News / Press Releases

Goodland, KS. (06/20/2023)  – Point Guard U Basketball Camp just finished their
camp this last week in Goodland, where kids, 3rd through 12th grade, got the
opportunity to improve their basketball skills and learn from some of the best
coaches in the region.

"We couldn't be more grateful to Northwest Tech for their sponsorship of Point
Guard U Basketball Camp," commented National Camp Director Reed Warner. "We
were able to provide scholarships to a group of talented young athletes who
otherwise might not have had the opportunity to attend our camp. Northwest Tech
has truly shown a commitment to shaping the future of young athletes and
empowering them with knowledge and skills that extend far beyond the basketball
court."

"We are pleased to continue the partnership and value the opportunity students get
by attending PGU in Goodland every year'" said Athletic Director Rory Kling." The
ability to show off our facilities and introduce our coaches to a variety of ages only
helps grow our basketball programs in the area.

Point Guard University is a basketball training academy located in South Bend,
Indiana. The camp focuses on point guard training while also working on shooting,
ball-handling, and passing skills with modern training methods that aim to get
players outside the box and to the next level. Point Guard U has a summer camp
tour each year spanning across the United States. The camps are week-long and
feature coaches and players from multiple regions. You can learn more about Point
Guard U at pointguarduniversity.com.

HAYS, Kan. - More than 200 people packed into FHSU’s Memorial Union Wednesday morning to witness Gov. Laura Kelly’s ceremonial signing of House Bill 2290.

The bill, which creates a strategic affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College, and North Central Kansas Technical College, enables the institutions to partner to make educational programs and student services more accessible by breaking down bureaucratic barriers to those services. The affiliation will also work to expand opportunities around apprenticeships, internships, and employment with local businesses.  

Northwest Tech Employee Recognized by Kansas Association of Financial Aid Administrators [Goodland, KS] - Alaina Smith was recognized for 5 years of service by the Kansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA).

Presented during April’s spring conference in Salina, Kansas, Northwest Tech’s own Alaina Smith received a service award. Service awards are presented to members and associate members who have contributed a sustained membership in KASFAA.

Alaina currently serves as the Student Account Specialist at Northwest Tech. Alaina helps Northwest Tech students and their families with guidance in regarding financial aid programs, application procedures, budget development, debt management, and financial resources.

“This award, earned by Alaina, documents the hard work she is willing to do in order to provide students with top-notch support services,” said VP of Operations, Sherri Knitig.

Alaina has dedicated time and effort to KASFAA professional development workshops, trainings, and annual conferences. The organization certifies the skills and knowledge of financial aid professionals at postsecondary institutions statewide.

“My favorite thing about my job is working with all the students; each student comes from a different walk of life and is unique in their own way,” said Alaina, “It brings me joy when I get to help students and their families.”

In addition to her duties in the Financial Aid Office, Alaina has been part of numerous campus groups and initiatives such as the Wellness Committee, Employee Benefits and Recognition Committee, SAP Committee, and Enrollment and Retention Committee.

Northwest Tech President Featured in Ingram’s Article- Goodland, KS. (04/06/2023) – 

Ben Schears, President of Northwest Kansas Technical College, was featured in the March Issue of Ingram’s Magazine: Digital Edition. The article, “50 Kansans You Should Know” features individuals who are accomplished leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Schears was recognized for his influential role and comprehensive work acknowledging the college’s socioeconomic impact within the community and region.

Collaboration between higher education and industry have been crucial to the vitality of northwest Kansas. According to Julica Oharah, Executive Director of Community Development at Sherman County Community Development, “President Schears has continued to play a significant role in our regional economic development by partnering with industry leaders and training top talent students in a highly competitive labor market.”

Successful rural colleges are meticulously connected to their communities, and Northwest Tech is no exception.  Schears serves as a catalyst for development in rural Kansas by ensuring Northwest Tech is pursuing and supporting leading industries, collaborating with local and regional organizations, and most important of all, ensuring each student is provided with the opportunity to thrive.

“A passion for education, strategic thinking, effective communication, and relationship building is necessary for effective leadership of an institution such as Northwest Tech”, said Dan Wasson, Area Board of Control Chairman. He continued, “Ben is avid about engaging the community, aligning programs, and attaining positive outcomes for our students, their families, the workforce, and our region.”

For Schears, who is wrapping up his seventh year as Northwest Tech’s president, rural America has always been important. Schears sticks to his motto of “rural by choice” and has contributed immensely to sustaining and growing the prosperity of northwest Kansas. Since his arrival in 2016, he established himself as a driven, dedicated leader with a grassroots approach.

To view the full Ingram’s “50 Kansans You Should Know” article, please visit https://ingrams.com/article/50-kansans-you-should-know-5/?fbclid=IwAR221R5VbhMnfNEsGTLcTdsIFdAvmCpSPUkBi5e9mkUiZHEJ_FDysXyO-WM&mibextid=kdkkhi#S

Northwest Tech Diesel Technology Groundbreaking Ceremony [Goodland, KS] Northwest Kansas Technical College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology at 11:30 am MT on Tuesday, April 4th.  When complete, the new 5,000 sq. ft. expansion of the facility will provide students with comprehensive training in agricultural and over-the-road dynamometers.

US Senator Jerry Moran will be on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking and deliver remarks. “Sen. Moran has been a tremendous supporter of technical education across Kansas and we are excited to have him on campus for this event,” said Northwest Tech President Ben Schears. “This project will provide critical space on campus to address regional workforce and economic development needs in our area”.

Since 2010, the Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology at Northwest Tech has consistently placed more than 97% of its graduates directly into the workforce after graduation. A large part of this tremendous success is due to the program’s partnerships with regional businesses that help shape the coursework for the modern industry. This project will provide improved education and training of students to meet job demands of local and regional employers.

Diesel Instructor, Jason Cook, added, “This project will give students access to state-of-the-art equipment and the opportunity to work towards certification to work on commercial diesel trucks, setting up our students for career success.”

The primary source of the project’s funding, close to $1.2 million, was provided by the U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA). The Dane G. Hansen Foundation provided a matching grant for $150,000. An additional $85,000 was funded by the Kansas Department of Commerce through their “Jobs and Innovative Industry Skills Training” grant.

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking to celebrate the start of construction.

Where: Diesel Tech Building (1205 E 13th St, Goodland, KS)

When: April 4, 2023

Time: 11:30 am MT (Please note Mountain Time!)