FHSU University Communications
Corey Isbell, Ed. D, the Vice President of Student and Instructional Services at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, has been selected as the next president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest.
Isbell will follow Ben Schears, who was selected to serve as Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at Fort Hays State University.
Isbell has served in technical education as a teacher, administrator, and leader in rural Kansas for more than 25 years. His career path is marked with successes as a teacher, coach, administrator, fundraiser, community servant, and strategic thinker.
“I am pleased to announce Corey as the next president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest,” said FHSU President Tisa Mason. “His extensive experience in technical education, combined with his strong leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to collaboration as co-chair of the Strategic Affiliation Steering Committee, exemplifies the kind of leadership he will bring to Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. Corey’s dedication will greatly benefit the students, businesses, and communities of Western Kansas.”
Corey Isbell grew up in Beloit, Kansas. He is the son of a man who worked in the auto collision business for more than 50 years. Isbell grew up around the skilled trades, where he learned the value of hard work and hands-on experience. “I have always loved working with my hands and have spent my entire career passing that passion on to students across Kansas.”
After graduating from Fort Hays State University, Isbell began his career as a computer-aided drafting teacher in Manhattan. He then moved to a similar role in Concordia as a teacher, coach, and eventually athletic director. He continued his educational journey with a master’s degree from Kansas State University, an Education Specialist degree from Fort Hays State University, and ultimately earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.
Isbell began his journey in higher education in 2012 as the Dean of Instruction at North Central Kansas Technical College, where he led campus instructional teams through several curriculum changes and accreditation maintenance efforts. In 2019, he was selected as the Vice President of Student and Instructional Services at North Central, where he proved to be an effective leader and fundraiser, securing $250,000 in funding that directly supported the development of a new academic program and the acquisition of state-of-the-practice robotic welders. Isbell also played a key role in securing state and federal grants for North Central, totaling more than $3.25 million.
"We will greatly miss Dr. Isbell at Fort Hays Tech | North Central. He has been my right hand for the past 13 years,” said Eric Burks, president of Fort Hays Tech | North Central. “Corey is an excellent leader and helped the college advance in many ways over his tenure. While I will miss working with him every day as a friend and colleague, I am very pleased that we will continue to work together through the Affiliation, and I'm happy for Corey to have this opportunity. I wish he and his family the very best in Goodland!"
Throughout his career, Isbell has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the quality of life in North Central Kansas. “Having lived in small communities my entire life, I have developed a deep understanding of the strong sense of community and pride that rural communities have. The demand for skilled talent in our service area is growing exponentially,” Isbell said. “As the President of Fort Hays Tech Northwest, I will work tirelessly to continue the amazing technical education our skilled faculty and staff provide and maintain a constant pipeline of skilled workers to our rural communities.”
During his time at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, Isbell has worked with local businesses to help develop and build their workforces. He also facilitated multiple sponsorship agreements with local businesses to create unique apprenticeship opportunities and attract and retain skilled professionals in rural Kansas, where they are needed most.
“Dr. Isbell is a proven leader, a strategic thinker, and a driving force behind the efforts of FHSU’s Strategic Affiliation initiative to advance career and technical education in rural Kansas,” said Dan Wasson, chairman of the Area Advisory Board for Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. “Based on his extensive experience in tech ed, higher education administration, and economic and workforce development, our search committee was very confident that he is the right leader at the right time for Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. We are all thrilled that Corey and his family have decided to make the move to Goodland.”
Isbell’s first day as president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will be July 21.