RUARY FREE Family Fun! April 22 from 4-6 p.m. Live Music Cookout Iron Pour Cost $15 per daily workshop. To pre-register (required), contact Sandy Campbell at (606) 487-3632 or email sandrad.campbell@kctcs.edu. HCTC Kentucky School of Craft Building 56 Education Lane, Hindman, KY 41822 Event sponsored by HCTC in partnership with Appalachian Artisan Center and Hindman Settlement School.
WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND YOUR LIFELONG SUCCESS. SKILLS USA ATTRACT AREA TECHNOLOGY CENTERS More than 100 students from five area technology centers competed in the SKILLS USA Regional Skills and Leadership Conference at HCTC on February 16. Students from Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, and Letcher counties competed at HCTC s Technical Campus and first, second, and third place award winners were recognized. The competition areas included: architectural drafting, auto service and automotive service technology, carpentry, computer maintenance technology, construction tool identification, creed, diesel equipment technology, electrical construction wiring, heating and air conditioning, job interview, job skills demonstration, opening and closing ceremonies, pin design, pledge, plumbing, post, promotional bulletin board, related technical math, talent group, individual talent, technical computer application, technical drafting, transportation tool identification, t-shirt design, and welding. Tony Back, Academic Dean at HCTC s Technical Campus, coordinated the event. We were impressed by the quality of work and talent demonstrated by these young people. We appreciate the instruction going on at the area technology centers and we are happy to see the students learning demonstrated in these competition, he said. HCTC Student Ambassadors had a chance on March 2 to learn more about the legislative process in Frankfort and meet with elected senators and representatives. President Jennifer Lindon and Stephen Bowling, of the HCTC Board of Directors, enjoyed the day with students. 2 Breathitt County students provide the opening ceremony at the SKILLS USA conference on Feb. 16 at Hazard Community and Technical College at the Technical Campus.
NURSING PROGRAM RECEIVES 100% PASS RATE The HCTC Nursing Program registered nursing class at the Hazard Campus has achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for 2016. This is the third year in a row the nursing program has seen such high scores, noted Donna Combs, Nursing Program Coordinator. At the Lees College Campus, students achieved an 86 percent pass rate on the licensure exam. Last year, Lees saw a 100 percent pass rate and Hazard had a 97 percent pass rate. Our faculty and our students worked very hard to achieve this level of achievement, Mrs. Combs said. We put teaching strategies in place to increase student responsibility for their own learning and we are seeing great results. NCLEX-RN is the national examination for the licensing of registered nurses in the United States. After completion of the nursing program requirements from a school of nursing, a graduate may take the NCLEX-RN and if successful become a licensed registered nurse. A registered nursing license is granted by a state upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Anyone interested in the nursing program may contact Donna Combs, Nursing Program Coordinator, for information at 606-487-3103. $2.888 MILLION IN FUNDING AWARDED FOR HCTC S INTERGENERATIONAL CENTER The Intergenerational Center planned by HCTC is one of 25 Kentucky projects to be funded by the Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative. HCTC will receive $2.888 million towards the center to be built on the Lees College Campus in Jackson. Launched in July 2016, the $100 million Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative is aimed at developing a highly trained, modernized workforce to meet the needs of employers, grow the state s economy and promote sustainable incomes for Kentuckians. They have awarded more than $65.5 million towards initiatives. HCTC President Dr. Jennifer Lindon said the college is creating a new economy. We know the need for jobs is so vitally important at this time and we are working towards a better educated workforce through this new facility in Jackson. Governor Bevin is very supportive of technical training and our plans are on target with what he envisions will help our future, she said. The response to the Work Ready Skills Initiative has been truly astounding, said Gov. Bevin. This important initiative is a key component in our pursuit to make Kentucky the nation s premier engineering and manufacturing hub of excellence. This historic investment in training our workforce will truly be transformative for the Commonwealth. Bids for the Intergenerational Training Center will begin in late spring for the 15,000 square-foot facility. For more information about the Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative, visit www.kentuckyworkready.com The Hazard Rotary Club learned that anyone wanting to become a doctor can get their classes through the University Center of the Mountains (UCM) without leaving Hazard, and at a much lower tuition than elsewhere in the state. The engaging speakers on Feb. 8 were, from left, LeeAnn Helton, UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health - UCM partner; Dr. Paul Currie, chemistry professor at HCTC, and Dr. Deronda Mobelini, UCM executive director. The UCM is housed on HCTC s Hazard Campus. We re here to help you complete your FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Don t forget to bring a copy of your 2016 Tax Return and W2. HAZARD CAMPUS Office of Admissions LEES COLLEGE CAMPUS Jackson Hall For more information, call (606) 487-3293. WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND YOUR LIFELONG SUCCESS. 3
WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND YOUR LIFELONG SUCCESS. 4 HCTC SUCCESS STORY: DR. CHAD KNIGHT Dr. Chad Knight is glad he took a leap of faith the day he enrolled at HCTC. He was 30-years-old when he decided to work on his education and now he is a fifth-year surgical resident physician which means he is in the final year of training to become a boardcertified general surgeon. His career is very rewarding. His day consists of supervising the junior surgery residents, seeing and treating patients in the Dr. Chad Knight clinic, taking care of critical patients in the surgical ICU and performing surgery. He graduated from HCTC in May 2005 with an associate in arts as well as an associate in science. While at HCTC he was awarded honors in English and biology as well as the Student Worker Award. After leaving HCTC, he enrolled at Transylvania University in Lexington, where he earned a bachelor s of arts with a major in anthropology and a minor in biology. He then matriculated at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine where he earned his doctorate of medicine or MD. Also, while attending the College of Medicine, he took classes in the Morehead State University College of Business to earn a certificate in health systems management. While at HCTC, I was lucky to have all the support of instructors and professors who were genuinely interested in helping me to reach, essentially, any goal that I set for myself. The faculty at HCTC is so supportive of all their students which is key to ensuring success. The ease and willingness of faculty to ensure each student has a tailor-made schedule that fits their unique circumstance would lead me to recommend HCTC to anyone, especially folks like myself who work full time while supporting a family but who are interested in furthering their education and becoming not only better providers for their family but also wellrounded individuals, Dr. Knight said. Dr. Knight fondly remembers HCTC faculty members who were instrumental in his success at HCTC and beyond. In my honors English class, Professor Ron Reed opened the door to intellectual curiosity. I learned to question even the most basic ideas in such a way that made me realize an individual s interpretation of the world can, in fact, be unique to that individual, in turn adding color or diversity to the collective fabric of humanity, he said. He said English Professor Scott Lucero was also a key player in his success at HCTC in that he set rules but allowed him to break those rules, creatively. He values Biology Professor Amy Wernette who, after a course in anatomy and physiology, counseled him to strongly consider the possibility of a career in medicine. His advice to others is, no matter what the circumstance, endure the struggle, and keep your sights set on the end goal. The Eastern Kentucky region will benefit from Dr. Knight s services when he begins working in Hazard at Appalachian Regional Healthcare on Aug. 1. Dr. Knight has quite a bit of family in Hazard including his parents Larry and Eileen Knight and siblings as well as his motherin-law Norma Napier and her extended family. He lives in Lesage, West Virginia with his wife, Amy, and six of their children. Their oldest two are out making lives of their own. The couple s eight children four boys and four girls range in ages from 7 to 25. Interested in enrolling at HCTC? Call the Admissions Department, 606-487-3293, today. HCTC President Dr. Jennifer Lindon honored Americorps who volunteered in the community with certificates and gifts. We appreciate these young people and all they do, Dr. Lindon said. Abagail Roark leads the group. The Americorps group assists with academics and mentorship for Perry County Schools. They have assisted local churches, civic organizations, and have worked at various events, such as the Perry County Fair and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students honored include current HCTC students, former students, and HCTC graduates. They are: Brooke Feltner, Ben Noble, Daniel Cornett, Jimmy Caudill, Theo Cornett, Aileen White, Nyoka Combs, Natasha Adams, Courtney Combs, Julia Williams, Candace Hughes, Patrick Feltner, Renee Tucker, Maria Caudill, Aileen White, Rene Rucker, and Ciera Carroll. The group was honored at the Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce meeting on Feb. 28. Perry County Judge-Executive Scott Alexander publicly expressed his appreciation to the young people for all their work.
