184th Cyber Group helps train students

Community colleges across Kansas are partnering with the 184th Cyberspace Operations Group of the Kansas Air National Guard to strengthen cybersecurity education and workforce development through the newly formed Kansas Community College Cyber Consortium.

As part of this collaborative effort, the 184th Cyberspace Operations Group, led by Colonel Jeremy Cook, recently presented a cybersecurity session, “Perspective of the Wolf,” at Butler Community College in Andover, bringing together community college leaders, faculty and cyber students from across the region.

The Cyber Consortium, formed last spring through U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, includes Butler Community College, Cowley College, Hutchinson Community College, and Cloud County Community College, all working together to expand cybersecurity awareness, education and career pathways throughout Kansas.

The “Perspective of the Wolf” presentation provided a unique look at cybersecurity from multiple perspectives, examining the roles of the "Red Team" (attacker), "Blue Team" (defender), and "Purple Team" (collaborative defense). 

"Our goal is to help students and community members better understand both attack and defense strategies in cybersecurity," said Col. Jeremy Cook, Commander of the 184th Cyberspace Operations Group. "Effective cybersecurity requires continuous learning, collaboration, and a proactive approach to defending critical systems. We are excited to work alongside Kansas community colleges to help develop the next generation of cyber professionals."

Colonel Cook told the cyber students attending that the goal of the consortium is to keep them in Kansas AND working in the cyber industry. He said, “I can see Kansas being an industry leader within the cyber community.” 

The partnership between the Kansas Community College Cyber Consortium and the 184th Cyberspace Operations Group aims to enhance cybersecurity education while helping address workforce needs across the state. Through shared resources, industry engagement and hands-on learning opportunities, the consortium seeks to prepare students for careers protecting businesses, government agencies, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

Dr. Tamara Daniel, President of Butler Community College, provided the welcome for the event when she said these types of events are “really important for us as community colleges. We value the opportunity to connect students with industry professionals such as we have here today.” 

"This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between higher education and military cyber professionals," said Dr. Marc Malone, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. "By working together, we can build awareness, strengthen cyber resilience across our communities and create opportunities for students interested in one of the fastest-growing fields in the workforce."

Members of the 184th Cyberspace Operations Group are planning additional future presentations that will continue to build out 200-level and 300-level college courses to also incorporate a specific focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum.  

About the Kansas Community College Cyber Consortium
The Kansas Community College Cyber Consortium is a regional partnership led by Butler Community College in collaboration with community colleges across Kansas and the 184th Cyberspace Operations Group. The consortium was established in early 2026 to strengthen cybersecurity education, increase student engagement in cyber careers, and support workforce development needs throughout the state.

BUTLERCC.EDU/BCTVPLUS
To expand access to cybersecurity education for communities throughout Kansas, the presentation is available on the BCTV+ app and butlercc.edu/bctvplus.