Seth Budimlija grew up as a Jayhawk fan and always intended to get a degree from the University of Kansas.

But with a family in Lenexa and a full-time job in Kansas City, the idea of commuting to Lawrence for classes did not sound practical.

When he learned he could pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration through classes at JCCC and the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park, he saw the solution. Now’s he’s added part-time student to his role of full-time employee.

“I’ve been lucky so far not to have to travel there,” the 28-year-old said, referring to Lawrence.

The two colleges have established an educational partnership called Start2Finish. It paves the way for students to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas by taking their first two years of college at JCCC and their last two at KU Edwards.

Besides business administration, the partnership sets students up to earn bachelor degrees in developmental psychology, literature, language and writing, molecular biosciences, public administration and social work.

Counselors from both schools work with individual students to determine if each school’s academic programs fit that student’s goals and then guide the student through the program.

Budimlija graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 2000 and served in the Marine Corps for five years. Now he’s a manager for Dean Machinery Co. in Kansas City. He and his wife Annie have two sons ­­­– Lyndon, 5, and Mason, 21 months, and a 2-month-old daughter named Raegan.

Budimlija has been taking classes since the fall of 2007. He generally takes two night  classes each semester and one class during the summer.

“I probably have six more years, maybe five,” he said. “I’m in for the foreseeable future. I stay pretty busy but it will get better. “

Budimlija thinks Start2Finish is a good program, especially since the colleges are just two miles apart down Quivira Road in Overland Park.

 “It’s almost a natural relationship now, as close as they are,” he said.