News / Press Releases

Goodland, KS. (01/29/2024)  – Northwest Kansas Technical College has announced the names of full-time students who earned spots on the President’s and Dean’s honor lists for the 2023 Fall semester.

Students on the President’s Honor List earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average while students on the Dean’s Honor List earned a GPA between 3.5 and 3.99.

President’s Honor List

Goodnow, Abigail Laura......................... BURLINGTON, CO...................................... Cosmetology

Siebert, Karolina........................................ LEVANT, KS.......................................... Cosmetology

Tacha, Jordyn Nicole................................ LIMON, CO.............................................. Cosmetology

Pena, Emilio Gabriel...................... GOODLAND, KS............................. Cloud & Crypto Computing

Spahn, Jacob M............................... METAIRIE, LA................................ Engineering Technology

Zerr, Stephanie Sue.................................. GOODLAND, KS..................................... Cosmetology

Coumerilh, Hannah....................... GOODLAND, KS.................... Computer Graphics Technology

Schears, Sydney........................... GOODLAND, KS............................... Engineering Technology

Robinson, Khasen Karon....................... LITTLE ROCK, AR........................ Business Technology

Arnold, Tess Darleen.................. GOODLAND, KS................... Precision Agriculture Technology

Conner, Taiden Lee........................... ALLEN, TX...................................... Business Technology

Zarate, Alencio C................................. SCOTT CITY, KS........................... Electrical Technology

Baehler, Bentley Dale.......................... GOODLAND, KS........................ Automotive Technology

Ihrig, Bryson Lee..................... GOODLAND, KS.............. Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology

Bisaso, Isaac Samuel Owen................... UGANDA........................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Hunter, Brendan Dean............................ MCCOOK, NE............................................. Carpentry

Meyer, Xaynder Michael........................ COLBY, KS........................ Cloud & Crypto Computing

Bogert, Bradley........................................... QUINTER, KS.......................................... Welding

Ralph, Chaye Elizabeth Dano............... GOODLAND, KS.................. Cloud & Crypto Computing

Miller, Joshua Nathaniel....... SMICKSBURG, PA............ Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology

Traver, Brodie M............................ SWINK, CO.................... Precision Agriculture Technology

Van Eaton, Carson J.................................. COLBY, KS.......................... Electrical Technology

Bostwick, Samara R.................................. GOODLAND, KS........................ Medical Assistant

Dominguez, Federico Hernandez...... GOODLAND, KS.................. Cloud & Crypto Computing

Lopez, Salvador O........................... GARDEN CITY, KS................. Cloud & Crypto Computing

Shaw, Kenli R............................ WALLACE, KS............................ Cloud & Crypto Computing

Stebbins Gariner, Hunter Dale............ STRATTON, CO................. Cloud & Crypto Computing

Vars, Michael Raymond.......................... GOODLAND, KS............ Cloud & Crypto Computing

Brantley, Sara Jo........................................ SELDEN, KS........................... Respiratory Care

Carlson, Dillon Wesley..... COLORADO SPRINGS, CO..... Mechanical Engineering Technology

Gotchall, Alyson Christine..................... GOODLAND, KS............................ Respiratory Care

Holub, Kristina Leigh............................... GOODLAND, KS......................... Respiratory Care

Kleinow, Tayler Allen............ NORTH PLATTE, NE.............. Computer Graphics Technology

Partida, Amulek Amo..................... BRADENTON, FL........................ Electrical Technology

Scott, Abigail G.............. LENORA, KS........................................... Engineering Technology

Dologuin, Yan Blaire............... GOODLAND, KS.......................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Terry, Bryson Dean...................... ST. FRANCIS, KS........................ Agriculture Technology

Biermann, Haley........................................ GOODLAND, KS..................... Technical Studies

Blochlinger, Hadyn J............... GOODLAND, KS......................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Blochlinger, Haley E................... GOODLAND, KS...................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Kuntz, Lamya A.......................................... YUMA, CO.............................. Respiratory Care

Mitchek, Jaxi........................... GOODLAND, KS...................................... Technical Studies

Franz, Jacob Carter....................... COLBY, KS.................................. Electrical Technology

 

Dean’s Honor Roll List

Banza, Glenn Mazele..................... CONGO............... Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology

