Published August 15, 2022
Dodge City Community College (DC3), after working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), is pleased to announce an investigative matter has been resolved as of July 29, 2022. The investigation centered on alleged compliance violations during the college’s relationship with Universal Helicopters (UHI) for its Flight Instructor program. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, as there was no determination of liability.
The alleged violations occurred prior to the current college administration and current helicopter provider. DC3 severed all ties to UHI between late 2018 and early 2019. In addition, all DC3 employees who were affiliated with the program during the time the alleged violations occurred are no longer employed by the college.
DC3 would like to acknowledge the VA, the DOJ, and their respective staffs for their professionalism, dedication and assistance throughout this process. The college is also grateful to Provost Dr. Adam John, President Dr. Harold Nolte, the DC3 Board of Trustees led by Chairman Gary Harshberger, and the rest of the DC3 staff and administration for working so tirelessly to provide transparency, to decrease debt, and to rebuild the helicopter program. Since the establishment of the partnership with Quantum Helicopters and the implementation of the recommended changes from the VA, the DC3 helicopter program has steadily improved since 2019, and it now has approximately 70 students enrolled.
By Lance ZieschDC3 Assistant Director of Marketing and Community Relations