秘密入口

Fort Hays Tech | NW Engineering Technology Instructor Michael Zimmerman Receives KCWE Excellence in Teaching Award

Goodland, KS – [October 2, 2025] – Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 is proud to announce that Michael Zimmerman, instructor in the Engineering Technology program, has been awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Kansas Council for Workforce Education (KCWE). The award was presented on Wednesday, October 1, during KCWE’s annual Leadership Awards program, which honors outstanding achievements in career and technical education across Kansas. ()

The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional teaching abilities, a commitment to career and technical education, and strong student engagement both in and out of the classroom. Zimmerman was selected for his dedication to hands-on learning, his industry partnerships, and his ability to inspire students to achieve their goals.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Zimmerman. “Teaching is more than delivering content — it’s about inspiring students to think critically, innovate, and confidently step into their careers. I share this award with my students and colleagues, whose dedication and enthusiasm make every day meaningful.”

Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 leadership also applauded Zimmerman’s achievement:

“Mike’s selection for this award is a testament to his passion, creativity, and the real-world impact he has on our students,” said Corey Isbell, President of Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口. “We are proud of his contributions to our college and thrilled that his commitment has been recognized at the state level.”

Zimmerman now joins a distinguished group of Kansas educators who have been honored by KCWE, underscoring Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口’s commitment to providing high-quality technical education and workforce training.

秘密入口 KCWE Leadership Awards
The Kansas Council for Workforce Education’s Leadership Awards are presented annually during the Kansas Workforce Innovation Conference. The awards spotlight educators and leaders who are advancing career and technical education across the state. ()

秘密入口 Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口
Located in Goodland, Kansas, Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 offers 18 hands-on technical programs that prepare students for in-demand careers in fields such as health care, construction, transportation, business, and technology. Through strong industry partnerships, skilled faculty, and innovative training, Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 provides students with the education and experience needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Focus on critical workforce needs in Kansas sparks enrollment growth at FHSU and affiliated Technical Colleges

Goodland, KS – [October 2, 2025] – HAYS, Kan. – This fall, 14,682 students, including 9,146 Kansans, are enrolled at one of the three Fort Hays affiliated institutions. On-campus enrollment at FHSU grew by 2% over last year. Enrollment at Fort Hays Tech | North Central is up 6.9% in Hays and Beloit, and enrollment at Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 in Goodland is up 3.5%. 

"The unmatched value of a Fort Hays educational experience continues to attract students who seek a high-quality education at an affordable price to our three institutions," said FHSU President Tisa Mason. "With the support of our state legislators, we are making investments in the future of Fort Hays that align with the goals set forth by the Kansas Board of Regents and our state's workforce needs."

Fall enrollment at the three Fort Hays schools at a glance

FHSU

The Fall 2025 enrollment count at Fort Hays State University, Kansas’ largest comprehensive regional public university, includes 1,096 first-time new undergraduate (non-transfer) students, an increase of more than 9% over last year, campus residence halls operating at full capacity, and a 5% increase in the number of Kansans enrolled at the university over the past two years.

Enrollment in academic programs that prepare graduates to work in critical-need professions grew again this fall. Undergraduate enrollment growth leaders in this category include Social Work at 23% over last fall, Allied Health (Medical Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Imaging, and Radiologic Technology), with an increase of 22%, and both Nursing and Applied Technology at 9% in enrollment growth.

Thanks to $15 million in funding from the Kansas Legislature, an expansion of Stroup Hall that is currently underway will bring the Departments of Nursing and Allied Health together under one roof, creating collaborative, state-of-the-art spaces for learning and training. With the support of Senator Jerry Moran, the university secured an additional $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant to fund the advanced simulation labs, modern classrooms, and realistic clinical environments necessary to ensure FHSU students receive hands-on training that mirrors real-world practice. This expansion will provide the space necessary to meet an anticipated enrollment growth in nursing of more than 65% and medical diagnostic imaging programs of 40% over the next several years. 

