GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Jeff Boyd

Jeff Boyd’s decision to attend Garden City Community College (GCCC) marked the beginning of a successful academic and professional journey.

Drawn to GCCC for its affordability and the opportunity to join the Meats Judging Team, Jeff found that the college offered much more than just a stepping stone to his future.

 “GCCC allowed me to earn prerequisite credits for my degree path that were easily transferred to KSU,” Jeff said. “I was also able to participate with the Meats Judging Team, which allowed me to gain skills and travel the Midwest.”

During his time at GCCC, Jeff learned one of the most valuable lessons of his life: the importance of planning and preparation.

“I had to balance academics, work, and student activities without one affecting the other. Effectively managing my time and prioritizing responsibilities showed me that we are capable of more than we think,” he said. “The cost of education was much more manageable compared to a traditional four-year university. Additionally, the smaller class sizes in foundational courses were a significant benefit.”

After attending GCCC from January 1998 to May 1999, Jeff continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from Kansas State University (KSU) and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University (CSU). He credits GCCC with laying the foundation for his success.

“Academically, the smaller classes gave me a better foundation for the higher-level classes I would later take at KSU and CSU,” he said. “The Meats Judging Team also exposed me to different careers and team-building opportunities. I enjoyed traveling to different contests. The team also helped us build confidence in ourselves as we had to evaluate and explain our placings. The classes and judging team also allowed me to start building a professional network that complemented my career.”
Today, Jeff Boyd serves as the CEO of Garden City Co-op, Inc., where he oversees the company’s functions and services, develops strategies in coordination with the board of directors, executes strategic initiatives with the leadership team, and maintains the company culture while fostering employee development.

 “Don’t be afraid to start at a community college to begin your higher education career. Participate in activities. It will teach you about yourself and help you build a network of contacts Enjoy your time—it will fly by,” he said.

Jeff Boyd’s journey is a testament to the impact that starting at a community college can have
on a successful career. GCCC provided him with the academic foundation he needed and offered experiences and opportunities that shaped his future in significant ways.