Hays, Kan. (February 5, 2026) — Fort Hays Tech | North Central proudly hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the new Hansen Construction Career Center, located at 2205 Wheatland Avenue in Hays. The event drew a strong crowd of local community members, industry partners, students, faculty, staff, and supporters, quickly becoming a standing-room-only celebration.

Community organizations and local residents joined Fort Hays Tech | North Central leadership to mark the opening of the state-of-the-art facility, which represents a significant investment in workforce development and skilled trades education in north central Kansas. Attendees were welcomed with opening remarks from Diana Baumann, Vice President of Finance & Hays Operations, followed by a formal program featuring remarks from college, foundation, university, and state leaders.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central was honored to welcome Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland, who attended the event and delivered remarks highlighting the importance of technical education and workforce readiness to the state’s economic future.

Additional speakers included Bob Becker, Chair of the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Board of Trustees; Ben Shears, Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development for Fort Hays State University; Doug Albin, Trustee of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation; Gary Shorman, Executive Director of the Schmidt Foundation; Cooper Hosman, Electrical Technology I student; and Eric Burks, President of Fort Hays Tech | North Central. The ceremony concluded with an official ribbon cutting in partnership with the Hays Chamber of Commerce, followed by optional tours of the new facility 

The Hansen Construction Career Center will serve as instructional space for Fort Hays Tech | North Central’s Electrical Technology, Construction Technology, HVAC, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training programs, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in a modern, industry-aligned environment. The facility is designed to strengthen connections between education and workforce needs while supporting the region’s growing demand for skilled trades professionals.

“This new building represents more than just bricks and mortar,” said Eric Burks, President of Fort Hays Tech | North Central. “It reflects the strong partnerships, community support, and shared commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers that strengthen our local and regional economy.”

The Hansen Construction Career Center stands as a testament to collaboration among educational institutions, philanthropic partners, industry leaders, and the community, and will play a vital role in shaping the future of skilled trades education at Fort Hays Tech | North Central.

For more information about the Hansen Construction Career Center Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting, contact Ryan Emerson at remerson@fhtechnc.edu or call (785) 738-9008. Photo Credit: Ryan Emerson, Marketing Director, Fort Hays Tech | North Central.