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Cowley College and Butler Community College Celebrate a Successful First Year of Nursing Partnership

Cowley College and Butler Community College are proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first year of their innovative nursing partnership. This collaborative program, launched in the fall of 2023, and based at the Cowley College Winfield Campus, has already significantly addressed the critical nursing shortage in rural Kansas by providing students with access to high-quality nursing education close to home.

This partnership, supported by William Newton Medical Center and SCK Health-Medical Center, enables local students to earn a degree through Butler’s renowned nursing program while taking advantage of Cowley College’s facilities and resources. The program also partnered with a newly established community simulation lab at William Newton Hospital, which will offer state-of-the-art healthcare training for students and current healthcare professionals.

“This partnership has been a game-changer for rural healthcare,” said Joshua Hardy, MSN, RN, Butler of Winfield Site Coordinator and Nursing Faculty. “Providing students with accessible, top-tier nursing education is the first step in addressing the healthcare workforce gap. The success of this first year demonstrates the program’s potential to transform our community’s future.”

With an eye on the road ahead, the program will continue to expand its offerings and resources. Plans for enhancing the community simulation lab are underway, ensuring students and healthcare professionals access cutting-edge training tools.

“A local nursing program is vital for sustaining quality healthcare in rural areas,” said Chris Cannon, Health and Human Services Department Chair and EMS Program Director at Cowley College. “This collaboration has already exceeded expectations, and we are excited to see the continued growth and success of the program.”

As the program enters its second year, the partners remain committed to preparing students for rewarding careers in nursing while strengthening the region's healthcare infrastructure.

For more information about the nursing partnership program, visit our Medical Health Professions Program page or contact Chris Cannon .