News

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Price Convention Center- Goodland, KS. (02/25/2024)  – After almost a year of remodeling, Northwest Kansas Technical College debuted the Price Convention Center with a ceremony of dedication to Zona Price on Saturday, February 24^th.

The event was open to the public and featured remarks by College President, Benjamin Schears. The Price Convention Center was named to honor long-time College and Elks employee Zona Price. Zona Price worked as a secretary to the College President in 1964 when the college was first established. She worked at Northwest Tech until she retired. After retirement, Zona decided to help out the local Elks Lodge. She became their secretary until 2022. Altogether, she contributed over 50 years of service to the Elks and Northwest Tech.

At 20,000 square feet the Price Convention Center is the largest multi-purpose event space in Sherman County. With a space dedicated to events, Northwest Tech can host more regional workshops, conferences, college fundraisers, wedding receptions, periodic live music, and entertainment. The college aims to attract more business conferences and meetings to catalyze further industry development in the area.

The Price Convention Center project was partly funded by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The investment made in this renovation is what will allow this building to be a staple in our community for years to come.

For more information about the Price Convention Center, visit http://www.fhnw.edu/price-convention-center-remodel

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