Hielscher, Dylan Eric....................... HOLYOKE, CO............................ Electrical Technology

Ramos Hernandez, Martin.................... SYRACUSE, KS..................... Electrical Technology

Soto, Pablo........................... GOODLAND, KS................................. Automotive Technology

Cadoret, William Albert......................... HAYS, KS.................................... Respiratory Care

White, Edan B....................... LAKIN, KS.......................... Precision Agriculture Technology

Bosserman, Citori Janae........................... GOODLAND, KS...................... Respiratory Care

Towns, Kye Brooks................................... IDALIA, CO............................................ Welding

Gigo, Anderson.................. BRAZIL........................................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Williams, Idris Ali...................... NEWARK, NJ..................................... Business Technology

Crow, Jarek William..................... GOODLAND, KS.......................... Automotive Technology

Wolak, Benjamin James................. GOODLAND, KS....................... Engineering Technology

Heier, Ryan Joseph................... GRAINFIELD, KS............ Precision Agriculture Technology

Reyes, Lauryn J...................... LAMAR, CO......................................... Electrical Technology

Terry, Hayden B....................... KANORADO, KS......................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Stramel, Nathan J................ COLBY, KS................... Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology

Price, Kody Amedie...................... GOODLAND, KS......................... Engineering Technology

Cacavio, Rhiannon Francis.......... GOODLAND, KS.............. Computer Graphics Technology

Lalicker, Matthew.................. GOODLAND, KS............................ Cloud & Crypto Computing

Shalberg, Kyler Davis........... SHERIDAN LAKE, CO..................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Valdez Dominguez, Adriana Lizeth... BREWSTER, KS......... Computer Graphics Technology

Anderson, Anthony J................... HIAWATHA, KS...................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Scheck, Harley Jo........................... QUINTER, KS..................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Valdespino, Marco A............... GARDEN CITY, KS....................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Seamon, Jacob Andrew........................... PIERRE, SD...................... Electrical Technology

Abdikadir, Maboni M............................... COMMERCE CITY, CO........................... Carpentry

Cornelissen, Daniel.................... SOUTH AFRICA.......................... Engineering Technology

Henderson, Braxton M L........................ FREDONIA, AZ................................. Cosmetology

Carter, Jarbirey K...................... NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV.................... Business Technology

Wright, Logan William................. AKRON, CO........... Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology

Garcia, Asaph.................... GOODLAND, KS............................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Hopson, Jonathan W................................ MONUMENT, KS................................. Carpentry

Gonzalez, Octavio Manuel..................... KANORADO, KS..................................... Carpentry

Ramos Saldivar, Vicente................. GARDEN CITY, KS.................. Automotive Technology

Gamboa, Domonic Juan.......................... KANORADO, KS.................................. Plumbing

Vargas Rojas, Saul................ GOODLAND, KS................ Precision Agriculture Technology

Bradford, Mackenzie Michael....... LIBERAL, KS....... Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology

Cousins, Rafe P...................... LAMAR, CO........................................ Electrical Technology

Vera, Demi V.................................. PLAINVIEW, TX....................................... Cosmetology

Grover, McKenna Lynn........................... FREDONIA, AZ........................................ Welding

Whitlock, Nathaniel Thomas.......... GOODLAND, KS................. Cloud & Crypto Computing

Moore, Xander James................ ATLANTIC, IA........................ Cloud & Crypto Computing

Shaw, Rook James Austin................ WALLACE, KS................. Cloud & Crypto Computing

Smith, Adriel La'Vonye......................... WICHITA, KS........................ Business Technology

Maila, Lucky Motlakaro........... SOUTH AFRICA.............. Precision Agriculture Technology

Castrejon, Luis Enrique.......................... LA JUNTA, CO........................................ Welding

Renteria, Mikaela Marie.................... ARVADA, CO..................... Crime Scene Investigation

Bowman, Jack........................................ COLLYER, KS......................................... Welding

Ivans, Brooklan Ralee.............................. GOODLAND, KS...................... Technical Studies

Rubio, Briella................................... GOODLAND, KS............................. Technical Studies

Elmer, Hunter Kade.................................. HAYS, KS.............................................. Welding

Muzenda, Joseph Israel................. ZIMBABWE................................. Business Technology

