Labette Community College

Labette Community College, a vibrant public institution founded in 1923, currently serves 1,446 students under the leadership of President Mark Watkins. Known for its deep roots in the community, the college has a rich history of adapting to and meeting the educational demands of Parsons and the surrounding area, beginning as a crucial "jumping off point" for students seeking higher education.

Initially established as Parsons Junior College, it began as a two-year extension of the Senior High School, financed and operated by the public school system. By 1935, Parsons Junior College evolved significantly, becoming a four-year system that included grades eleven through fourteen, adapting to a new 6-4-4 organizational structure for Parsons schools. This transformation underscored its commitment to providing comprehensive educational opportunities during a period of rapid growth spurred by the arrival of the MKT Railroad.

The institution underwent further key changes in its identity, reflecting broader trends in higher education. In 1967, it was rebranded as Labette Community Junior College, differentiating it as a local, publicly funded school. This name remained until 1980, when the college adopted its current and enduring name, Labette Community College, solidifying its role as a central educational pillar for the community to this day.