GCCC and FHSU partnership streamlines agriculture student transfers

Garden City Community College and Fort Hays State University have formalized a partnership for students pursuing four-year degrees in agriculture.

The agreement, outlined in a newly signed memorandum of understanding by the two Kansas colleges, ensures students completing approved articulated programs at GCCC can transfer to FHSU with confidence and clarity.

Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason and Garden City Community College President Ryan Ruda (pictured at top signing the agreement) were joined by school officials, students and alumni to witness the signing of the MOU for a guaranteed admission pathway from several two-year associate degree programs to FHSU’s bachelor’s degree programs in agriculture on April 9.

“The signing of this MOU promotes a partnership designed to create a seamless pathway for students pursuing degrees in agriculture and animal science,” Ruda said. “The partnership is about more than just transfer credits. It is about alignment with industry, workforce demands and the future of agriculture. This is not just a signing. It is a promise. A promise that when students choose this path, we will walk it with them every step of the way.”

Through this partnership, FHSU will honor course credits earned in designated GCCC programs for students who graduate with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.

Articulated pathways included in the partnership are:

• GCCC A.S. in Animal Science → FHSU B.S. in Agriculture (Animal Science or General Agriculture)
• GCCC A.S. in Agriculture Production → FHSU B.S. in Agriculture (General Agriculture)
• GCCC A.S. in Agriculture Production → FHSU B.S. in Agricultural Business

“For more than two decades, GCCC has been one of Fort Hays State’s top transfer partners. This agreement doesn’t just honor that legacy; it strengthens it. We are ensuring students can begin their journey locally and complete it with confidence that their hard work will transfer and their goals will be supported,” Mason said. “When our institutions work together, our students win, our communities grow stronger and the future of Kansas agriculture becomes brighter for everyone.”

This collaboration reinforces both institutions’ commitment to expanding educational access and supporting student success across western Kansas.

“Whether it’s supporting internships, workforce development or student engagement, I see firsthand how collaboration between these two institutions directly benefits students, employers and our region as a whole,” said Annie Gerber, Garden City Co-op talent and partnership coordinator and FHSU and GCCC alumna. “I’m grateful to give back by continuing to support students and contribute to both Garden City Community College and Fort Hays State University, just as they once invested in me.”

For more on GCCC’s agriculture and animal science programs, visit https://www.gcccks.edu/academics/divisions-folder/technical/animal-science.aspx.

For more on FHSU’s agriculture programs and pathways, visit https://www.fhsu.edu/agriculture/.