For more than 50 years, Northeast Tech students have been defined by hard work, determination and a shared drive to accomplish their career goals. Now, for the first time in school history, that shared identity has a face — the Husky.
“I love the concept of a Husky representing our district,” said Derek Beller, NT superintendent. “It typifies the type of student we want to recruit and train. We want hardworking, devoted, loyal and eager students who want to be productive citizens in our communities.”
The decision to pursue a mascot largely originated internally, driven by staff across several campuses, Beller said.
“In conversations with staff, it gained traction quickly,” he said. “They know how proud our students are to be part of the NT family once they arrive on campus. What better way to make them feel special and included than to give them a symbol they can share — not only with students on their own campus, but with others across the entire district? I foresee students having a strong sense of pride as Northeast Tech Huskies.”
The NT Communications department was charged with overseeing the process.
“This was an exciting and meaningful project because it wasn’t just about choosing a mascot; it was about shaping a shared identity for Northeast Tech,” said Jennifer Walker, communications director. “From coordinating submissions and committee review to managing voting and designer selection, it was a large undertaking, but one rooted in listening to our students, staff and communities. Seeing it come together has been incredibly exciting.”
Students, instructors, administrators, support staff and members of the general public were invited to submit mascot ideas in September 2025.
The only stipulation was that submissions could not replicate mascots used by partnering high schools or fellow technology centers across the state.
Over the course of two weeks, more than 120 submissions were received.
Walker assembled a committee that included members of the communications team, Beller, representatives from each of NT’s four campuses, a representative from NT Business and Industry Services and a community member to narrow down the options.
Each submission was evaluated and awarded points based on several factors, including marketability, longevity and relevance to NT.
Final choices were narrowed down to the Trailblazers, the Huskies and the Techhounds.
Voting began Sept. 22 and drew nearly 400 votes before concluding Oct. 3.
During the process, the Trailblazers option was disqualified.
“Despite our best efforts to conduct due diligence, we learned that another technology center used the term ‘Trailblazers’ more than a decade ago,” Walker said. “While they have since transitioned to primarily using a bison mascot, they do still occasionally reference the ‘Trailblazer’ name. Because of this overlap, we chose not to move forward with that option.”
A runoff voting period was then held from Oct. 6–10 to decide between the Huskies and the Techhounds.
While voting was close, the Husky was officially announced as NT’s new mascot on Oct. 14, to the delight of students eagerly awaiting the results.
“It was fun to participate in the voting process because we really are helping make history at NT,” said Lainey Kingfisher, a student at the Kansas Campus. “Before we voted, I never really thought about it. Now, with a new mascot, I hope it helps the students who follow after me feel like they’re part of one pack.”
Pryor Campus student Michaela Warren echoed similar feelings.
“Being a Husky brings pride, belonging and identity,” she said. “It connects you to a community and a shared purpose.”
“It’s more than just a dog. It is extremely skilled and knows how to lead, and that makes it the perfect mascot for us,” said Afton Campus student Alyssa Gimble.
A request for graphic design proposals was sent to the public to support the upcoming branding campaign featuring NT’s new canine.
More than 20 proposals were submitted from across the country, with freelancer Josh Mindemann of Fayetteville, Ark., selected.
“We selected Josh because of his direct experience in mascot creation and brand development,” Walker said. “As a member of the University of Arkansas football program’s media team, he brings a high level of expertise in designing and branding mascots that are both recognizable and enduring. We were confident he would deliver a professional, high-quality design that reflects the NT mission.”