Skip to main content
Powered by:
Fort Hays Tech North West Fort Hayes State University Fort Hays Tech North Central

News & Insights

Stay in the loop with stories, updates and perspectives from across our campuses, communities and partners — all centered on the people and progress shaping Central & Western Kansas.

We believe in sharing what we learn — and in celebrating the stories that define our region. From business spotlights and new program announcements to community collaborations and economic wins, this is where we share what’s happening and why it matters.

You’ll also find thought leadership from staff, faculty and partners — offering insight on workforce trends, rural innovation and the future of learning. Whether you're an employer, community leader, or learner, there's something here for you.

Monthly Newsletter August 2025: $492,435 Department of Commerce grant fuels affordable housing
Monthly Newsletter August 2025: $492,435 Department of Commerce grant fuels affordable housing

A significant investment in affordable housing aims to bolster student retention and support local workforce development in Hays.

Monthly Newsletter July 2025: Affiliation marks 1st anniversary, strengthening regional education
Monthly Newsletter July 2025: Affiliation marks 1st anniversary, strengthening regional education

A milestone event highlights the progress of the FHSU Affiliation Initiative, strengthening regional educational partnerships.

Monthly Newsletter June 2025: Year in review highlights progress & community impact of Affiliation
Monthly Newsletter June 2025: Year in review highlights progress & community impact of Affiliation

A comprehensive overview of achievements and lessons learned during the inaugural year of the FHSU Affiliation Initiative.

Monthly Newsletter May 2025: Behind the scenes-Collaboration drives success of the FHSU Affiliation
Monthly Newsletter May 2025: Behind the scenes-Collaboration drives success of the FHSU Affiliation

An in-depth look at the collaborative efforts driving the success of the FHSU Affiliation Initiative.

Monthly Newsletter April 2025: Business Retention & Expansion course equips leaders to grow locally
Monthly Newsletter April 2025: Business Retention & Expansion course equips leaders to grow locally

A new course equips participants with tools to support local businesses and drive economic growth.

Monthly Newsletter March 2025: Program pathways align tech colleges to FHSU for smoother transitions
Monthly Newsletter March 2025: Program pathways align tech colleges to FHSU for smoother transitions

Streamlined pathways facilitate a seamless transition for students from technical colleges to four-year degrees at FHSU.

Monthly Newsletter February 2025: Governance teams coordinate FHSU & tech colleges to unify regions
Monthly Newsletter February 2025: Governance teams coordinate FHSU & tech colleges to unify regions

Dedicated teams work to synchronize efforts between FHSU and its affiliated technical colleges, ensuring a unified approach.

Monthly Newsletter December 2024: New strategic affiliation goals set to improve student experiences
Monthly Newsletter December 2024: New strategic affiliation goals set to improve student experiences

Focused objectives aim to enhance the educational journey for students across all affiliated institutions.

Monthly Newsletter November 2024: Implementation teams turn Affiliation vision into actionable items
Monthly Newsletter November 2024: Implementation teams turn Affiliation vision into actionable items

Implementation teams play a pivotal role in translating strategic goals into actionable outcomes for the affiliation initiative.

Monthly Newsletter September 2024: Rebranding technical colleges as Fort Hays Tech Institutions
Monthly Newsletter September 2024: Rebranding technical colleges as Fort Hays Tech Institutions

A comprehensive rebranding initiative marks the evolution of North Central and Northwest Kansas Technical Colleges into Fort Hays Tech institutions.

Monthly Newsletter August 2024: Affiliation Team advances regional collaboration at Northwest Tech
Monthly Newsletter August 2024: Affiliation Team advances regional collaboration at Northwest Tech

AIT chairs and vice-chairs coordinate strategic planning, aligning programs, student pathways, and workforce training to strengthen the impact of the affiliation.

Monthly Newsletter July 2024: HLC approves Change of Control, advancing affiliation integration
Monthly Newsletter July 2024: HLC approves Change of Control, advancing affiliation integration

With formal approval, the affiliation moves forward to integrate academic programs, student services, and governance, increasing access and opportunities for students and communities.

Monthly Newsletter June 2024: AIT chairs and committees gather to plan strategic initiatives
Monthly Newsletter June 2024: AIT chairs and committees gather to plan strategic initiatives

Teams work together to align curriculum, workforce development programs, and student services, ensuring affiliation goals meet regional education and economic needs.

Monthly Newsletter May 2024: Exploring the efforts driving the Affiliation Initiatives
Monthly Newsletter May 2024: Exploring the efforts driving the Affiliation Initiatives

Teams and faculty collaborate to design processes, programs, and student services that strengthen the connection between FHSU, NCK Tech, and Northwest Tech, ensuring practical benefits for students and communities.

Monthly Newsletter February 2024: Affiliation “north star” goals set to guide student and community
Monthly Newsletter February 2024: Affiliation “north star” goals set to guide student and community

The initiative establishes clear objectives to enhance student pathways, workforce training, and regional opportunities, aligning all three institutions toward shared affiliation outcomes.

Monthly Newsletter January 2024: Construction Management Affiliation Team advances hands-on training
Monthly Newsletter January 2024: Construction Management Affiliation Team advances hands-on training

AIT #3 focuses on workforce development in construction, creating transferable, industry-ready training that supports students and meets regional employer needs.

Monthly Newsletter December 2023: Peter Laipson selected to lead Affiliation Initiative
Monthly Newsletter December 2023: Peter Laipson selected to lead Affiliation Initiative

Dr. Laipson joins as Director to guide the affiliation across FHSU, NCK Tech, and Northwest Tech, coordinating governance and implementation teams to enhance programs, student services, and community impact.

Monthly Newsletter September 2023: Strengthening community ties through collaborative initiatives
Monthly Newsletter September 2023: Strengthening community ties through collaborative initiatives

Community leaders and institutions collaborate on initiatives aimed at fostering stronger community connections and growth.