U.S. Senator Jerry Moran visited Garden City Community College this week to speak about how GCCC and Newman University are working together to ensure southwestern Kansas breaks free of its current “higher education desert” status, by offering bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, business, education, and agribusiness.
“The partnership between Newman University and Garden City Community College, the only one of its kind in the country, will allow students in southwest Kansas the ability to earn a four-year degree without being forced to travel hours or states away from their homes and families,” Moran said. “I’m grateful to the leadership at both entities for their pursuit of filling the higher education gaps in our state and offering young Kansans the opportunity to achieve their dreams.”
Jessica Bird, Newman University Dean of School of Education and Social Work, and Alden Stout, NU Vice President, thanked Moran for his support.
“We are overjoyed by the support of the community for providing educational access in southwest Kansas. It is the innovative partnership with Garden City Community College that makes accessible, affordable, and quality degree options here,” Stout said.
Providing a space for students to achieve their higher education goals without moving away from home is the focus of the partnership, but the implications of the program are much larger.
Southwest Kansas students and employers will benefit from the new bachelor’s degree program, ultimately driving the economic development of Garden City and the surrounding areas. The cohesive work of the two schools for the greater good of the southwest Kansas community has not gone unnoticed, and Sen. Moran speaking to the benefits of the program is an honor.
“This partnership focuses on improving access and affordability,” said Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College. “By combining the excellent education from GCCC with the high-quality programs at Newman University, students can now complete their educational goals here.”
Degree programs enrolling now for summer and fall 2024 include business, agribusiness, nursing and education. This program will provide students who currently live in an educational desert with four-year degree opportunities without having to leave home.
Scholarships are available for all degree paths, and many offer federal and state grant matching. Aspiring students can learn more about the bachelor’s degrees available through the partnership at https://gcccnewman.com/.
About Newman
Founded in 1933, Newman University is grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all faith traditions. At Newman you’ll find people, programs, organizations, and activities designed to educate your mind and inspire your spirit.
The main campus is in Wichita, Kansas with outreach sites in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Kansas, Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Newman is a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ United States Region.
About GCCC
Founded in 1919, Garden City Community College (GCCC) has served the public longer than any other community college in Kansas. GCCC is the senior leader in community college education for Kansas, with a tradition of preparing people of all ages from diverse backgrounds for success in their lives and careers.
The mission of GCCC is to help each student become a positive contributor to the economic and social well-being of society. GCCC offers opportunities for every individual through our shared vision of becoming the premier educational nexus to progress and world-class learning in a dynamic environment. From here, you can go anywhere.
