Newman, GCCC celebrate Mobile Agriculture Lab offering state-of-the-art technology

By SCOTT AUST / Greater Garden City

Newman University celebrated its ongoing partnership with Garden City Community College on Tuesday as it unveiled a new Smart Mobile Agriculture Lab that will allow students to get hands-on experience with  the latest in agriculture technology right here at home.

Nearly 200 people attended the celebration held at The Refinery in Garden City, which included a ribbon cutting and opportunity to tour the mobile lab.

The mobile lab, made possible through a $1.2 million Congressional Designated Spending appropriation through Sen. Jerry Moran’s office, is a mobile classroom that includes a simulator where students can learn to drive a combine or use drones to get a real world feel for the advanced technology used in agriculture today.

Sen. Moran said he supported the CDS for the mobile lab due to its impact on agricultural education, but when he learned more about the partnerships that would be created between Newman and GCCC, Dodge City Community College and Seward Community College it felt like the CDS would provide a “two-for” in benefit.

“The future of our state, in many ways, depends on what happens at our educational institutions,” Moran said, adding that it’s important not to dismiss the role that community colleges and technical education have in ensuring a bright future for Kansans.

“It accentuates a message that I want our students and families to know – you do not have to go away to be a success. You can stay in your community, you can stay in your hometown, you can stay in Kansas and receive the necessary education and become a successful citizen and find financial and personal success in your lives,” Moran said. “This partnership is certainly a path forward to make sure good things happen today and in the future.”

Kathleen Jagger, Newman University President, said it’s necessary for agriculture education to take advantage of new technology development and innovation. The mobile ag lab will showcase Newman’s ag technology management degree program and represents a forward-thinking investment in students, workforce, and the future of agriculture in Kansas.

“Newman University is open to making new partnerships that lead to innovative ideas and innovative opportunities because we’re committed to excellence innovation and programs that are resilient and take on the challenges of higher education today,” she said.

Alden Stout, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Newman University, called it a “milestone day” for the innovative partnership with GCCC which allows local southwest Kansas students to get their four-year bachelor’s degrees closer to home.

Initial discussions between Stout and GCCC President Ryan Ruda focused on the lack of four-year degree access in the region that was both affordable and would assist in workforce development. Stout said the partnership created is innovative and a model for others on how to do education across rural communities.

“We started the HERE program; that education was HERE. Bachelor’s degrees are here,” Stout said. “The conversations we’re having here are different than the ones happening elsewhere. Those are conversations being had in lots of places, but here we serve the community. Here we serve the students. Here we’re part of a partnership for the greater good. Here we fulfill our mission. This mobile ag lab is part of the fulfillment of that mission. To equip students and provide a pipeline for industry for local talent development right here in Garden City.”

Moran said he believes there is no future for western Kansas without ag success and is pleased how Newman and GCCC have partnered to create a path forward for agriculture. Moran emphasized that in addition to benefiting ag education, the partnership will assist with workforce training, another vitally important issue for the future success of the state.

“I think Kansas is poised for significant growth, including here in Garden City and Southwest Kansas. I think our future is bright, I think people are finding value in the quality of life, the kind of people we are,” Moran said.” This may turn out to be one of the great combinations of a university and community college that shows there’s a path forward that we ought to be looking at and supporting across the state of Kansas.”

In addition to thanking Sen. Moran for his support, Stout thanked GCCC President Ruda; Jessica Bird, Associate Vice President of Outreach Education & Dean of School of Education and Social Work; and sponsors including American Implement, MJE, Heartland Soil Services, and Garden City Co-op.

Newman University students from Southwest Kansas to Wichita will be able to make use of this mobile ag lab beginning in Summer 2026. Campuses currently include Newman University Wichita Campus and the HERE program schools consisting of Garden City Community College, Dodge City Community College and Seward County Community College.