Shores, Dane Matthew............................ GOODLAND, KS................. Electrical Technology

Ford, Cameron Isaiah................ KANORADO, KS............................... Electrical Technology

Macki, Andrew David Dennis.............. GEM, KS.................................. Electrical Technology

Castro, Micah Ignacio.............................. TEMPE, AZ........................ Business Technology

Dashner, Treye M...................................... PEYTON, CO......................................... Welding

Kaiser, Ethan Bailey................................. BURLINGTON, CO.......................... Cosmetology

Hogan, Dawson Ross.................. SALINA, KS................................... Electrical Technology

Gonzales, Masen Reese........................... LA JUNTA, CO....................................... Welding

Albin, Brady Lane...................................... QUINTER, KS....................................... Welding

Kibet, Dennis........................................ KENYA...................................... Medical Assistant

Kosgei, Edgar Kiptoo............................... KENYA................................... Medical Assistant

Jones, Kyle Everett.......................... ATLANTA, GA........................... Business Technology

Pfannenstiel, Colton A................... HAYS, KS................. Precision Agriculture Technology

Watson, Cerena Ca'linda................ TITUSVILLE, FL.......................... Business Technology

Wilson, Ty Curtis....................... SHERIDAN LAKE, CO...................... Electrical Technology

Thwala, Sibonokuhle............... SOUTH AFRICA................. Computer Graphics Technology

Schwarz, Jacob Alan................... OAKLEY, KS.............................. Automotive Technology

Campbell, Jason Allyn.............................. SPRINGFIELD, CO............................. Carpentry

Wilkins, Erika Ruby..................... HOLDREGE, NE..................... Crime Scene Investigation

Galetti, Beau Eli............................. LOUISE, TX............................ Engineering Technology

McMillan, Samual Douglas.................... GOODLAND, KS................... Electrical Technology

Fawcett, Matthew Hunter..................... NORTON, KS............... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Hitchens, Mason Andrew...................... GOODLAND, KS..................................... Plumbing

Marchant Doming, Christian D........... LEOTI, KS...................... Cloud & Crypto Computing

Hermosillo, Kevin I............... YUMA, CO.................. Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology

Penny, Tyjhanae Louise......... WICHITA FALLS, TX................... Crime Scene Investigation

 

The students listed above have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and strive to put forth their best effort with every assignment, test, and exam. These students exemplify the qualities of a true Maverick. Be smart, work hard, and do the right thing!

Goodland, KS. (12/07/2023)  – Northwest Tech and the Goodland Ambassadors celebrated the completion and official unveiling of a new campus mural on the northside of the Memorial Student Union. The idea for the project originated from college staff looking to convert some of the brickwork on campus into murals that reflects the heritage and culture of the college and the community.

This project was funded by the Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program to highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike.

“The vibrancy of the mural reflects the rich history of Goodland and the High Plains and it was incredible to have students able to actually create it,” said NT President Ben Schears. “Murals not only draw people into our community, but they create a beautiful and welcoming space for our students.”

The mural was designed by Computer Graphic Technology’s instructor, Gia Brachtenbach and painted by her students. The mural features significant elements that express the character of the community with idea contributions from the Goodland Public Library, High Plains Museum, and High Plains Roosters Chapter #663.

"I am incredibly proud of my students for working diligently on this project,” said Instructor Gia Brachtenbach, “Enduring sunshine, wind, and cold to leave a lasting mark on the Northwest Tech campus for our future students and community to admire.”

Northwest Tech will continue pursuing grant opportunities to create additional artwork on campus over the coming years.

 

WASHINGTON D.C., December 4, 2023 – Today, the Aspen Institute named Northwest Tech as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

“Northwest Tech has a strong track record of supporting students as they pursue their passion in the skilled-trades,” said Northwest Tech President Ben Schears. “We are blessed to be a small campus where we have the opportunity to get to know our students – which has proven critical to helping them succeed.”

Enrollment Jumps at Northwest Tech - Goodland, KS. (09/28/2023)  –  Campus leaders at Northwest Tech suspected it would be a good year for enrollment during dorm move-in weekend back in August. “Applications for housing were up significantly this year, and that is usually a good final indicator of where enrollment would be,” said Jason Showalter, Northwest Tech Vice President of Student Advancement. “We are excited to see so many students on campus this year.”

