System Council of Chief Academic Officers

The System Council of Chief Academic Officers (SCOCAO), established in 2002, is composed of the six chief academic officers of the state universities, four chief academic officers selected by the nineteen community colleges, one chief academic officer selected by the six technical colleges, and the chief academic officer of Washburn University. SCOCAO meets in person the morning of the first day of the monthly Board meeting. Membership includes:

Brandon Galm, Cloud County CC
Marc Malone, Garden City CC
Mickey McCloud, JCCC- Co-Chair 
Luke Dowell, Seward CCC
Lisa Kirmer, FHTC
Brent Thomas, ESU- Co-Chair
Jill Arensdorf, FHSU
Jesse Mendez, KSU
Barbara Bichelmeyer, KU
Susan Bon, PSU
John Fritch, Washburn
Monica Lounsbery, WSU
Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, KBOR

SCOCAO formulates recommendations relating to the implementation of the Higher Education Coordination Act as they apply to academic affairs; addresses instructional, academic, or related issues that affect higher education system-wide in Kansas; receives and reviews recommendations from individual campuses or instructional groups; promotes continuous quality improvement and coordination of higher education in Kansas; and promotes higher education improvement through joint academic or professional development activities. One of its primary functions is continuous academic planning for the Kansas public postsecondary system. 

Additional information about the Councils and Committees of the Kansas Board of Regents can be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FY 2026 Meeting Information

FY 2025 Meeting Information

Previous year’s meeting agendas and minutes can be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.