News / Press Releases

Left to Right: Edan White - Precision Agriculture Technology, Ella Wolf - Mechanical Engineering Technology, Jackson Yost - Mechanical Engineering Technology, Corey Isbell - FH Tech | NW President, Brandon Nunez - Mechanical Engineering Technology, Sydney Schears - Mechanical Engineering Technology, Jace Keen - Mechanical Engineering Technology

The Pathway program grew out of conversations within the Construction Affiliation Implementation Team— a collaborative group made up of leaders from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays State University — who wanted to create a smoother route for technical students to continue their education.

While the program was designed at the system level, its success is being proven right here at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. Our students are showing what’s possible when you pair a strong technical foundation with the chance to keep going — and our Mechanical Engineering Technology program has been at the heart of that momentum.

Instructors like Michael Zimmerman, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, have helped build more than just technical skills. They’ve nurtured curiosity, built confidence, and encouraged students to think beyond graduation day. That support has empowered students to step from our labs and classrooms into bachelor’s programs at FHSU, already prepared to thrive.

Their experiences say it best:

Edan White

“So far, the experience has gone very smoothly for me. I transferred to Fort Hays State University, majoring in Ag Business, after graduating from Precision Agriculture Technology at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. The transition process was very simple, and so far, I’ve most enjoyed having all of my credits transfer over to the University from the trade school, as that keeps me from having to take as many general education courses. The pathway program has helped me with being more interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree than I was prior.” - Edan White

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Ella Wolf

“Being able to transfer from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest to Fort Hays State University has been a very easy and almost seamless transition. I am very grateful for my teachers over the years; they are the ones who encouraged me to take classes at the Tech school so that I was able to complete my associate degree of applied science for Mechanical Engineering Technology before receiving my high school diploma. If it wasn't for the staff of FH Tech | NW, I probably would not have continued my schooling at FHSU, but with their guidance, I have felt very confident in my decision.” - Ella Wolf

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Jackson Yost

“My experience has been wonderful so far. The transfer process has been really easy for me. This program really helped me get a just start in college. Being able to earn an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology while still in high school was the best thing I have ever done. Then, with the transfer process, it made it even better when I found out all my classes would move on to help me earn a bachelor's degree even faster.” - Jackson Yost

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Brandon Nunez

“My experience was nice and smooth. I started my transition in my second year at FH Tech | NW by simultaneously taking FHSU classes online. In the spring of my second year, I got my Fall classes set up and got my summer internship to count towards the internship credits. I have felt very prepared from the foundation FH Tech | NW gave me and look to keep thriving through FHSU.” - Brandon Nunez

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Sydney Schears

“My experience with the affiliation has been very smooth. I’m grateful for the tech college that offered high school students the opportunity to graduate high school with an associate degree, which allowed me to gain my associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. This has helped me get a job while I take college classes. I enjoy that Fort Hays State University has opened a lot of variety to classes, especially online, which has allowed me more flexibility. Overall, my experience with the affiliation has been super great!” -Sydney Schears

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Jace Keen

“My experience with transferring from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest to Fort Hays State University was smooth like butter. I enjoyed having all my questions and concerns answered right away and feeling less stressed and anxious with the process. The program has helped me make lifelong friends and be confident in my major, with finding a long-term, sustainable career in my field.” - Jace Keen

What’s happening for these students is exactly what AIT #3 hoped for — and it’s proof of what’s possible when strong technical education lays the foundation.

Here at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, our students aren’t just continuing on — they’re excelling. And that makes us proud.

Kim Stewart

“I have had the opportunity to work with the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Engineering instructors for more than 20 years, and have always been impressed with the quality of their program and their commitment to students. Their instructors have supported Fort Hays State University through events like judging the CAD/Drafting competition at the annual spring Applied Technology Western Kansas Technology Fair, which helped build a strong relationship between our programs long before the affiliation. Through AIT #3, that history of collaboration has grown into a formal pathway that benefits students in both institutions. Together, we have created content and degree pathways that give students a clear direction forward while also providing them with experiences outside the classroom, such as the Affiliation Applied Technology Career Fair, where they can connect directly with company partners. Communication with the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest instructors has been excellent, ensuring that the pathway reflects both academic needs and industry expectations. This affiliation connects students to the skills, experiences, and employers that will shape their futures. I believe this collaboration will have a lasting impact on workforce development and provide tremendous opportunities for students across the region.” - Kim Stewart, FHSU Applied Technology Chair

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Michael Zimmerman

“Working with the AIT #3 group and our colleagues at Fort Hays State University has been a privilege. It has been refreshing to partner with people who share our commitment to student success and career readiness. Through this affiliation, we’ve been able to design creative solutions that truly put students first. The programs at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest have always been strong at preparing students for careers, but now we can also provide a clear and supportive pathway for those who want to continue their education. In just a short time, many students have already taken advantage of this opportunity, and I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible. As we continue building this pathway together, I’m excited about the innovative solutions ahead — ones that will benefit our students and ultimately the workforce across Kansas and the surrounding region.” – Michael Zimmerman, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Mechanical  Engineering Technology Instructor

Goodland, KS – [September 15, 2025] – Fort Hays Tech | Northwest is excited to announce the construction of a new on-campus daycare, Tiny Tigers, located in the Digital Technology Building. The project is made possible through the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Patterson Family Foundation, whose investments continue to strengthen families, education, and rural communities in Northwest Kansas.

