Sutton acknowledges John Deere’s involvement, noting, “Without John Deere’s help in facilitating curriculum and being as hands-on as they are, we wouldn’t be able to have our program.” Griffiths emphasizes the deep involvement of the dealer network across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. “Every dealer location actively takes part in our advisory boards, helping steer curriculum and recruit students,” he says.This network ensures FSCC remains relevant and responsive to industry needs, providing resources and opportunities that benefit students and the college. FUTURE GROWTH AND PRIORITIES Fort Scott Community College is always looking ahead, aiming to expand its offerings and better serve its students and the surrounding communities. Sutton outlines FSCC’s ambitions for the coming months: “We are looking at some new high-wage, high-demand offerings that we currently don’t offer.” The college is exploring introducing a plumbing program,an electrical program,and possibly a lineman training program—fields identified as crucial due to the growing demand in the region. These additions would further enhance FSCC’s diverse curriculum, which spans agriculture, technical education, skilled trades, and nursing. The strategic move aligns with FSCC’s growing career and technical education emphasis. “We’re seeing a bigger increase in our career technical education programs,” Sutton notes. This trend matches the region’s appetite for practical training that leads directly to employment. By adding programs that train future electricians, plumbers, and utility line workers, FSCC addresses local labor shortages and supports economic development. Sutton emphasizes the broader goal behind these initiatives: “We want to continue to form partnerships and programs that help all of our regional citizens get into the workforce.” The college’s connections 104 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
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