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  • Northwest Tech Announces 2 Fall Semester Honors Lists

    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!

  • Northwest Tech celebrates completion of campus mural

    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.

     

    Goodland Mural Ribbon CuttingGoodland Mural Ribbon Cutting

  • Northwest Tech Named Aspen Top 150 Again

    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

    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 

  • NORTHWEST TECH RECEIVES $297,792 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT

    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.***

    Maker Bot