Central Christian College launches manufacturing degree to strengthen Kansas workforce
New McPherson program aims to meet regional industry demands through technical and character-driven training
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Central Christian College of Kansas is launching a manufacturing technology degree designed to fill the state's growing demand for skilled production workers and bolster the local economy.
The program will allow students to start with industry-recognized certifications and progress toward an associate or bachelor's degree in manufacturing technology, addressing regional workforce needs in automation, precision machining and process optimization.
The degree pathway will be housed in the college's newly established Bradbury School of Manufacturing and Innovation, created through a partnership with the Bradbury Family Foundation. Central Christian College President Lenny Favara said the initiative connects values-based education with real economic realities by training students for modern production environments.
"Manufacturers across our region are looking for highly trained professionals," Favara said, noting the curriculum will also emphasize professional characteristics like reliability and problem-solving. "This initiative is designed to meet that need."
To support the academic coursework, construction will soon begin on the Manufacturing Education Center of Kansas. The facility, known as the MECH Center, will feature advanced labs for machining, automation and design to provide hands-on experience for both credit-seeking students and regional workforce trainees.
Economic developers say the program will serve as a critical pipeline for central Kansas. Dawn Loving, board president of the McPherson Industrial Development Co., said aligning college degrees with employer expectations will support long-term economic growth. "McPherson County has long been a manufacturing leader in Kansas, and the creation of the Bradbury School of Manufacturing and Innovation is a significant step forward," Loving said.
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