The Tiny Tigers daycare will support the development of more qualified childcare providers to help meet the growing needs of the region. The on-campus childcare facility will also serve students, employees, and community members in need of daycare for their young children. This will help create access to childcare to increase student completion rates and provide stability for the local workforce.

“This daycare will make a tremendous difference for our students and families,” said Child Care Specialist instructor, Tara Neitzel. “Tiny Tigers is about giving children a place to learn, play, and grow. For students in our Child Care Specialist program, Tiny Tigers will provide an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to excel in the early childhood education field.”

In addition to serving families, Tiny Tigers will become an educational hub for students in the Child Care Specialist program, who will gain real-world, hands-on experience working with children in a licensed childcare setting.

Alongside this exciting addition, the college is also proud to introduce Lil’ Vic, the newest member of the Tiger mascot family. Lil’ Vic represents the next generation of Tigers, embodying the bright future of the college and its commitment to supporting learners of all ages.

Fort Hays Tech | Northwest extends heartfelt gratitude to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Patterson Family Foundation for their generous contributions. Their support made this exciting project possible, enabling the college to create a resource that will benefit families, support workforce development, and strengthen our regional community.

Tiny Tigers is scheduled to open in January 2026, with enrollment details to be announced soon.

GOODLAND, KS (09/5/2025 ) — Fort Hays Tech | Northwest is proud to announce a significant $90,000 permanently endowed gift supporting campus beautification projects as part of the college’s recent “Cheers to 60 Years” celebration. The contribution was made in honor of the late John Golden, a dedicated advocate for technical education who played a pivotal role in introducing Senate Bill 438, which created technical institutions in Kansas.

This $60,000 gift was made possible through the generosity of Gennifer Golden House, with matching support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation’s Matching Fund Program. Funds will be directed toward projects that enhance the college’s campus and create a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and visitors.

“We are incredibly grateful for this gift honoring John Golden’s enduring legacy,” said Dr. Corey Isbell, President of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. “His work helped establish the foundation for technical education in Kansas, and the establishment of the “Golden Beautification Fund” will serve as a lasting tribute to his commitment to student success.”

Gennifer Golden House, daughter of John Golden, shared her hope that this gift inspires others to invest in the future of the college: “My father believed deeply in the mission of technical education. I’m honored to continue his vision and encourage others to join us in supporting the campus and its students.”

The “Cheers to 60 Years” initiative celebrates the college’s six decades of providing hands-on, career-focused education. Community members and alumni are invited to contribute to ongoing projects and help carry forward the college’s mission.

To make a gift or learn more about supporting Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, please visit www.fhnw.edu/foundation or contact Kelly James at (785) 890-1529 or kelly.james@fhnw.edu.

Goodland, KS – [August 26, 2025] – Faculty and staff at Fort Hays Tech | Northwest recently received HeroLink Bracelets, made possible through the generosity of several community partners and donors.

The bracelets were provided through the support of the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Shriners, Short and Son, Dan Brenner Ford, Designs Unlimited, Frontier Equity, The Insurance Agency, Roxann Kling, Cindy Welsh, and a generous private donor. Their contributions ensured that every faculty and staff member received a bracelet as a symbol of connection, gratitude, and community support.

The HeroLink program, advised locally by Melody Knudson with assistance from Carol Porter and Adrianne Springer, is designed to recognize and support individuals who serve others—such as first responders, military members, veterans, doctors, nurses, and educators.

Currently, the HeroLink Bracelets are being distributed to those groups, but in the near future, they will be made available to the broader community. Any funds generated from bracelet sales will go directly toward purchasing additional bracelets to gift to military members and veterans, ensuring they receive this symbol of appreciation at no cost.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of our local organizations and donors who made it possible to provide these bracelets,” said Melody Knudson, HeroLink Advisor. “It’s a small but meaningful way to show our support for the heroes in our community and beyond.”

Community members who know of a military member or veteran who would benefit from receiving a HeroLink Bracelet free of charge are encouraged to contact Melody Knudson.

About Fort Hays Tech | Northwest
Located in Goodland, Kansas, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest offers 18 hands-on technical programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers. As part of the Fort Hays State University system, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest is committed to its mission: Be smart. Work hard. Do the right thing.

