6/14/23

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - More than 200 people packed into FHSU’s Memorial Union Wednesday morning to witness Gov. Laura Kelly’s ceremonial signing of House Bill 2290.

The bill, which creates a strategic affiliation between Fort Hays State University, Northwest Kansas Technical College, and North Central Kansas Technical College, enables the institutions to partner to make educational programs and student services more accessible by breaking down bureaucratic barriers to those services. The affiliation will also work to expand opportunities around apprenticeships, internships, and employment with local businesses.  

“Connecting young people to good jobs right out of college is a critical way to keep local businesses vibrant and strong and to keep graduates living and working in Kansas,” Governor Kelly said. “This affiliation will do exactly that, helping rural Kansas meet the needs of critical industries, including agriculture and technology.” 

The strategic affiliation institutional partnership initiative was created by the three college presidents to address workforce challenges in rural Kansas. 

“Presidents Ben Schears, Eric Burks, and I believe this is a powerful, unified, and essential step forward in our efforts to help rural students, businesses, and communities prosper in the face of daunting economic and demographic challenges,” said President Dr. Tisa Mason, President of Fort Hays State University. 

Learn more about the strategic affiliation initiative here.