Kansas Colleges Partner on Agriculture Degree Pathway

Garden City Community College and Fort Hays State University sign agreement to streamline transfer credits for agriculture students.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:53pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a tractor or other iconic farm equipment repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the collaboration between two Kansas colleges to strengthen agricultural education and workforce development.A new partnership between two Kansas colleges aims to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders by creating a seamless pathway for students to advance their education.Wichita Today

Garden City Community College (GCCC) and Fort Hays State University (FHSU) have formed a new partnership that will allow agriculture students working on their associate degree at GCCC to easily transition to a bachelor's degree program at FHSU. The agreement outlines a seamless pathway for students pursuing degrees in agriculture and animal science, ensuring their hard work and credits transfer with confidence.

Why it matters

This partnership is more than just about transferring credits - it's about aligning educational programs with the needs of the agriculture industry and preparing the future workforce. By creating a smooth transition between the two institutions, the agreement supports students in achieving their academic and career goals in the growing field of agriculture.

The details

Under the new memorandum of understanding, GCCC students who graduate with select associate degrees while maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA will have their credits fully transferred toward FHSU bachelor's degree programs. The partnership builds on a longstanding transfer relationship between the two schools, further strengthening the pipeline for students to start locally and complete their four-year degree.

  • The partnership was officially signed on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • GCCC has been one of FHSU's top transfer partners for over two decades.

The players

Ryan Ruda

President of Garden City Community College.

Tisa Mason

President of Fort Hays State University.

Annie Gerber

Graduate of both GCCC and FHSU, currently working at the Garden City Co-Op.

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What they’re saying

“The signing of this MOU promotes a partnership designed to create a seamless pathway for students pursuing degrees in agriculture and animal science. The partnership is about more than just transfer credits. It is about alignment with industry, workforce demands, and the future of agriculture.”

— Ryan Ruda, President, Garden City Community College

“This agreement doesn't just honor that legacy; it strengthens it. We are ensuring that students can begin their journey locally and complete it with the absolute confidence that their hard work will transfer and that their goals will be supported.”

— Tisa Mason, President, Fort Hays State University

“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.”

— Annie Gerber, Graduate, GCCC and FHSU

What’s next

The new partnership agreement will go into effect immediately, allowing GCCC students to begin seamlessly transferring to FHSU's agriculture and animal science bachelor's degree programs starting in the fall 2026 semester.

The takeaway

This innovative partnership between GCCC and FHSU demonstrates the power of collaboration in higher education. By aligning their programs and creating a clear pathway for students, the two institutions are investing in the future of the agriculture industry and ensuring local students have the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.