WICHITA — The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) of Crawford County announced today a new partnership with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), Kansas’ largest technical college, to enhance and expand career training opportunities for high school and adult learners across Southeast Kansas. The collaboration continues CTEC’s established relationship with Pittsburg State University, forming a strong regional alliance dedicated to workforce development in Southeast Kansas.
“This partnership is about building a stronger Southeast Kansas by preparing students for great careers and striving to meet workforce demand,” said Dan Boley, executive director of CTEC. “WSU Tech shares our values and brings the quality, innovation, and industry connections that will allow us to take this work to the next level. And with Pittsburg State at the table, we’re building a seamless path from high school to high-wage careers and beyond.”
CTEC is a non-profit training center based in Pittsburg that was created in 2016 through a public-private partnership to meet the region’s workforce needs. As CTEC continues to grow and works through the formal accreditation process, it was necessary to identify a postsecondary partner who could meet immediate operational and instructional needs. WSU Tech emerged as the clear choice, bringing a strong statewide reputation for high-quality technical education and a shared commitment to student success.
While CTEC falls within the service area of Pittsburg State University under the Kansas Board of Regents, this unique partnership was established with the full support of Pitt State leadership. The collaboration not only addresses current needs but also creates a future- forward approach, opening additional pathways for CTEC students to continue their education through Pitt State’s Crossland College of Technology.
“We are happy to help CTEC partner with WSU Tech and serve the students and workforce needs in our region,” said Doug Ball, interim president at Pitt State. “Allowing WSU Tech to support our service area is the right thing to do for students and our statewide economy, and we look forward to expanding access on our own campus over time. We are confident the partnership will lead to great things for generations to come.”
WSU Tech will serve as the official postsecondary partner, bringing its nationally recognized technical training and credentialing expertise to CTEC programs. Together, the organizations will offer students more robust access to certifications, dual-credit courses, and career pathways in areas such as welding, HVAC, construction, masonry, automotive, heavy equipment operator, and more.
CTEC students will benefit from WSU Tech’s curriculum and credentialing, which is aligned with local employer needs, while continuing to access hands-on learning in CTEC’s training facility in Pittsburg. In addition, and thanks to the State of Kansas’s investment in the Excel in CTE program, high school juniors and seniors can take technical courses tuition-free, removing financial barriers and creating a clear path from the classroom to high-wage, in-demand careers.
“At WSU Tech, we believe in the power of partnerships to transform lives and communities,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “This collaboration with CTEC represents our shared commitment to expanding access, removing barriers, and delivering the kind of education that leads to real opportunity. Together, we’re not just filling jobs, we’re building futures and investing in the success of Southeast Kansas.”
To date, CTEC has proudly served over 1,000 students and awarded more than 1,100 industry- recognized credentials. This new partnership sets the stage for continued program growth, innovation, and expanded access to workforce-ready training.
CTEC and WSU Tech will host a ribbon cutting and open house in partnership with the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, August 14, at 3:30 p.m. at CTEC, 1301 E. 27th Terrace, Pittsburg. Officials from both WSU Tech and CTEC will be in attendance, and the event is open to the public. Tours will be available following the ceremony.
For more information about CTEC and WSU Tech’s program offerings in Southeast Kansas, visit sekctec.com or wsutech.edu.
