Member Spotlight – Hutchinson Community College
Located at 2208 Plaza East Place, the Hutchinson Community College – McPherson Center serves as a vibrant educational hub for McPherson County and beyond. Offering a wide variety of academic and career-oriented programs, students can pursue everything from general education and healthcare to industrial training and adult basic education.
Dr. Tricia Paramore, President of Hutchinson Community College, emphasized the college’s commitment to the area: “We have our physical presence here at the McPherson Center, as well as a presence in nearly every high school in the county to provide our early college opportunities for students… Kind of get a jump start there.” Whether students attend traditional classes, hybrid, online, or via Zoom, the center supports learners at every stage of life and career.
A standout feature of the McPherson Center is its diverse program lineup, including the AO-K program, which allows students to earn a GED while gaining technical certification in high-demand fields like Welding, Allied Health, and Industrial Mechanical Maintenance. “The AO-K stands for Accelerating Opportunity-Kansas, where people can get their GED alongside a certificate,” explained Danny Owens, Coordinator of Adult Basic Education. Dave Mullins, Director of Business and Industry, also highlighted the growth of the Industrial programs: “We actually have a number of apprenticeships with companies in McPherson… now some of those students are going to be able to be closer, be able to take classes and then go work their shift and have less commuting time.” This kind of hands-on training is further supported by state-of-the-art labs, including high-tech AC/DC circuit panels and lifelike medical mannequins that simulate real patient responses for nursing students.
The McPherson Center is equally dedicated to supporting traditional and non-traditional learners. The LPN program, for example, is designed to serve both recent high school graduates and adults returning to school. “We have a nine-month program that you’ll see more traditional students applying for, and then we have an 18-month program where you’ll see non-traditional students,” said Joyce Armbrust, PN Instructor. The program has seen remarkable success, boasting NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rates well above the national average, including three years at a 100% pass rate.
Meanwhile, high school students can take advantage of dual credit opportunities, and the Blue Dragon Bound scholarship, which reimburses tuition if they continue at HCC after graduation. “Every dollar that they pay for the classes while in high school, if they come to HCC afterwards, they get that money back in a scholarship,” explained Laura Bretz, Associate Director of Outreach. With extensive academic support services, advising, and career resources, the HCC McPherson Center is a powerful local gateway to higher education, career training, and lifelong success. For more information visit the HCC McPherson Center website at hutchcc.edu/mcpherson or give them a call at 620-245-0202. Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by Hutchinson Community College McPherson Center can be seen here.