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
