GOODLAND -- Northwest Kansas Technical College will bring nationally renowned and top leaders in rural development to share their expertise during a conference Oct. 30.

Paul Theobald, Woods-Beal endowed chairman in urban and rural education at Buffalo State College, will be the featured speaker. Theobald is a nationally recognized scholar and expert on the history of education in the United States.

Not only is he an accomplished educational historian, but an author of several books. Theobald's work in rural schooling and the history of rural communities has consistently made his case through his publications of over 60 chapters and articles in various research journals.

Kansas Lt. Gov. Troy Findley will share his expertise on growing the Kansas economy. He will share his thoughts on creating jobs in addition to quality education and protecting Kansas families and communities.

Other featured speakers include:

* Stan Ahlerich, president of Kansas Inc., a public/private economic development initiative of state government. Ahlerich has worked in the area of economic development at the local and state level and has multi-level experience with financial institutions.

* Kelly DeMeritt and Karen Seaberg, Riverfront Park Re-Development,

* Catherine Domsch and Chris Sramek, Century II Development Foundation,

* Carole Jordan, Kansas Department of Commerce

* Ben Coumerilh, Northwest Kansas Technical College

* Sandy Rodgers and Greg Nemechek, Western Prairie Resource, Conservation & Development

Register for the conference by going to www.nwktc.edu or calling (800) 316-4127. Registration fee is $35 until Tuesday and $45 after. College credit hours will be made available to those that qualify. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Mountain time in the Memorial Student Union. Lunch and handouts are included in the fee. Parking is free.

For more information, contact Brenda McCants, NWKS Technical College, 1209 Harrison, Goodland, KS 67735, (785) 890-1509 or Brenda.mccants@nwktc.edu.