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  • Northwest Kansas Technical College Announces Department Winners for Student of the Year

    GOODLAND, KS (April 10, 2024)— Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) is thrilled to announce the exceptional students who have been named department winners for the esteemed Student of the Year award. These outstanding individuals have demonstrated remarkable dedication, leadership, and academic excellence within their respective programs, embodying the spirit of NWKTC's commitment to excellence.

     

    The department winners for Student of the Year are as follows:

    Cloud and Crypto Computing: Kenli Shaw - Wallace, Kansas

    Welding: Kye Towns - Idalia, Colorado

    Mechanical Engineering Technology: Sydney Schears - Goodland, Kansas

    Cosmetology: Karolina Siebert - Levant, Kansas

    Automotive Technology: Bentley Baehler - Goodland, Kansas

    Business Technology: Charles Fofanah - Terrell, Texas

    Auto Body: Nathan Johnson - Ellis, Kansas

    Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology: Bryson Ihrig - Goodland, Kansas

    Medical Assistant: Sam Bostwick - Goodland, Kansas

    Crime Scene Investigation: Tyjhanae Penny - Wichita Falls, Texas

    Carpentry: Jonathan Hopson - Monument, Kansas

    Respiratory Care: Rayanna Schmidt - Colby, Kansas

    Precision Agriculture Technology: Colton Pfannenstiel - Hays, Kansas

    Computer Graphics Technology: Adriana Valdez - Brewster, Kansas

    Electrical Technology: Dane Shores - Goodland, Kansas

    Engineering Technology: Elijah Mills - Saint Francis, Kansas

    These exceptional students have been selected based on their exemplary academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the NWKTC community. As department winners, they will now advance to compete for the coveted title of Northwest Kansas Technical College Student of the Year.

    The competition for the overall winner will involve an interview with a panel of esteemed community members and the submission of a compelling essay. The winner will be announced during the commencement exercises on May 17th, at 1:30 PM Mountain Time, held at the Max Jones Field House.

    The Student of the Year will receive recognition during the commencement ceremony and have the honor of their name engraved on a plaque to be permanently displayed in the student union, celebrating their outstanding achievement for years to come.

    Northwest Tech congratulates all department winners for their exceptional accomplishments and wishes them the best of luck as they compete for the prestigious title of Student of the Year.

    For more information, please contact:

    Jason Showalter – Vice President of Student Advancement - Northwest Kansas Technical College [785-890-1584]

  • Northwest Tech Earns 2024-2025 Military Friendly®School Designation

    GOODLAND, KS (April 2, 2024)—Northwest Tech announced today that it has earned the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 survey with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.

    The 2024- 2025 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 Institutions 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 https://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 post secondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

    About Northwest Tech:

    Northwest Kansas Technical College, located in Goodland, Kansas, United States, is a public technical college. The institution provides 18 distinct programs across various divisions, including Business & General Education, Construction, Health & Human Services, Information Technology, and Transportation. Northwest Tech grants certificates and associate degrees. Additionally, it is affiliated with the Jayhawk Conference and offers a selection of 11 NJCAA Athletics options.

    Northwest Tech in Goodland, KS, stands out as an excellent choice for military service members and veterans due to its veteran-friendly environment, dedicated support services, and flexible programs. The college prioritizes the unique needs of military-affiliated individuals, offering resources such as the Veterans Center and specialized advising. With a commitment to translating military experience into academic success, Northwest Tech facilitates a smooth transition for servicemembers, providing career-focused education in areas like technology and trades. The college's small-town setting fosters a close-knit community, promoting a supportive atmosphere for those transitioning from military service to civilian life.

    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

    Press Contact(s) Jordan Edwards

    Email 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

     

  • Northwest Tech Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society Announces Induction Ceremony

    [Goodland, Kansas], March 27th, 2024 – The Northwest Kansas Technical College Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society is pleased to announce the list of students who will be newly inducted into their prestigious club. The induction ceremony is scheduled for May 16th at 7 PM at the Price Convention Center. The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is an organization that honors the achievements of top students in career and technical education.

    Membership in the NTHS is a mark of excellence and signifies students’ dedication, hard work, and commitment to their chosen technical fields. It recognizes students with outstanding skills, leadership, and character in their respective programs.

    The following students from Northwest Kansas Technical College will be honored at the upcoming induction ceremony:

    Mason Hitchens - Plumbing
    Kye Towns - Welding
    Isaac Bisaso - Cloud and Crypto Computing
    Jacob Spahn – Engineering Technology
    Daniel Cornelissen – Engineering Technology
    Brandon Nunez – Mechanical Engineering Technology
    Ben Wolak – Engineering Technology
    Ty Wilson – Electrical Technology
    Dane Shores – Electrical Technology
    Kenli Shaw - Cloud and Crypto Computing
    Michael Vars - Cloud and Crypto Computing
    Wyatt Johnson - Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology
    Dillon Carlson – Mechanical Engineering Technology
    Lauryn Reyes – Electrical Technology
    Jake Franz – Electrical Technology
    Salvador Lopez - Cloud and Crypto Computing
    Yan Dologuin - Cloud and Crypto Computing
    Nathan Stramel - Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology
    Bryson Ihrig - Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology
    Joshua Miller - Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology
    Sam Bostwick - Medical Assistant
    Rayanna Schmidt - Respiratory Care
    Vicente Ramos-Saldivar - Automotive Technology
    Sara Brantley - Respiratory Care
    Jordyn Tacha - Cosmetology
    Elaina Mason - Cosmetology
    Federico Dominguez - Cloud & Crypto Computing
    Ethan Kaiser - Cosmetology
    Pablo Soto - Automotive Technology
    Teylon Finley - Automotive Technology
    Garret Williams - Automotive Technology

    These students have shown exceptional dedication to their fields of study and have excelled academically, setting a high standard for their peers. The Northwest Kansas Technical College Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society congratulates them on their achievements and looks forward to celebrating their induction into the society.

    For more information about the induction ceremony or the National Technical Honor Society, please contact [Jason Showalter, Vice President of Student Advancement] at [785-890-1584] or [Jason.showalter@nwktc.edu].

    [End of Press Release]

  • 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