The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS/AMS), FHSU’s residential early college program for gifted high school juniors and seniors, saw enrollment growth of 6%, marking the third consecutive year of enrollment growth.  

Fort Hays Tech | North Central

Overall enrollment at Fort Hays Tech | North Central in both Beloit and Hays this fall is 1,055, a 6.9% overall growth in enrollment over last fall.  Enrollment markedly increased in several areas of critical workforce needs in our state, including Construction Technology and Electrical Technology at 39%, and Plumbing, Heating, and AC (PHAC) programs at 53%.

All three of these programs train professionals to fill critical workforce-need programs who will likely go on to live and work in Kansas. The Construction Career Center, scheduled to open in time for the 2026 spring semester, will serve as the new home for these three programs (and the Commercial Driver’s License program), and fuel future growth in these critical program areas.

"We’re thrilled that our enrollment continues to rise—an exciting reflection of the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and admissions team, said Fort Hays Tech | North Central President Eric Burks. “The buzz around our new building is driving impressive growth in our construction programs, alongside continued momentum in online learning."

Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口

Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 in Goodland experienced strong enrollment growth across multiple programs this year. Our Electrical Technology program has seen such high demand that an additional instructor was added, yet student interest still exceeded capacity, leading to a waitlist. Other programs are also on the rise: Child Care Specialist and Respiratory Care are both up 50%, Medical Assistant is up 66%, Cosmetology is up 24%, Computer Graphics Technology is up 23%, and Welding Technology is up 12%.

Early College enrollment has also increased. These opportunities give high school students a valuable head start— exploring career pathways and gaining real-world skills before graduation. Across all programs, students are choosing Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 for its hands-on training, strong industry partnerships, and proven job placement outcomes.

"The increasing demand for graduates with technical skills in our region is making technical education a popular choice for high school students," said Dr. Corey Isbell, Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 President. “Students and families are becoming more aware of the opportunities available to them on our campus, and this is driving our enrollment growth in several areas.” 

https://www.fhsu.edu/news/2025/10/focus-on-critical-workforce-needs-in-kansas-sparks-enrollment-growth-at-fhsu-and-affiliated-technical-colleges

Goodland, KS – [September 29, 2025] – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed October as Career in Construction Month, recognizing the critical role the construction industry plays in building communities and driving the state’s economy.

The proclamation signing took place last Wednesday, with representatives from Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 in attendance, including President Corey Isbell, Construction Technology Instructor Joseph Dobbs, Electrical Technology Instructor Logan Dobbs, and students. Their presence highlighted the college’s ongoing commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals in construction and related fields.

The initiative to secure the proclamation was led by Joseph Dobbs, who petitioned the governor on behalf of industry and educational partners across the state. “This proclamation is about more than recognizing the construction industry—it’s about showing students the real opportunities available to them in a career that is both stable and rewarding,” said Joseph.

President Corey Isbell emphasized the importance of the recognition: “This is a proud moment for our students and our college. By participating in this ceremony, we’re reinforcing our mission to connect education with high-demand careers that strengthen Kansas communities.”

Students who attended the ceremony shared that the experience was both inspiring and motivating, underscoring the pride they feel in pursuing construction careers through Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口’s hands-on training programs.

Career in Construction Month is celebrated nationwide each October to raise awareness of the industry’s opportunities and the valuable role construction professionals play in society. Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 joins this effort by continuing to equip students with the technical skills and leadership training they need to succeed in a growing field.

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 | 秘密入口, 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 | 秘密入口. 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 | 秘密入口, 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 | 秘密入口. 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 | 秘密入口 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 | 秘密入口 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 | 秘密入口, 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 | 秘密入口 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 | 秘密入口 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 | 秘密入口 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 | 秘密入口 Mechanical  Engineering Technology Instructor

Goodland, KS – [September 15, 2025] – Fort Hays Tech | 秘密入口 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 秘密入口 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 | 秘密入口 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.