Colby Community College joined three Western Kansas institutions in a new regional collaboration following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Colby, Garden City Community College, Dodge City Community College, and Seward County Community College. The agreement was finalized on Dec. 4 on the GCCC campus.

The Western Kansas Consortium MOA creates a framework for the colleges to explore shared academic programs, faculty and resource sharing, coordinated purchasing, and other initiatives designed to strengthen educational access and workforce development across the region.

“Colby Community College is excited about this partnership. Our institutions remain committed to supporting the growth of Western Kansas and meeting the needs of the state as a whole,” said Dr. Seth Carter, CCC President.

For more than a century, the four community colleges have served as critical educational and economic anchors in Western Kansas. Together, they bring more than 300 years of combined service to students and local industries.

GCCC President Dr. Ryan Ruda called the agreement “a bold step forward for Western Kansas,” noting ongoing collaborative efforts, including SCCC’s CDL program now operating in Garden City and Garden City's Registered Medical Assistant program expanding to Liberal.

Leaders from the partner institutions emphasized that the consortium positions Western Kansas as a model for efficiency and innovation. “We are definitely stronger together,” said Dr. Harold Nolte, DCCC President. Seward President Brad Bennett added that the agreement “opens possibilities for growth” while maintaining strong local commitments.

By formalizing shared goals and expanding opportunities to collaborate, the consortium aims to enhance long-term regional vitality and create sustainable pathways that benefit students, taxpayers, and communities throughout Western Kansas.