For more information about HeroLink Bracelets or to nominate a veteran or first responder to receive one, please contact Melody Knudson at NWKEMS37@gmail.com

Goodland, KS. (05/29/2025)  – Fort Hays Tech | Northwest in Goodland, KS has announced the names of full-time students who earned spots on the President’s and Dean’s honor lists for the 2025 Spring 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

Alencio Zarate............................. Scott City, KS......................................... Electrical Technology

Mason Berls................................. Goodland, KS..................................... Construction Technology

Isaac Bisaso................................ Goodland, KS.................................... App Dev & Emerging Tech

Andrea Grajeda............................ Burlington, CO..................................................... Cosmetology

Ty Ketter..................................... Goodland, KS............................................................ Plumbing

Logan Fritz.................................. Edson, KS........................................................... Cosmetology

Jared Quain................................. Goodland, KS............................................................ Plumbing

Ethan Graham.............................. St. Francis, KS............................ Mechanical Engineering Tech.

Audrey Schears............................ Goodland, KS............................ Computer Graphics Technology

Francisco Monreal........................ Zaragoza, ............................................... Applied Technologies

 

Dean’s Honor Roll List

Dylan Hielscher............................ Holyoke, CO............................................ Electrical Technology

Alba Garrido Lamas...................... Ourense, ..................................................... Medical Assistant

Salisu Habibu............................... Zaria City, ...................................... Precision Agriculture Tech.

Elisee Guede................................ Goodland, KS........................................... Business Technology

Pablo De Vidts.............................. Las Conde, ............................................. Business Technology

Yan Blaire Dologuin....................... Goodland, KS.................................... App Dev & Emerging Tech

William Cadoret........................... Hays, KS....................................................... Respiratory Care

Leslie Peguero Saldivar................. Goodland, KS...................................................... Cosmetology

Tommy McClure........................... Denver, CO....................................... App Dev & Emerging Tech

Eoin Steinsiek.............................. Arriba, CO........................................... Engineering Technology

Roman Arnds............................... Colorado Springs, CO............................... Electrical Technology

Maria Romero.............................. Kyle, TX..................................................................... Welding

Kaleb Stephens............................ Spring Branch, TX............................. App Dev & Emerging Tech

Lluvia Gutierrez............................ Garden City, KS....................................... Electrical Technology

Mason Simoneau.......................... Goodland, KS.......................................... Electrical Technology

Jacob Spahn................................ Metairie, LA........................................ Engineering Technology

Anthony Anderson........................ Hiawatha, KS.................................... App Dev & Emerging Tech

Alisha Lee................................... Colby, KS............................................................ Cosmetology

Benson Baum.............................. Brighton, CO................................................ Diesel Technology

Bryson Terry................................ St Francis, KS................................. Precision Agriculture Tech.

Martin Ramos-hernandez.............. Syracuse, KS.......................................... Electrical Technology

Amber Kleiber.............................. Colby, KS............................................................ Cosmetology

Landon Johnson.......................... Sharon Springs, KS................................. Electrical Technology

David Beck.................................. Elwood, NE.................................................. Diesel Technology

Faith Torres................................. Evans, CO...................................................... Respiratory Care

Scott Hopper............................... Alamosa, CO........................................... Electrical Technology

Mason La Rue.............................. Elkhart, KS............................................. Electrical Technology

Broc Henry.................................. Shawnee, KS....................................... Engineering Technology

Marco Valdespino......................... Garden City, KS................................. App Dev & Emerging Tech

Edan White.................................. Lakin, KS........................................ Precision Agriculture Tech.

Jacelyn Horinek........................... Goodland, KS...................................................... Cosmetology

Citori Bosserman......................... Oakley, KS..................................................... Respiratory Care

Lucky Maila.................................. Gauteng, ....................................... Precision Agriculture Tech.

Brendan Hunter........................... Mccook, NE....................................... Construction Technology

Braden Bergsma.......................... Goodland, KS...................................... Engineering Technology

Jose Cortes................................. Goodland, KS.......................................... Electrical Technology

Brynne Purvis.............................. Goodland, KS...................................................... Cosmetology

Cutter Neitzel.............................. Saint Francis, KS...................... Computer Graphics Technology

Daniel Cornelissen........................ Gauteng, ............................................ Engineering Technology

Brandon Nunez............................ Holcomb, KS............................... Mechanical Engineering Tech.

Tyler Hill...................................... Bennett, CO.................................... Precision Agriculture Tech.

Mason Kersenbrock...................... Colby, KS........................................ Precision Agriculture Tech.

