Newman University Receives $1.2M Towards Higher Education Access for Southwest Kansas Initiative
March 28 2024 - 11:16AM
Business Wire
Classroom technology, “Smart Ag labs” and new
Garden City satellite campus on the horizon for Newman
University
Today Newman University learned that it will receive $1,200,000
for the Newman University Higher Education Access for Western
Kansas Initiative, a comprehensive effort to bring bachelor’s
degree programs and updated technology to the underserved area of
Southwest Kansas. The program benefits all students enrolling in
the new program, with a focus on agribusiness.
Southwest Kansas is in dire need of higher education
opportunities. Currently, Southwest Kansas is considered an
“educational desert,” meaning there are no institutions offering
four-year degrees within a 100-mile radius of Garden City and Dodge
City. Approximately 500 students graduate from Garden City High
School annually, and of these students, only 40% will go on to earn
an associate degree. Of those students, only a fraction currently
go on to receive a bachelor’s degree. After extensive research and
reviewing the American Council of Education studies on the
“place-bound students” phenomenon, it is clear that many students
will not leave home for school due to employment needs and family
obligations.
This initiative provides Newman University with an opportunity
to combat these statistics and meet the needs of Southwest Kansas
students where they live by partnering with Garden City Community
College, Dodge City Community College and Seward County Community
College. Students can now earn their associate degrees through
their respective community colleges, then seamlessly transition
into Newman University’s bachelor’s degree program. Courses will be
on-site in the community college classrooms taught by Newman
University faculty, who have a strong tradition of serving diverse
students. Without this program, higher education may otherwise be
unattainable for many of these students.
These funds will go toward classroom technology which allows for
in-person and hybrid learning, further encouraging aspiring
students who are also working adults to join the program. “Smart Ag
Labs” will be built at select locations in the communities, which
allows students to experience hands on learning. The ag labs allow
students to study data analytics, higher productivity and precision
agriculture with the latest agricultural technology. Newman
University will also renovate a new satellite office in Garden
City, which functions as a space for students to meet with
administration to discuss their higher education path.
Newman will bring a variety of bachelor’s degree opportunities
to the Southwest Kansas community colleges. Nursing, teaching,
business and agribusiness are currently available at the Garden
City Community College, Dodge City Community College, and Seward
County Community College campuses and are still enrolling for
summer and fall 2024.
These programs will greatly benefit the entire Southwest Kansas
community, as higher education will focus on a curriculum that
directly reflects local business needs. Students will also have the
opportunity to participate in work-study experiences, enabling them
to partner with industry leaders and earn experience unlike any
other institution of higher education in the state.
Agribusiness is one of the most unique paths offered, as new
technology gives students direct experience with the current
transformation of agriculture production into an industry grounded
in the Internet of Things. Students who graduate with a bachelor’s
degree through the agribusiness program will be prepared to meet
the growing production demands of the industry. Southwest Kansas
will be home to industry leaders and world changers as the students
of the new agribusiness program pave the way for the significant
industry transition.
Additional information on current degree programs offered,
enrollment and scholarship opportunities is available at
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.
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Master Plan Communications Ashton Maxfield
ashton@masterplancommunicaitons.com 949.289.6493 or Emme Rothberg
emme@masterplancommunications.com 214.641.2928