News

After graduating from the Precision Ag program, Thatcher Jones ventured into different sectors of the agricultural industry. Initially, he worked as a farm hand, gaining hands-on experience in row crop production. Subsequently, he had the privilege of serving as a Precision Ag Specialist at Helena for three years, honing his expertise in the field. Currently, Thatcher is an instructor, where he has the opportunity to impart his knowledge and passion for agriculture to aspiring learners. Outside of the classroom, he owns and operates a 1,000-acre dryland farming operation, growing corn, wheat, soybeans, and milo. He also has various licenses including an Associate of Applied Science in Precision Ag, FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License, Certified 1A Commercial Applicator License, Chemigation License, and Commercial Driver License and is actively pursuing a BA at PSU.

Tim Davis has 30-plus years in the welding field. His experience includes working out on the road as a combo welder, mainly in the millwright field and repairing heavy equipment. For the last few years, he has worked for a worldwide company as their inside millwright maintenance technician in the grain industry. Developing a maintenance routine for equipment as well as designing, repairing, and constructing new equipment. He also ran a private business on the side doing repair work and structural welding for private and individual companies. Tim is certified in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW introduction and advanced welding through Lincoln Welding, and is Forklift certified.

Northwest Tech Earns 2023-2024 Military Friendly^® School Designation

GOODLAND, KS (August 3, 2023)—Northwest Tech announced today that it has earned the 2023-2024 Military Friendly^® School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly^® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2023-2024 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2023-2024 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly^® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“We strive to be the best at whatever we do, and while we are thrilled with the Silver-Level, we know the steps we need to take to become a Gold-Level college” said Schears. “We will be working this year to improve our processes and continue our efforts to become one of the top-rated military friendly colleges in the nation.”

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.” - Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.

For more information about Northwest Tech’s student veteran programs, visit Northwest Tech’s website at www.nwktc.edu/students/militaryveterans.

About Military Friendly^® Schools:

The Military Friendly^® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate.

Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About Northwest Tech:

The mission of Northwest Kansas Technical College, as an institution of higher learning, is to prepare individuals for gainful employment in technical and professional careers, productive personal lives, and lifelong learning.

About Viqtory:

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

For further information or to arrange interviews, contact:

Northwest Kansas Technical College

Jordan Edwards
Marketing & Graphic Design Coordinator
Jordan.edwards@nwktc.edu 
785-890-1541

Military Friendly^® Schools:
Kayla Lopez
Senior Director of Military Partnerships
For press inquiries visit: www.militaryfriendly.com/support

Jason Cook graduated from Northwest Tech in '97 and began his career at Central Power Systems and Services. In 2013, he transitioned to teaching Diesel Technology at Northwest Kansas Technical College. He has a BS in Technical Education. Jason is happily married and has three sons.