Hayden Terry............................... Kanorado, KS.................................... App Dev & Emerging Tech

Haley Karlik................................. San Marcos, TX........................................................... Welding

Synnika Carter............................. Burlington, CO.............................................. Medical Assistant

Daking Smith............................... Brooklyn, NY............................................ Business Technology

Gabriel Bandy............................... Burlington, CO............................................. Diesel Technology

Luamalae Tanielu......................... Leone, AS............................................... Business Technology

Kristen Tufugafale........................ Pago Pago, AS......................................... Business Technology

Caroline Purcell............................ Taylorsville, UT........................................................... Welding

Legase Leaumoana...................... Pago Pago, AS......................................... Business Technology

John Troolin................................ Cambridge, MN........................................ Business Technology

Da'quan Slayton............................ Denver, CO.............................................. Business Technology

Kade Schimke.............................. Ellendale, ND........................................... Business Technology

Rayquan Cochrane....................... Camden, NJ............................................ Business Technology

Gavin Devries............................... Coon Rapids, MN...................................... Business Technology

Nolan Russell............................... Wellington, KS........................................ Electrical Technology

Rook Shaw.................................. Wallace, KS...................................... App Dev & Emerging Tech

Kaden Drager............................... Joes, CO............................................. Automotive Technology

Braxton Henderson...................... Fredonia, AZ............................. Computer Graphics Technology

Carter Borger............................... Quinter, KS............................................. Electrical Technology

Rafe Cousins............................... Lamar, CO.............................................. Electrical Technology

Logan Sitzman............................. Hugo, CO................................................ Electrical Technology

Mason Hitchens........................... Goodland, KS............................................................ Plumbing

Benjamin Wolak........................... Goodland, KS.............................. Mechanical Engineering Tech.

Jessica Espinoza......................... Colby, KS............................................................ Cosmetology

Ian Tarman.................................. Tribune, KS................................................. Diesel Technology

Brackford Mann............................ Burlington, CO........................................ Electrical Technology

Azul Barron.................................. Goodland, KS............................ Computer Graphics Technology

Fatima Gloria............................... San Antonio, TX............................................ Medical Assistant

Raquel Granillo............................. Burlington, CO.............................................. Medical Assistant

Kyler Amthor................................ Goodland, KS...................................... Engineering Technology

Markus Singer.............................. Colby, KS............................................. Automotive Technology

Kashen Nelson............................. Tribune, KS................................................. Diesel Technology

Odalis Cano.................................. Burlington, CO.............................................. Medical Assistant

Noah Summers............................ La Junta, CO.............................................................. Welding

Angel Boyd.................................. Lubbock, TX....................................... Engineering Technology

Kya Conger.................................. Goodland, KS............................ Computer Graphics Technology

Karson Mellott.............................. Limon, CO........................................ App Dev & Emerging Tech

Luis Escobar Salas....................... Indianola, NE....................................... Automotive Technology

Sarah Elfrey................................. West Midlands, ....................................... Applied Technologies

Alasia Brown................................ San Antonio, TX............................... Crime Scene Investigation

Andrea Hernandez Soto................ Colby Ks, KS............................... Mechanical Engineering Tech.

Coy Dodd..................................... Oakley, KS.............................................. Electrical Technology

Pablo Soto................................... Goodland, KS....................................... Automotive Technology

Kennedy Serl............................... Yuma, CO............................................ Automotive Technology

Caxton Smyth.............................. Plainville, KS........................................... Applied Technologies

Sibonokuhle Thwala...................... Gauteng, ................................. Computer Graphics Technology

Gavin Garibay............................... Garden City, KS.................................. Construction Technology

Eduardo Martinez......................... Colby, KS................................................ Electrical Technology

Austin Keim................................. Goodland, KS.................................. Precision Agriculture Tech.

Omar Hernandez.......................... Holyoke, CO............................................ Electrical Technology

Idris Williams............................... Newark, NJ............................................. Business Technology

Celestine Kiborus......................... Goodland, KS................................................ Medical Assistant

Peter Gonzales............................. Goodland, KS....................................... Automotive Technology

Kenmorion Alexander................... Tifton, GA.................................................................. Welding

Carrick Boshoff............................ Goodland, KS............................................... Diesel Technology

Natori Yates................................ Okmulgee, OK...................................... Automotive Technology

Tyson Ochoa................................ Goodland, KS............................................... Diesel Technology

Jackson Yost............................... Goodland, KS.............................. Mechanical Engineering Tech.

Selene Valdez Dominguez............. Brewster, KS............................ Computer Graphics Technology

Ella Wolf...................................... Kanorado, KS.............................. Mechanical Engineering Tech.

Garret Williams............................ Wiley, CO............................................ Automotive Technology

Colton Montoya............................ Buena Vista, CO.......................................................... Welding

Ethan Zerr................................... Scott City, KS............................. Mechanical Engineering Tech.

Rogelio Saenz Vega...................... Bethune, CO........................................ Automotive Technology

Rodolfo Lozano............................ Garden City, KS....................................... Electrical Technology

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 Tiger. Be smart, work hard, and do the right thing!