Butler and Kansas Board of Regents recognize Engineering Firm that Provides Continued Support for Students

Butler Community College and Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) honor MKEC Engineering, Inc. Mel Whiteside, Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at Butler Community College and Daniel Higdon, Engineering Technology Instructor, presented Cole Gardner of MKEC Engineering, Inc., a plaque from KBOR acknowledging the firm’s support of higher education.

“We recognized MKEC for their long-standing support in giving internships to our students,” Whiteside said. “Partnerships, like the one with MKEC, are integral to our program and help Butler students succeed.”

Kansas Board of regents annually award industry partners that provide support of local programs and MKEC was the ideal candidate. MKEC has worked with Butler for more than 20 years.

Gardner, a graduate of Butler’s engineering program, understands the value of offering students’ internships that often lead to employment.

“Working with Butler has been a two-way benefit. We’ve (MKEC) benefited from the qualified students we get from Butler,” said Gardner, Department Manager of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing at MKEC. “We add value to the program side of things by providing students with the direction they need to acquire good-quality jobs.”

MKEC Engineering, Inc. is a full-service engineering and land-planning firm that offers a broad range of consulting services with branches in Wichita, Kansas City and Oklahoma City.

Cutline (L-R): Cole Gardner, Daniel Higdon