Cowley College Joins Statewide Partnership Between the 184th Wing and Kansas Community Colleges to Strengthen Workforce Readiness

Leaders from the Kansas Association of Community Colleges (KACC) and the 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard formally signed a statewide Proclamation of Partnership on February 11, 2026, establishing a collaborative effort to strengthen Kansas’ workforce pipeline in cybersecurity and other mission-critical fields.

Representing Cowley College at the signing were President Dr. Michelle Schoon and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Layton, who joined fellow Kansas community college presidents and key leaders of the Kansas Air National Guard to affirm their commitment to expanding academic pathways aligned with the operational needs of the 184th Wing.

The partnership formalizes collaboration in areas including cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, information technology, aviation maintenance, emergency management, logistics, and other emerging mission areas. Through the agreement, Kansas community colleges will work alongside Guard leadership to expand curriculum, develop stackable credentials, and align technical training programs with real-world mission requirements.

The signing in Topeka builds upon earlier discussions held January 21 at Butler Community College, where U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Col. Graig Cooper, Deputy Commander of the 184th Wing, met with several Kansas community college presidents to discuss articulation agreements and coordinated strategies to enhance cybersecurity education statewide. Those conversations laid the groundwork for the formal proclamation signed this week.

Tyler Mason, Military and Veteran Liaison for Senator Marshall, was also in attendance at the February 11 event, underscoring federal support for strengthening collaboration between Kansas higher education institutions and the Kansas Air National Guard.

Dr. Michelle Schoon emphasized the importance of Cowley College’s role in the initiative.

“This partnership further strengthens the link between education and the workforce,” Schoon said. “Cowley College is proud to work with the 184th Wing to connect classroom learning to real-world needs.”

Dr. Scott Layton, Vice President of Academic Affairs, echoed that sentiment.

“It’s a great opportunity to enhance student learning in cybersecurity with the expertise provided by the Air National Guard,” Layton said.

As a member institution of the Kansas Association of Community Colleges, Cowley College will actively collaborate in developing and expanding programs that serve both traditional students and military-affiliated learners. The agreement reinforces the shared commitment of Kansas community colleges and the Air National Guard to educational excellence, workforce readiness, and service to the people of Kansas.

For Cowley College, the partnership reflects its ongoing dedication to innovation, community engagement, and preparing students to meet the evolving demands of today’s workforce.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu