Get your hiking boots ready! The Carter County Extension Office is partnering with Carter Caves State Resort Park and Grayson Lake (US Army Corp of Engineers Huntington District) to offer a hike and learn program this summer. Get your daily physical fitness in and learn more about the great outdoors. Hikes will focus on geology, trees, insects, wildlife and more.
Hikes will occur at 9:00 AM on the second and fourth Thursdays in June and July. Participants will be exploring Carter Caves in June and Grayson Lake in July. The hikes are family friendly and are free of charge. (Additional opportunities may be available for a fee.) Hikes will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.
For more information about Hike & Learn contact the Extension Office at 474-6686 or visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CCESAG/). Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
A gorgeous spring evening and a beautiful historical setting set the scene for Carter Christian Academy’s annual Spring Formal Saturday May 15, 2021.
The High School students all “dressed to the nines” enjoyed the Grand March introduction into the decorated gym for their family members. Photos were taken under the balloon arch on the way to the stage where the meal was served.
CCA moms dished up food from Tres Hermanos Nunez restaurant for the attendees. After the meal a dance was held. Outside games and a bonfire with yummy smores completed the evening.
Story & Photos by MICHELLE BRAND Carter County Post
It has been a strange year for everyone, but it has been especially hard for our students graduating in the class of 2021. From cancellations of spring sporting events, prom, and graduation–to dealing with the absence of friends and the camaraderie of the classroom, these students have been able to overcome, band together, and complete a major life achievement amid a global pandemic.
I want to personally congratulate all the graduating seniors in the class of 2021 from Carter County Schools and Carter Christian for achieving this accomplishment. As you begin your journey in a career or at the next level of education, I wish you nothing but the best and success. You have demonstrated incredible strength throughout challenging times. As you go forth, always remain strong, and continue to live out your dreams.
Graduation this spring was a little different than in years past.
Due to Covid last year, the class of 2020 graduation was not held. So this year, KCU held graduation for the class of 2020 and 2021.
There were two graduations, one at 10:00am and the other at 2:00pm. Each graduate could invite two people to be present at the commencement ceremony. (More family and friends were welcome to watch on screens in the chapel and on live-stream.) Covid guidelines were followed with proper spacing.
The ceremony included speakers Dr. Mitch Marshall, Dr. Terry Allcorn, Mr. Kevin Pickett, Mr. Chris Mitchell, Ms. Sharon Millard, Mrs. Jessica Duncan, Ms. Vicky Madden and Mr. Calvin Lindell.
The 10:00 am graduation included students receiving their Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing.
The 2:00pm ceremony included students receiving their Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor in Social Work, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Religion.
Photos and Story by MICHELLE BRAND Carter County Post
ASHLAND, Ky. – Starting in Fall 2021, Ashland Community and Technical College will offer credit for prior learning to person(s) who have served as a military medic and are interested in becoming a registered nurse through ACTC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
In 2020, ACTC partnered with the Veterans Accelerated Learning for Licensed Occupations (VALLO) to develop a pathway for military medic personnel to transition to civilian registered nurse.
Two new courses were developed that build upon previous military education and experience and assist students to transition into a professional registered nurse that is prepared to care for the general population across the lifespan. On completion of the first two nursing courses that were designed specifically for this population, the student will receive six (6) hours of credit for prior learning, have a total of sixteen (16) credit hours in nursing, and will be prepared for the sophomore year of the nursing program.
The application deadline for Fall 2021 is April 15. If a student is selected for fall admission, the student must complete all pre-requisite courses prior to first day of class in August.
Applicants must have an active 68W or DD214 Honorable Discharge to be considered for selective admissions.
“The faculty of the ADN program at ACTC are excited to be a part of a program that gives military personnel credit for their service,” said Natalie Robinson, ADN program coordinator. “The schedule and affordability of classes, personal assistance from faculty members, excellent health care facility cooperation and comradery of the ACTC personnel in general makes ACTC a great place to learn to be a professional nurse.”
UK Ag Equine Programs is looking for original photographs that capture horses in any discipline as well as photos that include horses interacting with people or in a farm landscape setting. Photo by Sydney Carter, UK Ag Equine Programs intern.
February 1, 2021 | By: Sydney Carter
Lexington, Ky.,- University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs announces the launch of its first equine-oriented digital photography contest. Submissions will be accepted through Feb. 28.
Students, as well as the general public, are encouraged to participate. There are three age divisions for submissions: youth (17 and under), UK students and open (18 and over).
UK Ag Equine Programs is looking for original photographs that capture horses in any discipline as well as photos that include horses interacting with people or in a farm landscape setting. Photographs will be submitted online via a Google form, http://bit.ly/3pCPvU7.
Entries will be judged by a committee of staff, students and trained photographers from March 1-5.
At the conclusion of the contest’s entry deadline, each division’s top three images will be published on the UK Ag Equine Programs’ Facebook page for a “People’s Choice Award.” Votes for the award will be determined by the number of likes that each image receives by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, March 12.
Prizes will be awarded to category winners of each age division as well as the opportunity to be featured in the program’s monthly newsletter, The Wildcat Canter, and other UK publications.
Versailles, Ky. – The 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) are offering low cost, non-credit training. These short-term courses, offered through the Workforce Solutions program, help those already in the workforce who want to move up or people who need training to get started in a new career.
Programs are offered in two online formats – self-paced or live classes. Self-paced classes include:
· Healthy at Work – The latest information on COVID-19 risk factors and safety measures in the workplace.
· Professionalism and Essential Skills
· Communication and Diversity
· Transition to Management
Live virtual classes offered are:
· NEC Electric Code Update
· Professional in Human Resources Certification Exam Prep
· SHRM SCP/CP Certification Exam Prep
· Electrical Licensing Preparation
· AutoCAD Basics
· Enhanced Operator I: Workplace Principles
· Safety and Universal Precautions
· Microsoft Excel Level 1
· OSHA
· Sterile Processing National Review Certification Prep
· Pharmacy Tech National Review Certification Prep
· Adapting Your Leadership Style
· Cultural Competence
These skills and certifications are in-demand. Students will learn from industry experts and quickly gain the expertise needed for career advancement and employability. Cost for courses begins at $49 with several under $100. Exam prep courses are higher. For more information on cost and start dates for each course, visit the Workforce Solutions web page.
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The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the Commonwealth’s largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. We also are Kentucky’s largest provider of workforce and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, we align our programs to meet the needs of local employers. Our colleges are united in their commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky. To date, KCTCS has served one million Kentuckians.
In a few months, we hope the worst of COVID-19 is behind us. When that happens, the economy will improve, and employers will start hiring again. A big question is: Will they be able to find a trained and skilled workforce to fit the many open jobs they’ll have? The answer is: Yes, if Kentuckians seek training from one of the 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). We provide Kentuckians with the education and training required for today’s careers. By working with our local employers, we understand their needs and make sure our students are ready to walk out of college and into a career. Typically, when unemployment is high, enrollment in community college increases, but that hasn’t happened during COVID. According to the Strada Education Network’s Center for Education Consumer Insights, “among the reasons people