The National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees received updates on student achievement, campus development and national recognition during its March meeting, highlighting continued momentum across multiple areas of the college.
NPC recognized the Nighthawk women’s basketball team as the student spotlight, celebrating a historic 2025–26 season that culminated in the program’s first appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Women’s Basketball National Tournament.
The Nighthawks finished the season 21–12 and secured both the program’s first Central Plains District Championship and their second consecutive NJCAA Region 2 Championship to earn an automatic bid to the 20-team national tournament field.
Throughout the season, multiple student-athletes set new program records, with sophomores Khayla Garrett (assists), Aaliyah Hollins (rebounds), Khyra Garrett (blocks) and Daisy Dollar (three-pointers) each establishing all-time marks.
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden praised the team’s resilience throughout the season, noting the grit and determination that defined their historic run. The milestone season reflects continued growth for NPC Athletics and highlights the dedication of Nighthawk student-athletes on a national stage.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for community college students, was also recognized following a series of recent regional and national achievements.
NPC’s chapter, Alpha Beta Psi, earned the Distinguished Chapter Award at the Oklahoma/Arkansas Spring Regional Convention, along with additional honors recognizing its College Service and Honors in Action projects. The recognition highlights the chapter’s continued focus on scholarship, leadership and meaningful service to the campus and community.
The chapter also participated in Phi Theta Kappa’s annual international convention, where Alpha Beta Psi was recognized as one of the Top 100 chapters among nearly 1,150 chapters worldwide. During the convention, NPC President Dr. Wade Derden was named a recipient of the Paragon Award for New Presidents. The national honor recognizes college leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to student success by prioritizing high achievement and meaningful student engagement. Honorees are nominated by Phi Theta Kappa student leaders.
Trustees also received an update on construction progress for the college’s new welding facility, which began in September 2025 and remains on track for completion in August 2026. Recent milestones include the near completion of roofing and interior framing, along with successful installation and testing of the facility’s fire suppression system.
Work will continue in the coming weeks with the installation of rooftop units, exterior storefront windows and overhead doors as the project moves into its next phase. The 16,000-square-foot facility will expand hands-on training opportunities and support workforce development in high-demand skilled trades across the region.
“The progress we are seeing across campus reflects the strength of our students, faculty and partnerships,” Derden said. “From national recognition to facility expansion, each of these updates represents our continued commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for our students and our community.”