INTEREST PEAKED: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT USING DRONE TECHNOLOGY For 17-year-old Rebekah Vermillion, knowing how to use a drone will help make her more marketable when she looks for a job. That s why she took the time to visit with Bart Massey at HCTC to see what drone would be best for her to purchase. I m interested in wildlife biology and using a drone is the best way to do research, noted Ms. Vermillion. Using a drone is the way to get the data. I have also used drones to perform archaeological research in the Yucatan Peninsula. Drones helped our research team to collect images of Mayan ruins which we are using to create 3-D replicas. We will present this research next month in Vancouver, British Columbia at the Society for American Archaeology annual conference, noted Ms. Vermillion. After talking with Massey, Ms. Vermillion decided the Autel X-Star Premium is ideal for her. Bart let me fly two drones so I could experience the difference; that helped me make my decision, she said. HCTC s Massey noted, She has quite a lot of experience with drones already and I felt comfortable letting her fly them. She has been flying drones in her classes at Morehead for a while. Her desire to use drones in wildlife biology and archaeology, along with her drone experience, will equip her for many career opportunities in the future. Many of our community members are beginning to see how so many jobs will change and be enhanced by drone technology and the evolving solutions being NEW ROLE, FACULTY Rebekah Vermillion inspecting various drones to determine which would be best for her research needs. prepared by folks who need the drone for certain reasons, but who cannot purchase the solution. This, in itself, is promoting innovations by the day. It is an exciting time in the robotic field. I enjoyed watching Rebekah compare and contrast the differences in the drones. Being knowledgeable about technology is important to this Hazard resident, who is enrolled at the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University. She s excited about utilizing a drone. It has so many applications in so many fields, she said, and she is looking for innovative ways to incorporate drone technology into her wildlife biology studies. Anyone interested in drone technology is invited to attend a class on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Contact Sandrad. Campbell@kctcs.edu via email or call her at 487-3632 to enroll. WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND YOUR LIFELONG SUCCESS. NEW ROLE: Mike Dixon, HCTC Special Projects/ Economic Development Coordinator in Knott County NEW NURSING FACULTY: Larrisa Johnson See more articles, photos, and videos by connecting with HCTC on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Sandra Barrett, a nursing student from Booneville, won two tickets to the February 7 UK-LSU game, donated by HCTC s Cluster Howard. Barrett s name was in a drawing of those students who registered for classes. This will be the first UK game for Sandra and she s sharing her other ticket with Kennedi Little, also of Booneville. Barrett is excited about winning and getting to see a game in person. I never win anything, she said, until now. 5
WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND YOUR LIFELONG SUCCESS. HCTC AWARDED ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANT Hazard Community and Technical College is being awarded a $16,000 grant in to support entrepreneurial training and activities. Funding is also available to HCTC in 2018 and 2019. The EntreEd K-14: Every Student, Every Year program is a regional effort to drive entrepreneurship education in Appalachia. The program, funded through a three-year grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) funding, seeks to establish and strengthen relationships between K-12 schools and local community colleges to ensure participating schools deliver entrepreneurship education to every student in the building each school year. Schools that complete this requirement will earn supportive stipends and the school designation as one of America s Entrepreneurial Schools. HCTC is one of seven colleges to receive the funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission. The grant is designated for Knott, Leslie, Perry, and Breathitt counties. HCTC President Dr. Jennifer Lindon said the college will work with K-12 districts in getting their commitment to work toward becoming America s Entrepreneurial Schools. We appreciate the professional development opportunities that will be provided for our faculty and staff, she said. This training and support is designed to expose students and community members adversely impacted by coal layoffs to new career paths and the