04/14/23

By University Communications

HAYS, Kan - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly today signed House Bill 2290. This allows Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College (Northwest Tech, and North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech) to move forward in a process that began in early January of this year.

"A strong, well-trained workforce is vital to attracting businesses and economic development to Kansas," Kelly said. "The partnerships this legislation builds between Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College, and Northwest Kansas Technical College will advance technical education and prepare students to step into successful careers." 

The Strategic Affiliation Plan was developed as a partnership between the three institutions to address major demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas, with a focus on developing solutions in three key areas:

• Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students
• Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success
• Creating a coalition with regional businesses, industries, and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas

The affiliation plan will next be reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission, the accrediting body for all three institutions.