October 6, 2026
Story by Barton Communications
Photo by Joe Vinduska
Barton Community College is expanding its commitment to serving military-connected students by offering Live Online and Barton Online courses to students at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
The expansion provides active-duty service members, military families, and others connected to Fort Leonard Wood with flexible options to continue their education while balancing military, work, and family responsibilities.
Live Online courses equip students with real-time instruction and interaction with Barton faculty in a virtual classroom setting, offering the structure of a traditional course without requiring physical presence. Barton Online grants additional flexibility through fully online courses that allow students to complete coursework around their schedules.
For Vice President of Instruction Elaine Simmons, the expansion to Fort Leonard Wood represents another milestone in Barton’s decades-long commitment to military education. Having witnessed the evolution and growth of Barton’s military partnerships over the years, Simmons brings a unique perspective to the College’s latest expansion.
“As a longtime Barton employee, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the College establish military and academic programming at Fort Riley in 1982 and, subsequently, academic programming at Fort Leavenworth in 2012,” she said. “Now, this fall, Barton is extending military education to service members and families associated with Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. It is yet another proud Barton moment and a new opportunity for us to serve those who serve and their supporters.”
Barton has a long history of serving military-connected students and has been recognized as a Gold-level Military Friendly® School, reflecting the college’s continued commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and their families. Barton understands the unique demands of military life, and expanding course availability to Fort Leonard Wood builds on that commitment by providing another military community with access to affordable, flexible educational opportunities.
Barton President Marcus Garstecki noted that the expansion continues that tradition while providing educational options designed around the realities of military life.
“Expanding our educational opportunities to Fort Leonard Wood allows Barton to serve even more military-connected students in a way that works with their lives,” he said. “We understand that military students need education that can adapt to the demands of their service, work, and families. Through Live Online and Barton Online, we can provide flexible, high-quality options that help students continue moving toward their educational goals wherever their service may take them.”
Students can use Barton courses to work toward a certificate or degree, fulfill general education requirements, or prepare to transfer to another institution.
To learn more about Barton’s military education opportunities, visit fr.bartonccc.edu/services/advising.