According to the recent press release from the Kansas Board of Regents, enrollment headcount at Northwest Tech was up 8.9% from the same time last year. When looking back over the past ten years, the college has grown 15.8%. Campus officials credit the increase to marketing and recruiting efforts, strong legislative support, expanded Early College programs with area high schools, and unwavering support from industry partners. “Our business and industry partners are in desperate need of skilled graduates and are really stepping up to address demand,” said Ben Schears, Northwest Tech President. “We have more employers directly sponsoring student’s education at the college than ever before.”

Technical college enrollment growth is not only limited to one technical college, in fact, Kansas technical colleges achieved a significant milestone this year – a decade of enrollment growth across the entire sector. Over the past ten years, Kansas Technical Colleges have consistently demonstrated their dedication to providing high-quality education and training opportunities to students. According to the KBOR enrollment report, the technical college sector has experienced an astounding overall FTE growth of 27.4%. Notably, headcount enrollment has skyrocketed by an impressive 70% during the same period, underscoring the pivotal role these technical colleges play in shaping the future workforce.

Kansas technical colleges express their profound appreciation to their local communities, employers, the Kansas Board of Regents, and state government for their steadfast support over the past decade. This collaborative effort has driven progress and prosperity for Kansas, solidifying the commitment to excellence in education and workforce development.

“We appreciate the support from legislators, high school counselors, industry, communities, and especially our students for choosing Northwest Tech,” said Schears. “We are excited about where enrollment came in this year and are already back on the road, recruiting the next class.”

Read full details of the Kansas Board of Regents report here: https://www.kansasregents.org/about/news-releases/2023-news-releases/864-board-of-regents-announces-2023-fall-semester-enrollment 

Goodland, KS. (09/20/2023)  –  Northwest Tech was recently awarded grant funding from the National Science Foundation to bring modern advanced manufacturing equipment and introductory training courses to five regional partner high schools - Goodland Jr/Sr High in Goodland, KS; Colby HS in Colby, KS; St. Francis HS in St. Francis, KS; Brewster HS in Brewster, KS; and Flagler HS in Flagler, CO. This project will expose area high school students to advanced manufacturing and ignite their interest in high-wage and high-demand manufacturing fields. The grant is a critical cornerstone of the college's efforts to grow advanced manufacturing in Northwest Kansas.

"This NSF-ATE grant will provide wonderful opportunities to pursue advanced manufacturing and workforce development that Northwest Tech is exceptionally well positioned for. This project will give high school students a breadth of knowledge in manufacturing, engineering, and engineering technologies," said Michael Zimmerman, who leads the Mechanical Engineering Technology department at Northwest Tech.

The journey to expanding an advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Northwest Kansas began in earnest in 2021 when Northwest Tech began the curricular work to launch a new Mechanical Engineering Technology pathway to support regional industry. Shortly after, the college received a $500k grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to design and equip an advanced manufacturing lab complete with additive and subtractive technology. Regional foundations, specifically the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, have provided additional funds for the program's success. The facility has become home to one of the most advanced collegiate labs in the state.

The addition of the Mechanical Engineering pathway at the college, subsequent grant funding, and the new advanced manufacturing lab are significant milestones as the college works to support, expand, and attract advanced manufacturing to Northwest Kansas. The new NSF grant will allow for expanded K-12 partnerships to increase access to hands-on training and equipment with area high school students.

Advanced manufacturing technology continues to evolve rapidly and is expanding across industry nationwide. However, employers in rural areas are experiencing a need for more qualified workers who want to continue to live and work in these rural areas, including Northwest Kansas. To help address these challenges, Northwest Tech developed this NSF - Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant project to bring modern advanced manufacturing equipment and introductory training courses into the hands of area high school students.

"We are excited about the grant and want to express our appreciation to our industry partners and Sen. Jerry Moran for providing significant support for our proposal," said Ben Schears, President of Northwest Tech. "We hope to build on the vibrant advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Kansas and bring more opportunities to Northwest Kansas."

For more information about the Engineering & Drafting Technology program, please visit NWKTC.EDU

**NOTE: The picture on the next page is a MakerBot Method X Carbon Fiber 3D Printer. It is an example of one of the pieces of technology that will be provided to partner high schools through the grant.***