Senator Marshall Announces Partnership for Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals

Andover - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Kansas Community Colleges, and the Kansas National Guard will sign a proclamation establishing a partnership to develop more cybersecurity professionals across Kansas. Senator Marshall visited the Butler Community College cybersecurity program to see the important work being done by community colleges to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

"Kansas' Air National Guard is a national leader in producing world-class cybersecurity professionals who help defend our country and keep Kansans safe," said Senator Marshall. "But the demand for skilled cyber talent has never been greater. I'm proud to bring together our outstanding community colleges and National Guard leaders to create clear pathways for more Kansans to enter this high-demand field and strengthen the Guard's critical mission."

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Under the new partnership, community college member institutions will work collaboratively with the Kansas National Guard's 184th Wing to expand, adapt, or develop curriculum and credentialing pathways that reflect the Kansas National Guard's current and emerging mission needs. All stakeholders will pursue innovative approaches to education and training, including stackable credentials, competency-based learning, micro-pathways, and opportunities that support Airmen, veterans, and Kansas learners seeking technical and professional advancement.

Participating community colleges are: Cloud County Community College, Butler Community College, Garden City Community College, Barton Community College, and Hutchinson Community College. Newman University is also included in the partnership. A proclamation will be signed at 10:00 a.m. Jan. 26 in the old Secretary of State office in the State Capitol.

"Kansas Community Colleges are excited for this new partnership with the Kansas National Guard and specifically the 184th Air National Guard wing to enhance cyber security, unmanned aerial systems and artificial intelligence knowledge of soldiers and civilians who support them," said Heather Morgan, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Community Colleges. "Kansas Community Colleges have specific knowledge and the ability to deliver courses in this area. This partnership strengthens our ability to provide students with instructors with hands on knowledge of these cutting edge technologies as well as allows our students to be exposed to another career path that would allow them to use their skills to protect our state and nation. We are tremendously excited for this partnership and the opportunities it will provide our students and guard members."

"Our Kansas Colleges are vital partners in empowering our citizen-airmen, creating stronger, more capable, and educated warriors," said Col. Joe Deeds, Commander 184th Wing. "The education experiences gained from these prestigious institutions are the catalyst to advancing the skillsets of our airmen. The 184th Wing has firmly established itself as the 'Silicon Prairie' of the Air National Guard, a centralized hub where premier cyber and intelligence talent converges to tackle the nation's most complex challenges. With the monumental support of our Kansas elected officials, the 184th Wing and Kansas institutions of higher education are proving that the frontier of innovation isn't just on the coasts, but right here in the heartland - where a pioneering spirit meets the high-tech demands of modern national security.

Butler Community College President, Dr. Daniel, said, "As a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designated by the NSA and DHS, Butler Community College is proud to support this statewide partnership with the Kansas Air National Guard to strengthen cybersecurity education and workforce pathways across Kansas."

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