Beloit, KS – [8/24/26] Each semester Fort Hays Tech | North Central awards a member of our staff or faculty with a 212° Award. The purpose of the 212° Award is to recognize individuals who demonstrate superior dedication and the willingness to go that extra degree! 212 degrees is the boiling point of water. Everyone has watched it happen as water goes from still to rumbling when it reaches that threshold. That boiling point is a transformation point. Recipients of this award are employees who voluntarily go above and beyond the call of duty and are transformational leaders at the college. These employees demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment to their profession, students, fellow employees, and a loyalty to the mission of Fort Hays Tech | North Central.

The recipient of the Fall 2026 - 212° Award is Mark Jones. Mark serves as Heavy Equipment & Division Chair at Fort Hays Tech | North Central and has been with the college for more than 23 years.

About the Award Recipient

Mark has been a dedicated member of Fort Hays Tech | North Central for more than 23 years, continually demonstrating his commitment to the college, its students, and the Heavy Equipment program.

In 2025, Mark played an instrumental role in helping the Heavy Equipment program make a significant investment in its training equipment following the receipt of a major governmental grant. Mark worked directly with Caterpillar and John Deere dealerships throughout the procurement process, helping ensure the purchase of new construction equipment met the requirements and guidelines associated with the grant.

The process required a considerable investment of time, coordination, and attention to detail, but the results have made a lasting impact on the program. Today, Heavy Equipment students at Fort Hays Tech | North Central have the opportunity to train on brand-new Caterpillar and John Deere machines, providing them with hands-on experience using modern equipment similar to what they will encounter in the workforce.

Mark's leadership and willingness to take on the additional work required throughout this process exemplify the spirit of the 212° Award and his continued dedication to providing students with the best possible educational experience.

“It has been a pleasure working with Mark over the years to strengthen our Heavy Equipment program”, said Fort Hays Tech | North Central's President, Eric Burks. “Since we received our new equipment, he’s got a smile that never stops! As division chair for our construction programs, Mark has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. He is always looking for ways to help people and improve. Mark is certainly deserving of this award, and I’m happy his peers chose him for this recognition.”

About Fort Hays Tech | North Central

Fort Hays Tech | North Central is committed to empowering students through rigorous programs, experienced faculty, and a supportive learning environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

For more information about the 212° Award, or Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please visit fhtechnc.edu or contact Mremerson@fhtechnc.edu.