GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Shane Burns
[Garden City, KS] May 6, 2025 – In 1993, Garden City native Shane Burns made a decision that would shape the course of his future: he enrolled at Garden City Community College. For Shane, staying close to home was both practical and deeply personal. “I chose GCCC because it’s home,” he shared. “Attending school here allowed me to save money while continuing to live with my parents for two more years. It was the perfect way to ease into college life while staying close to the people and community that matter most to me.”
While at GCCC, Shane quickly found more than just a familiar place to study. He built meaningful relationships and developed valuable life skills through athletics and campus involvement. As a student-athlete participating in both football and baseball, Shane learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, qualities that have continued to influence his professional life. “I had the opportunity to play football and baseball, which helped me develop teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—skills that continue to serve me well in my career. Some of the most valued friendships I have today were formed at GCCC. The close-knit campus community made it easy to connect with people on a deeper level, and those bonds have stayed strong.”
Although Shane didn’t initially complete his degree when he left GCCC in 1995, he never lost sight of the importance of education. In 2021, nearly three decades after he first stepped foot on campus, he returned to complete what he started. “Though I was in a non-degree program and didn’t graduate in 1995, earning my degree from GCCC was still incredibly important to me. In 2021, I transferred credits back to GCCC to earn my Associate’s Degree in General Studies through reverse transfer. That achievement was a personal milestone and a meaningful way to complete what I started.”
His educational journey continued well beyond GCCC. Shane went on to attend Emporia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Health and Physical Education in 2000. He later earned two master’s degrees, one in Special Education focusing on Behavior Disorders in 2004, and another in Educational Administration in 2010. “These experiences, combined with the education I received at GCCC, have been crucial in shaping me into the leader I am today.”
Today, Shane serves as the Director of Transportation for USD 457 in Garden City, Kansas. In this role, he leads a department of 50 team members, including office staff, mechanics, and bus drivers, while managing the department’s budget and overseeing long-term planning. “Our team is entrusted with safely transporting nearly 2,000 students to and from school each day, as well as to field trips and sporting events.”
Reflecting on his time at GCCC, Shane emphasized the college’s unique ability to offer a world-class education in a personalized, accessible setting. “Even though Garden City Community College is located in my hometown, I’ve come to realize that it plays a vital role in the global community. Through partnerships with various universities, GCCC provides local students with access to the same educational opportunities and experiences as those who attend larger institutions. What makes GCCC stand out is that it offers these benefits in a more personalized setting, with smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-teacher ratio. This allows students to receive more individual attention while still gaining a world-class education, right here at home.”
He also credits GCCC for preparing him to succeed at a four-year university and beyond. “GCCC has provided me with strong foundational collegiate skills that have prepared me for success at a larger institution like Emporia State University. The education and support I received at GCCC gave me the confidence in my academic skills to thrive in a more challenging and fast-paced university environment.”
When asked what advice he would give to students considering GCCC, Shane doesn’t hesitate. “If you’re thinking about attending Garden City Community College, I’d say go for it. GCCC is a hidden gem right here in our hometown. It offers the same quality education and opportunities as larger universities, thanks to its partnerships with schools across the country, but in a more personal and supportive environment. The smaller class sizes mean you get more one-on-one time with instructors, and it’s easier to build strong connections with both faculty and classmates. Staying close to home also means you can lean on the support of your family and friends while still meeting new people from all over the country. Plus, it gives you a solid foundation for transferring to a four-year university, just like it did for me.”
From student-athlete to district leader, Shane Burns’ story is one of determination, growth, and deep community roots. His journey proves that success often begins right at home.
Garden City Community College is proud to have played a part in Shane’s inspiring path. Make a difference for future Busters by starting your own Endowed Scholarship through the GCCC President's Scholarship Initiative!
From HERE, you can go ANYWHERE.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.