Partnership will expand ag degree access in southwest Kansas
In an innovative educational partnership, Garden City Community College and Kansas State University are joining forces to make bachelor’s degree programs available to students in southwest Kansas without requiring them to relocate.
This collaboration will allow students to complete their education locally, addressing a critical need in a region where only 17.9% of residents hold a four-year degree compared to the state average of 33.9%.
The new initiative enables students to complete their first 60 to 75 credit hours at GCCC before finishing their bachelor’s degrees with K-State in Garden City. Programs will combine remote instruction with on-site lab experiences, offering flexibility and alignment with local workforce demands in fields like agriculture, education and health and human sciences. The courtesy photo above shows the official signing of the agreement.
The partnership will initially work to develop a new bachelor’s degree through K-State’s College of Agriculture. The degree program will be for students with an associate’s degree, allowing specialization in areas such as animal science, crop science or agribusiness. GCCC and K-State will soon launch a community survey to shape additional program offerings based on regional industry needs.
GCCC President Ryan Ruda expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its transformative impact.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting the educational needs of southwest Kansas. By enabling bachelor’s degree completion right here in Garden City, we’re offering students a unique chance to advance their careers while staying rooted in their communities. Together, Garden City Community College and Kansas State University are creating pathways to build and retain a skilled workforce, strengthening Garden City and the entire southwest Kansas region.”
Kansas State University President Richard Linton highlighted the importance of the partnership in fulfilling the university’s mission.
“At Kansas State University, our land-grant mission is to put education within reach for all Kansans, no matter where they live or what their background may be,” he said. “This partnership with Garden City Community College is a powerful step in making higher education a reality for the hardworking people of southwest Kansas. By bringing high- quality bachelor’s degree programs right in Kansans’ hometowns, we’re not only offering the opportunity to earn a degree, but also empowering a brighter future for the community and, ultimately, the entire state of Kansas.”
Local leaders praised the collaboration for its potential to elevate the region’s educational and economic landscape.
Gerry Schultz, chair of the Finney County Commission, underscored the alignment of this initiative with the region’s priorities.
“This partnership between Garden City Community College and Kansas State University aligns to the county mission of being dedicated to our citizens and serving taxpayers,” he said. “This is a good strategic opportunity to provide advanced degree completion in Finney County and be able to retain the talent pipeline in the region for the economy.”
Garden City Mayor Manuel Ortiz celebrated the long-awaited arrival of four-year degree options in the area.
“Southwest Kansas has been a four-year educational desert for far too long,” he said. “Recent strategic efforts by the community in partnership with the outstanding leadership at Garden City Community College are now bringing in-person baccalaureate degree options to our communities.”
The new bachelor’s degree options will offer completion paths in programs not currently available in Garden City through other universities, ensuring local students have access to broader educational opportunities close to home.
