Despite concerns expressed by faculty members and others, the Dodge City Community College Board of Trustees approved a proposal that would eventually give administrative control of the school to Fort Hays State University.

The board’s vote Tuesday night is a one step in a long process. The proposal must still be approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, the state Legislature and the governor.

The proposal would create an Institute of Applied Technology on the Dodge City campus, with Fort Hays also offering some four-year degree programs.

The Dodge City Daily Globe reports faculty members, who learned of the plan Saturday, issued a statement questioning whether the college will be able to continue its mission as a low-cost, open enrollment institution.