Daniel P. VandeWynkel is a native of Fort Scott, graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1960 and Fort Scott Community College in 1966. He attended the Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University) where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1969, master’s degree in 1976 and specialist in education degree in 1977.

In college, VandeWynkel was a member of Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, where he served as public relations chairman from 1975-1976 and membership chairman in 1976. He was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa Professional Fraternity in Education and was listed in Who’s Who in Kansas in 1975.

VandeWynkel was an integral part of Fort Scott Community College for nearly 30 years, working at FSCC since 1976. Throughout his years at FSCC, he held a variety of positions, working as Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Students, Director of Counseling and Retention, and most recently psychology instructor before retiring. Prior to working at FSCC, VandeWynkel was owner and operator of Fort Scott Home Furnishings and EFD District Truck Line.

While at FSCC, VandeWynkel was deeply involved in the rodeo program. For more than 25 years, he participated in various functions of the program including coaching the girl’s team. He also purchased bucking horses for the rodeo students to use for practice. In 2005, the alumni rodeo was dedicated to VandeWynkel. It is now known as the Dan VandeWynkel Alumni Rodeo. He is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

He and his wife, Brenda, have three children: Daniele, Dane and Ryan.