development of new businesses. There is no limit to how our region can grow as long as we have the right entrepreneurs in place. We are glad to assist those willing to take an idea and create a viable business, Dr. Lindon said. The lead organization for the grant is EntreEd, the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education. Project partners include The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), Behavioral Business, LLC, and The EdVenture Group. Behavioral Business and NACCE will play a large role in engaging and organizing the community college partners. The EdVenture Group will deliver professional development workshops focused on entrepreneurship for all participating K-12 schools. Two regional coordinators, Toi Hershman and Melony Denham, will act as liaisons between colleges and schools to strengthen relationships and ensure each school completes entrepreneurship education for every student, every year. The first meeting of all project partners and the participating community colleges occurred on February 17, in Charleston, WV. This meeting was designed to introduce community college partners to the program and educate them on the expectations of their involvement. The meeting took place at the Advanced Technology Center at BridgeValley Community and Technical College, one of the participating colleges. Entrepreneurship education in schools throughout the region will provide more career opportunities for students and encourages a more entrepreneurial culture in communities, said Gene Coulson, Executive Director of EntreEd. HONORING EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR DEDICATION 6 25 YEARS OF SERVICE Shown here, from left, are Evelyn Wood of Hazard, Public Relations; Teresa Breeding of Hazard, Student Services; Freddie Lawson of Hazard, Maintenance; Jackie Hall of Mousie, Business Services; Dr. Ella Strong of Hazard, Academic Services; and Anna Napier of Gays Creek, Academic Services. Not shown are Delcie Combs of Hazard, President s Office and Homer Terry of Lost Creek, Radiography faculty. 40 YEARS OF SERVICE HCTC honors Shirley Engle for her 40 YEARS OF SERVICE. Ms. Engle, of Viper, works in Academic Services.
20 YEARS OF SERVICE Shown here, seated, from left, are Lois Puffer of Jackson, Institutional Research; Melissa Johnson of Vicco, Student Services; Donna Collins of Jackson, Library Services; Leila Sandlin Smith of Jackson, Academic Services; and Cathy Branson of Jackson, Library Services. Standing, from left, are Amy Wernette of Hazard, biology faculty; Jeremy Wood of Hazard, physics and astronomy faculty; Randy Bryant of Jackson, psychology faculty; Don Barnes of Beattyville, mathematics faculty; Dr. Rich Holl of Jackson, history faculty; Jeremiah Bryant of Jackson, Computer Information Technology faculty; Dr. Pat Herald of Jackson, nursing faculty; and Pinky Rice of Campton, Student Services. Not shown are Tom Cravens of Hazard, Challenger Learning Center and Cluster Howard of Jackson, health faculty. TEN YEARS OF SERVICE Shown here, from left, are Victor Gainer of Chavies, Student Services; Christina Martin of Hazard, nursing faculty; Lauren Bates of Jackson, nursing faculty; and Arzella Howard of Jackson, nursing faculty. Second row are Rachel Sexton of Leburn, cosmetology faculty; Dean Osborne of Hyden, Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music; and Mindy Walters of Hazard, EPIC program....and it shows. We believe in education, community, and our students lifelong success. WE BELIEVE IN EDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND YOUR LIFELONG SUCCESS. 15 YEARS OF SERVICE Shown here, from left, are Cortney Caudill of Hindman, Student Services; Jama Griffie of Hazard, Student Services; Bart Massey of Hazard, Technology Solutions; Leanne Morgan of Jackson, Business Services; and Brad Roberts of Jackson, Academic Services. Not shown is Sherry Bettinazzi of Hazard, Facilities and Jimmy Caudill of Smilax, Diesel faculty. FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Shown here, from left, are Rex Medlin of Tennessee Ridge, TN, biology faculty; Jennifer Lutes of Beattyville, math faculty; Casey Brock Helton, Technology Solutions; and Leanna Mullins of Jackson, Business Services. Second row are Daniel Neace of Hazard, Technology Solutions and Alexis Malepeai of Hazard, Institutional Research. Not shown are Wendy Davidson of Hazard, Computer Information Technology faculty and Jeff Stidham of Whitesburg, Academic Services. 7
The Lineman and Fiber Optic Training Program has a class starting in June and applications are being accepted now. Contact Keila.Miller@kctcs.edu or call Keila, Director of Workforce Solutions, at 606-487-3287. COMMUNITY KCTCS is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.