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. With her experience and unique perspective, Plank will designate award winners from among the submissions.
“One of the best things about the annual student show is that we bring in an outside juror to judge the pieces,” Cross explains. “It allows our students to hear another voice when it comes to their creative endeavors, and that is important for their growth, especially at a small school.”
The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free.
Read More
Hesston College joins NAIA and NCCAA for 2025-26 athletic season
General
After a year and a half of applications and site visits, Hesston College is now a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) for the 2025-26 school year. Membership in each organization begins on July 1, 2025.
“We are excited that all of our preparation has led us to membership in the NAIA and the NCCAA,” says Athletic Director Bryan Kehr. “The NAIA’s Champions of Character and the NCCAA’s #Kingchasing programs resonate strongly with our institutional goals.”
A member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference since 2019, Hesston College announced in November 2023 it would begin the transition to a four-year athletic model parallel to a shift in its academic focus toward bachelor’s degree offerings.
“Hesston College sought membership in the NAIA by joining the NAIA Pathways program,” explains Kehr. “NAIA Vice President Nick Davidson came on campus for a visit and helped us prepare for the Membership Evaluation Team visit this February.”
In its first year as a member of the NAIA, Hesston will compete in the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC), a non-traditional conference that allows schools that are considered independents a clear path to postseason play. Hesston will join Haskell Indian Nations University (Lawrence, Kan.) as the second CAC member institution in the state of Kansas.
Hesston also joins the NCCAA as a Division I member as an institution that offers athletic scholarships. Central Christian College (McPherson, Kan.) and Sterling (Kan.) College are the only other NCCAA DI members in Kansas and are also members of the NAIA. They are joined by DII members Manhattan (Kan.) Christian College, Barclay College (Haviland, Kan.) and Kansas Christian College (Overland Park, Kan.).
“This partnership with the NCCAA is a true blessing for Hesston College,” shares Hesston College Interim President Ross Peterson-Veatch. “It is a wonderful opportunity for our community, and we are excited to align ourselves with this organization that shares many of our same values including competitive excellence and cultivating a Christ-centered experience for student-athletes.”
Read More
General
Hesston College is pleased to announce the addition of three new bachelor’s degree programs as well as a partnership agreement with Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) in coordination with one of the new programs.
With recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission, Hesston College will offer the following new programs beginning in fall 2025:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science
- Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, with tracks in pre-athletic training and exercise science
- Bachelor of Art in Sports Management
“Hesston College began pursuing these additional program offerings as part of our transition from a two-year to a four-year institution,” explained Dr. Ross Peterson-Veatch, Hesston College’s interim president. “Being able to now offer these in-demand programs is a big accomplishment in responding to student requests as well as achieving our strategic goals as a college.”
Health Science
The new health science program prepares students for graduate-level study and careers in medicine, allied health and other pre-clinical fields. The curriculum blends science, mathematics, population health and health care systems with leadership development and applied learning. Building on the college’s strong reputation in nursing education, the program responds to the growing demand for well-rounded health care professionals equipped with both scientific knowledge and compassionate care, which is rooted in Hesston’s Christ-centered mission encouraging students to integrate faith and service in their careers.
With the launch of the health science program, the college also entered into a partnership agreement today with KHSU that seeks to address Kansas’ growing physician shortage. The agreement allows a select number of Hesston College students to accelerate their career path with a 3+4 program. Qualified students who meet admission requirements will have the opportunity to begin their first year of medical school in their senior year of undergraduate studies at Hesston College. After completing their first year at KHSU’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM), they will receive their bachelor’s degree from Hesston College, thereby having the opportunity to complete both undergraduate work and a medical degree in seven years.
“This partnership is an important initiative to help give Kansas-based students an advantage as it accelerates training, reduces student debt and helps expedite the development of a highly qualified workforce,” said Tiffany Masson, Psy.D., president of Kansas Health Science University. “While the shortage of physicians is expected to intensify in the years ahead, KHSU is committed to improving the health of Kansas for the long term by developing the next generation of physicians to serve our communities.”
“This agreement with Kansas Health Science University provides a wonderful opportunity for our students, our communities and our state,” Peterson-Veatch shared. “Hesston has a strong history of producing high quality nursing graduates, and we’re excited to now have the ability to launch the same quality pre-medicine students into their careers faster through this partnership.”
KHSU will reserve first-year seats in its college of medicine, beginning in the fall of 2027, for Hesston College students who meet specific course requirements within their undergraduate program and admissions criteria at KansasCOM. The students will have the opportunity to transition to KansasCOM in pursuit of their medical degree with the class of 2031.
Health and Human Performance
Also under the health care umbrella, the addition of the health and human performance program offers a hands-on, experience-driven education with two specialized tracks in pre-athletic training and exercise science. Students apply classroom theory in a state-of-the-art exercise science lab, conducting experiments in VO2 max testing, cardiovascular testing, flexibility, strength, endurance, body composition and muscle strength testing. Pre-athletic training students gain practical skills in taping, wrapping, injury evaluation, rehabilitation and developing return-to-play programs, while exercise science students focus on designing strength and conditioning programs and preparing for National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) personal trainer certification. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, students graduate prepared to excel in athletic training, personal training and related health and performance careers.