aren’t enrolling, particularly at community colleges, is that they’re too busy navigating economic uncertainty to make college a priority.” Additionally, Strada’s data suggest that when workers do decide to get training, “they’re most likely to enroll in a nondegree program or seek skills training.” There’s no better place to do that than at the 16 colleges of KCTCS. We offer short-term training in fields that are in demand. For example, in a few short weeks, students can complete lineman or commercial driver’s license training, both of which offer an abundance of job openings right now. As a matter of fact, most of our students in these programs, and many others, have jobs waiting for them when they complete their programs. The salaries are good, too. According to Salary.com, in Kentucky, median lineman salary is $75,000 and for truck drivers, median salary is about $50,000. As presidents of the KCTCS colleges, we know one of the biggest obstacles our students face is the cost of higher education. All of our colleges offer options that keep costs down. In fact, many of our students pay no tuition at all because of grants and scholarships. One of those scholarships is the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS). Funded by the Kentucky Lottery, the WRKS provides free tuition for up to 60 hours for courses in specific programs in high-demand fields. Those include health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation/logistics, business/IT and construction/skilled trades. The scholarship covers hundreds of courses in these programs. Whether students want to earn a certificate or go for an associate degree, they can, if they meet eligibility requirements for the WRKS. The scholarship is open to any Kentuckian who has not yet earned a degree. There are no age or income restrictions either. If you’re an employer, our Workforce Solutions program might be your answer to upskilling your employees. Workforce Solutions provides customized training for employers at little to no cost. Interested in a bachelor’s degree? Taking the first two-years of classes at KCTCS saves thousands of Kentuckians thousands of dollars each year. So, will you be ready to go work when the pandemic ends? To be sure you are, visit the KCTCS website for information on programs, scholarships and more that are available at your local college. It’s time to learn new skills and better your life. Don’t be left behind when employers come calling. Signed by Paul Czarapata, Interim President, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and the 16 college presidents.Larry Ferguson, President, Ashland Community and Technical CollegeSherry Zylka, President, Big Sandy Community and Technical CollegeKoffi Akakpo, President, Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeJuston Pate, President, Elizabethtown Community and Technical CollegeFernando Figueroa, President, Gateway Community and Technical CollegeJennifer Lindon, President, Hazard Community and Technical CollegeJason Warren, President, Henderson Community CollegeAlissa Young, President, Hopkinsville Community CollegeTy Handy, President, Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeCindy Kelley, President, Madisonville Community CollegeRuss Ward, Interim President, Maysville Community and Technical CollegeScott Williams, President, Owensboro Community and Technical CollegeCarey Castle, President, Somerset Community CollegePhillip Neal, President, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeVic Adams, President, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical CollegeAnton Reese, President, West Kentucky Community and Technical College ###Ashland Community and Technical College is strengthening our communities by providing certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs that prepare students for employees for employment or transfer to baccalaureate programs as well as enhance job skills through workforce training. As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, our colleges are united in their commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky.
Ashland Community and Technical College has named 241 students to the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must complete at least 12 semester credits (of 100 level courses or above) or more for the semester and earn at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester. The students are listed below by state, county and city of residence.
KENTUCKY STUDENTS:
CARTER COUNTY
GRAYSON: Larisa Kay Blankenship, Marissa Bloemer, Tiffany J. Cartwright, Ashlei Michelle Felty, Skylar Brianne Felty, Kenneth Kole Fleming, Braden Kenneth Hicks, Stephen M. Horton, Chasity Elizabeth Hutchinson, Katelyn Marie Johnson, Jacob Hunter Leadingham, Cody Wayne McDavid, Stephanie Renee Pope and Nicholas Christian Strong
HITCHINS: Paul Banan Parker
OLIVE HILL: Angela M. Black, John Karl Wyatt Blevins, Brea Loraine Colley, Bruce Allen Conley II, Dalton Wayne Cundiff, Dawn Dean, Rodney Scott Evans, Charles Haskett, Quenna Kelsey, Sarah L. Lewis, Brooxie Lucas, Brittany L. Middleton, Christopher Harvey Middleton, Keasha Raeann Northern, Samuel Carl Rayburn, Hayden Smedley, Brody Kyle Sparks, Randy Allen Stevens and Caleb Wyatt Sturgill
RUSH: Heather Lorraine Davis, Shelby Morgan Grubb, Jazmen Marie Messmer, Jonathan Hamrick and Jarett Thomas
BOYD COUNTY
ASHLAND: Heath W. Baker, Tanner Ray Boyd, Sydney Uriel Brewer, Austin Craig Brinegar, Takoda Aaron Brown, Katherine Buchholz, Jacob Vaughn Caldwell, Noah Carlisle, Jessica Caudill, Parker Dane Clarke, Caitlyn Jo Cline, Ryan Matthew Cornette, Gina Marie D’angiolillo, Ross Daugherty, Miranda Leigh Davis, Michael Edwards, Tristan Blake Elkins, Youhak Eng, Yousing Eng, Jarrell Evans, Megan Evans, Cassandra Shae Ferguson, Darwin Fidler, Mackenzie Robyn Fitch, Gabriel Flores, Kayla Franklin, Braleigh Lynn Gowan, Spencer Meredith Greene, Josee Hager, Jake Hall, Makayla A. Hall, Kristina Halm, Chase Allen Hamilton, Martin David Haney, April Dawn Hill, Tylea Xia Hopper, Lauren Shae Howard, Hailey Grace-Lyn Hunt, Seth F. Hunt, Hannah Marie Hupp, George Dean Jervis, Michael Timothy Kazee, Lila Elizabeth Kouns, Brian Joseph Kratz, Preston Allen Ledford, Devyn Joshua Longo, Tyler Christopher Lynch, Brooklyn Paige Marshall, Jordan Maynard, Bethany Morgan McDowell, Timothy Andrew McKinney, Nicole Michelle McLaughlin, Brent Matthew Misbach, Carley Danielle Mooney, Amber Rose Moore, Eric Todd Moyers, Christina Diane Nease, Michael Andrew O’Bryan, Melinda Payne, Jason Reffitt, Kati Marie Russell, Amber Sanders, Justin Schipmann, Melissa Faye Scott, Sydney Alise Shepherd, Isaac Aaron Stanley, Gharan Andrew Thomas, Joshua K. Vanderpool, Arellan Roman Nicholas Vargas, Abigail O’Rourke Weatherholt, Nicholas Aaron Wells, Matthew Allen Whitt, Alexis R. Wilkes, Tessa Paige Williams and Nolan Chance Wooten.
SANDY HOOK: Gage Alan Evans, Bryanna Dellarhea Fannin, Chauncy Jay Bryce Griffith, Keeli Rae Howard, Landon Christopher Edward Lewis, Noah Thomas Lewis and Spring Spurlock
GREENUP COUNTY
ARGILLITE: Brandon Dale Belt, Courtney Clarke, Colby Dwayne Conley, Kayla Morgan Evans, Corey Robert Kouns, Richard Joe Mendez and James York
FLATWOODS: Emmett Lee Boggess, Jacob Hunter Brown, Robert James Douglas Cackowski, Billy Cline Jr., Casey Cordle, Joshua Todd Dillow, Jennifer Brianne-Hope Downey, Alexander Gray, Alexis Jade Hall, Daegan Alan Jacobs, Jessica Paige Jaworski, Zachary Kyle McMeekin, Brandy L. Vanderpool and Nathaniel Michael Wheeler
GREENUP: Jessica Nicole Arnoldt, Mark Dylan Blevins, Cody Darrell Braden, Tina Cox, William Ernest Love, Ronnie Lee Wayne Rowe, Sean D. Tucker, Justin Virgin, Charles Anderson Williams and Ian Christian Woods
RACELAND: Grace L. Allen and Alysandra Christine Howell
RUSSELL: Caleb Wade Landrum, Aaron Jason Lundy, Sara Taylor Mcintyre, Deidre Paige Rice, Amiee Victoria Roar, Ethan Wyatt Sanders and Kaitlin Brooke Wilhere
SOUTH SHORE: Mark Anthony Boggs and David Keith Potter
WORTHINGTON: Mark A. Blake, Brandon Tyler Elkins, Cameron Joseph Elkins, Adriana Morgan Flocker, Landon Mauk and Kasey Marie Morgan
WURTLAND: Ralph Tyler Burchett
LAWRENCE COUNTY
BLAINE: Lana Starr
