Hutchinson Community College graduates can finish a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in as few as 12 months under a new agreement between Newman University and the Kansas Association of Community Colleges, the statewide association representing the 19 community colleges and three technical colleges in Kansas.

HutchCC is one of the member colleges participating in the pathway. It's built for two groups: HutchCC graduates who want a bachelor's degree and working public-safety professionals who already have an established criminal justice career but do not have a bachelor’s degree and could use financial assistance to complete their degree.

A student who transfers with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from HutchCC can transfer up to 60 of those hours with them into the 120 hours required for the bachelor’s degree. Newman could then award up to 30 hours of credit for prior learning. That leaves roughly 30 hours to finish at Newman, which a full-time student can complete in two consecutive semesters plus a summer or intervening term.

The prior learning credit is what makes the timeline work for people already in the field. Newman will evaluate law enforcement basic training through the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and Kansas CPOST certifications, military training and occupations on a Joint Services Transcript, employer and industry training, current professional certifications, and standardized exams such as CLEP and DSST.

“Hutchinson Community College is committed to creating pathways that help our graduates and working professionals continue their education while building on the knowledge and experience they already have,” said Dr. Tricia Paramore, president of Hutchinson Community College. “This partnership with Newman University recognizes the value of that experience and makes completing a bachelor’s degree more accessible for those pursuing careers in criminal justice.”

Every HutchCC graduate admitted to the pathway receives a $20,000 Newman scholarship toward the degree. Newman also matches, dollar for dollar, any federal Pell Grant or State of Kansas financial aid the student applies to the program.

To learn more, contact Sheldon Stewart at stewarts@hutchcc.edu.

Hutchinson Community College and PrairieLand Partners will celebrate a new partnership designed to expand educational and career opportunities in agricultural technology with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Sept. 25.

The ribbon cutting will take place at 10:30 a.m. at PrairieLand Partners, 1800 S. Lorraine in Hutchinson. From 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, the new facility as well as PrairieLand’s facility will host an open house with tours and refreshments.

The partnership brings Hutchinson Community College’s educational expertise together with PrairieLand Partners’ industry knowledge and resources to provide students with hands-on opportunities to prepare for careers in the agricultural equipment industry.

Through the partnership, students will have the opportunity to earn an associate degree from Hutchinson Community College while working toward becoming a John Deere Certified Technician. The training will provide students with valuable technical skills and practical experience working with modern agricultural equipment and technology.

“This partnership is an outstanding example of education and industry working together to create opportunities for students and meet the workforce needs of our region,” said Dr. Tricia Paramore, Hutchinson Community College president. “By combining classroom learning with hands-on, industry-focused training, we can help prepare students for rewarding careers while strengthening the workforce and economy of our communities.”

Reed Allen, Director of Aftermarket for PrairieLand Partners commented, "Making sure we're able to provide the support our customers need is one of our top priorities at PrairieLand Partners, and this partnership enables us to continue to invest in the next generation by training and developing technicians that will support our customers and their operations."

The new PrairieLand Partners facility provides an expanded environment for students to gain experience with the equipment, technology and systems they will encounter in the agricultural industry.

“Partnerships like this are an investment in our students, our employers and the future of our community,” Paramore said. “We are excited about the opportunities this will create for students interested in agriculture, technology and skilled technical careers.”

For more information on this opportunity, visit www.hutchcc.edu/plp. 

Aubrianna Oberle, a student at Hutchinson Community College, has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, provides each scholar with $1,000 to help cover educational expenses while completing a certificate or associate degree that prepares them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity. We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families,” said Jeni Izuel, president of the Chime Scholars Foundation.

From Bushton, Kansas, Aubrianna is completing the LPN to RN Traditional Bridge program at Hutchinson Community College. After she graduates, the Phi Theta Kappa scholar plans to work as an emergency room/medical surgical nurse. Outside of her studies, Aubrianna works at different medical facilities as a travel nurse

“I am extremely happy for Aubrianna and her hard work being recognized by the Chime Scholars Foundation. She is very deserving of this award,” Ryan Diehl, HutchCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter advisor said.

"We are thrilled to launch this new program and award hardworking students with Chime Workforce Scholarships,” Amanda Karpinski Gorman, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation said. “These scholarships support students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges, and we look forward to see all they go on to accomplish."

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.

Hutchinson Community College will kick off the 2026 football season with a pregame tailgate and free concert featuring former Blue Dragon baseball player and coach Scott Wolverton on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Wolverton will perform live from 5 to 6:30 p.m. during the pregame tailgate. Admission to the concert is free, giving Blue Dragon fans an opportunity to enjoy an evening of live music before cheering on the Blue Dragon football team.

Food will be available for purchase during the tailgate.

Following the concert, fans can head to the stadium for the Blue Dragons' 7 p.m. football kickoff vs. Cisco College.

Wolverton is a familiar face to the Blue Dragon community, having played baseball for Hutchinson Community College before returning to coach with the program. He now performs as a musician and songwriter.

“We’re excited to welcome Scott back to campus and have him be part of the Blue Dragon football season opener,” said Athletic Director Josh Gooch. “It’s a great opportunity to bring our community together for some live music, good food and Blue Dragon football.”

The tailgate and concert will take place prior to the football game on Thursday, Aug. 20. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the concert and stay for kickoff at 7 p.m.

For more information on Blue Dragon athletics, visit bluedragonsports.com.

For more information about Scott Wolverton’s music, visit scottwolvertonmusic.com.