NCK Tech celebrated a year of success with graduation ceremonies on both the Beloit and Hays campuses on May 11th and 12th respectively. It has been quite a year for the college, as it was named first in the nation in job placement, third in the nation for graduation rates, and tenth best community/two year college in America just to name a few of the awards they received. “Every person in every role at NCK Tech has one primary goal, to help students succeed. Graduation and job placement rates are two very significant measures of student success. To be ranked in the top 3 in the nation in both metrics is an incredible accomplishment. I’m very pleased with the dedication of our staff and their efforts to help students succeed, as well as the work our students invest to realize their potential.” Stated President Eric Burks.
To help celebrate and encourage graduates, the college was pleased to host Scott Smathers, Vice President of Workforce Development for the Kansas Board of Regents, as the commencement speaker of the Beloit ceremony and Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, as the commencement speaker of the Hays ceremony. Each ceremony honored the graduates, but a special honor was given to a few members of the NCK Tech family who are no longer with us. There was a moment of silence for Information Technology instructor Krystal Link and Diesel Technology student Dalton Owen.
A few of the NCK Tech grads were in the unique situation of simultaneously graduating college the same weekend they graduated high school. Emily Woydziak and Max Peine are graduating seniors from Hays High School and graduates of the NCK Tech Pharmacy Technology program. During their senior year, they spent the mornings at NCK Tech, and finished their high school classes in the afternoon. “This year has really been like a transition year. It feels like I’m still half way in high school and half way in college. So, it’s been nice to see both sides of it.” noted Woydziak.
The college graduated 318 students to career fields that are hungry for them. The demand in technical fields is ever-increasing and employers are chomping at the bit to hire graduates of technical programs. The increase in demand means increased wages, and with a 9-18 month program, students are able to enter the technical workforce quickly. The potential of the graduates of NCK Tech is on a continual incline. If you are interested in starting your technical education, find more information at www.ncktc.edu.