LOUISA: Sabrina Bowling, James Raymond Carter, Aron Fugitt, Alison Horton, Michaela Evelyn Huff, Brooke Desha Keeton, Taylor Diane McKinney, Laura Jill Mills, Ashley Rachelle Moore, Christopher Cole Moore, Zachary Pack, Reshay Irene Reffett, Wendy Ann Shannon, Will Skaggs and Montanna Sturgill
WEBBVILLE: Jordan Faith Bailey, Paul Daniel Holbrook II, Rachel V. Marcum, Melissa Sexton and Megan Taylor Williams
LEWIS COUNTY
GARRISON: Andrea Nichole Lewis
TOLLESBORO: Jonathon Trace Tolliver
MEADE COUNTY
BRANDENBURG: Peyton Marie Dillow
MORGAN COUNTY
WEST LIBERTY: Madison Leigh Dulen
ROWAN COUNTY
MOREHEAD: Ethan Jordan and Tristen Hayden Jordan
OHIO STUDENTS
FRANKLIN FURNACE: Tayte Alexander Carver
IRONTON: Reggie Michael Besco, Tucker Eugene Carpenter, Amanda Dawn Dillow, Jordan Isiah Griffith, Saxton Hughes, Rebecca Sue Marshall, Jonathan William Maynard, Ethan Paul Mcclaskey, Richard Lee Thompson and Logan Dallas Whitt
KITTS HILL: Jacklyn Dawn Dailey
LUCASVILLE: Charles Jestin Corns
PORTSMOUTH: Matthew Keelin Myles Haskins and Zachary Aaron Wagner
PROCTORVILLE: Brandon Ray Bowman
SOUTH POINT: Kevin David Johnson
WHEELERSBURG: Dalton Ramey
WEST VIRGINIA STUDENTS
FORT GAY: Emily Marie Roman
GENOA: Shawn Nelson Porter
HUNTINGTON: Kearston Sue Evans, Kylie Brianna Gilbert, Garrett Michael Hall, Justin Mccaffery and Craig Edward Reid
KENOVA: Anna Clay, James Isaac English and Raven Storm Hall
Ashland Community and Technical College has named 188 students to the President’s List for the fall 2020 semester. To be eligible for the president’s list, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade point average and successfully complete at least 12 KCTCS semester credits of course work numbered 100 or above (excluding any courses considered developmental and without withdrawing from a course)
The students are listed below by state and city of residence.
KENTUCKY STUDENTS
CARTER COUNTY
GRAYSON: Derrick Michael Bradley, Zane Alden Burnett, Corissa Rae Callihan, Amy J. Conn, Rachel Lacy Cummings, Lillie Hannah Gallion, Patricia Faye Hall, Courtney Paige Johnston, Ryan Dikota Jones, Montana Kennedy, Carra-Janae Grace Layne, Megan Lynne Magruder, Alysha Nycole Mcwhorter, Mackenzie Kathryn Moore, Caitlin Beth Mulkey, Bailey Larae Newman, Kathryn Pennington, Jacob Wayne Rhoden, Aubrey Laurel Rice, Shane Dustin Salley, Rachel Violet Sidell, Scott Stanisky, Charles Richard Thomas, Mason Alexander Tomaselli, Ashley Danielle Walters and Garry L. Yates
HITCHINS: Cody Logan
OLIVE HILL: Kelly Nicole Bond, William James Butler, Chayton Jarod Cooley, Dawson M. Craig, Milton Edward Henderson, David Randall Jessie, Angela Sara Jones, Caleb Dalton Kilgore, Hannah Grace Kiser, Cameron Blake Lewis, Joshua Lee Roark and Peter Schueler
RUSH: Patricia Binion, Nancy Leanna Godbey and Emily Elaine Wilburn
WILLARD: Hailey Nicole Sexton
BOYD COUNTY
ASHLAND: Bianca Marcela Aparicio, Hannah Rose Arnett, Heather D. Bailey, Anita Ann Barker, Joseph Jaden Bayes, Michael Clayton Bradley, Kelly Marie Caudill, Curtis Alan Comer, Marlie Jade Conley, Robert Andrew Conrad, Tristin Thomas Conrad, Aaron Joseph Creech, Makayla Leann Crum, Jacob Orion Duncil, Joshua Boyd Ellis, Sean Michel Farrington, Raymond Channing Fields, Shelby-Kaye Elizabeth Foutch, Corey M. Foxwell, Jonathan Scott Haffer, Hayley Mae Hammond, Curtis Lee Harris, Laurel Rae Hensley, Cranston Colby Hill, Margaret Katherine Hutchinson, Breanna Shai Johnson, Constance Jeanette Jones, Haiden Nichole Jones, Jaydon Bailey King, Joshua Mason Kirk, Dean Kenneth Kitchen, Grant Krueger, Stevi B. Lau, Cody Blake Layne, William Conner Lemaster, Sebastian Lewis, Caitlyn Hannah Lindsey, Kathryn Paige Lively, Gabriel Thomas Lowe, Robert Mahan, Layne Meek, Jeffrey Scott Nelson, Bianca Jolene Nichols, Melissa Sueann Penrick, Nolan Parker Phillips, Victoria Vanessa Reed, Ryan Hunter Renfroe, Lee-Anna Danielle Runyon, Jessica Slone, Jordan Gregory Smith, Dylan Kade Stewart, Robert Alexander Swim, Kelly Renee Vance, Abigail Rebecca Vanhoose, Ayla Weatherholt, Brooklyn Michelle Webb, Hunter Alan White, Cody Williams and Taylor Niecolle Young.