Sports Management
Sports management is the new program derived as an off-shoot from the current business management program, but offering more emphasis in the highly sought after sports industry. A field projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next several years, this program provides a foundational education to begin numerous career options in the sports arena. The curriculum combines the study of business, management, mentorship, sports-related subjects and practical and project-based experience through community partnerships. Individual students will partner with an industry leader, allowing for collaboration in applied learning experiences and mentorship while also obtaining practical experience that can be used to build their resume and professional portfolio.
“These new programs are popular for student-athletes who want to pursue a professional path in sports beyond their time as an athlete,” says Peterson-Veatch. “As Hesston’s student body continues to grow with the move to four-year athletics, also beginning next year, we now have more options to meet the needs of our student-athletes and others who are drawn to the career paths available through these new programs.”
Read More
Hesston College students engage with lawmakers at KICA Student Day at the Capitol
History
Hesston College students recently had a unique opportunity to participate in the Kansas Independent Colleges Association (KICA) Student Day at the Capitol, where they engaged with state legislators and gained firsthand experience in government operations. This marked the first time Hesston College students attended the annual event, which highlights the role of independent colleges in Kansas and their impact on the state’s economy and workforce.
Accompanied by history professor Dr. Peter Lehman, students Trintity Fairbanks and Sebastian Pavlovich met with four state legislators, shared their personal stories and discussed how private colleges contribute to the state’s economic landscape. They also toured the capitol dome and observed a legislative session in progress.
“The purpose of this event is to, firstly, emphasize the important role that independent colleges in Kansas, such as KICA member schools, play in allowing Kansans to meet their career goals and in supporting the economy of the state,” Lehman explained. “This is accomplished by having students share their stories and how their college is and will be vital to their success. Secondly, it is to provide a rare educational opportunity for students who get to witness a legislative session and meet with individual lawmakers.”
For freshman Trintity Fairbanks of Salina, Kan., who is pursuing a career in the medical field, the experience was eye opening and inspiring.
“We had a great time meeting the legislators — they were surprisingly down to earth!” she said. “I was also shocked to learn that they operate on a 90-day working period and come from diverse backgrounds across Kansas. Senator Owens was a really great guy, and I’m grateful to have him and the other legislators I spoke with representing our state.”
Sebastian Pavlovich, a freshman recreation and sports studies major from Lindsborg, Kan., echoed the sentiment, saying he had initially been nervous about speaking with legislators but quickly realized how approachable they were.
“At first, I thought it would be pretty scary. Who am I to talk to a person of that stature about myself?” Pavlovich admitted. “But I learned quickly how personable they were — especially Senator Owens. Man oh man, he was so awesome. He gave us a cool medallion figure to keep, ended up being late to a meeting for us, invited us back to the Capitol to shadow him, and really heard us out on what we were talking about… I truthfully felt heard.”
“I truly enjoy the opportunity to help [students] not only understand how our government functions, but to help them understand that I was a KICA student,” Stephen Owens, state senator for district 31, shared in an email response to the college. “As a Bethel [College] and Southwestern [College] graduate, I had the opportunity to have an education that cannot be duplicated at a large public school. These experiences set me up for future success and growth. It provided the foundation for my service in the Legislature. Hopefully, they realized they are capable as well.”
Both students were also struck by the economic impact of independent colleges like Hesston on Kansas communities.
“I was surprised to learn that private college funding is significantly smaller compared to public and community colleges,” Fairbanks noted. “I had assumed private schools would receive more funding, so this was eye-opening for me.”
“Colleges like Hesston bring in money by attracting students, staff and visitors who are willing to support funds for the small town,” Pavlovich added. “They will spend an extended amount of money; eating at local restaurants, shopping multiple times a day at a local store, filling up on gas and just overall spend big bucks… Colleges like ours also help business by training students to become skilled workers in the state, working in important industries, which directly affects the economy and strengthens it.”
Owens also found the opportunity beneficial for Kansas legislators as a whole.
“Having representatives from the KICA schools advocate for their colleges is so important,” he said. “Often times, we get caught up on the large, public universities since they are fully funded by state funds. Many in the building are reminded how important the comprehensive grant is to our KICA colleges. I am proud to advocate along side these students for our KICA colleges.”
With a lot of takeaways for students and legislators alike, the day proved valuable on many fronts.
“I hoped that students would gain an appreciation for the real and practical difference state policies make in their everyday lives by talking with representatives,” Lehman shared. “People tend to focus on national politics much more, I think, despite the important work done in our state capital. The students told their stories, asked great questions, and were polite, enthusiastic and curious throughout. I was very proud to be accompanying them.”
Read More