Staff Profile

Melissa Rickford serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement, where she leads fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts in support of the College and the Colby Community College Endowment Foundation. In this role, she works closely with donors, alumni, community partners, and campus leadership to advance scholarships, academic programs, and long-term initiatives that strengthen student success and the institution's future.

Rickford brings a diverse professional background spanning finance, healthcare, sales, and organizational leadership. Prior to joining Colby Community College, she held senior roles in financial management and human resources, as well as leadership positions in healthcare and corporate environments. Her experience provides a practical, collaborative approach to advancement work and a strong focus on thoughtful stewardship of donor support.

A northwest Kansas native, Rickford has a longstanding connection to Colby Community College, having completed dual-credit coursework through CCC while in high school. She earned a Master of Science degree from Kansas State University and values the important role community colleges play in expanding access to education and opportunity.

Rickford is actively involved in the community through organizations such as Colby Rotary and enjoys volunteering throughout Colby, Atwood, and the surrounding area. She and her family live in Atwood, Kansas, and appreciate being part of northwest Kansas communities that strongly support education, service, and one another.