CATLETTSBURG: Sean David Bishop, Jonathan Lee Burchfield, Lucas Jordan Messer, Alexandra Marie Montuoro, Trevor Gannon Mullins, Alxzandrea Dayanara Wills and Tiffany Dawn Worrell.
ELLIOTT COUNTY
ISONVILLE: Destiny Nichole Gilliam and Jessica Ann Gilliam
SANDY HOOK: Lela N. Adkins, Tanner Scott Dickerson, Clark Howard, Curtis James Justus, Brian Keith Laney, Tyler Jamason Mabry, Austen Blake Nickell, Jeremy Braydon Sturgill
GREENUP COUNTY
ARGILLITE: Heather Nicole Robinson
FLATWOODS: Brent Bullion, Brianna Rose Evans, Dylan Charles Roar, Santana P. Sagraves, Skylar Nicole Stark and Megan Rechelle Connelley
GREENUP: Parker Alan Clarke, Michael Patrick Coffee, Teresa Coffee, Valarie Christina Davidson, Mark Anthony Elkins, Christie Marie Grubb, Lisa Michelle Hammonds, Katelin Brooke Howard, Jennifer A. Kazee, Kevin Kingslien, Leslie A. Knipp, Jade Colleen McCoy, Kenton Charles Rose and Abigail Darlene Stevens
RUSSELL: Michael Todd Breen, Carly Rose Cooper, Brooke France, Dana Russell Gillispie, Shelby Ann Jones, Camryn Ashley Ratliff and Lakie Susannah Sanders
SOUTH SHORE: John Andrew Dehart, Faith Allene Lyons, Gregory Bryce Wells
WORTHINGTON: Misty Rambo
WURTLAND: Alexia Jiles
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
BLAINE: Matthew Austin Hawken and Jerry G. Keeton
LOUISA: Heather Renee Brown, Timothy Russell Cantrell, Nyoka Darlene Chaffin, Todd Chapman, Makala M. Fields, Stephanie Lynn Gruwell, Allison Holbrook, Abby Makenzie Hughes, Robert Edward Johnson, Emma Suzanne Preece, Halie Paige Rosser and Angel Marie Thompson
LEWIS COUNTY
QUINCY: Adam G. Rhoden
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
MT. STERLING: Braden Van Sexton
OHIO STUDENTS
COAL GROVE: Frank McCann
CROWN CITY: Christian Tyler Marcum
FRANKLIN FURNACE: Tyler James Thornton
IRONTON: Kayla Lynn Hackworth
KITTS HILL: Whitney Bradshaw
LEWISBURG: Eryn Bailea Parsons
SOUTH POINT: Joshua Allfrey, Nikki Laura McCombs, Joseph Eugene Merrill, Bradley Michael Ramey, Bethany M. Smith and Paige Nicole Vanhoose
WEST PORTSMOUTH: Timothy Allen Thompson
WHEELERSBURG: Robert Nichols and Hunter Pistole
WEST VIRGINIA STUDENTS
CULLODEN: Brenda Ritchie
FORT GAY: Amanda Dawn Thompson
HUNTINGTON: James Gullett, Shanita Horn and Jack Darren Pruitt
Ashland Community and Technical College is accepting applications for the 12-week session that begins on Feb. 8 and ends May 9.
12-week classes have the same content as semester-long classes, but cover the content in a shorter time.
Classes offered in-person/hybrid include Welding for Maintenance and Welding for Maintenance Lab, Application Process Operations, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Writing I, Strategies for College Success, and Career Planning Seminar.
Online classes include Introduction to Art, Introduction to Biology, Intro to Biology Lab, Introduction to Networks, Basic Public Speaking, Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, Writing I, English Workshop, History of the US Since 1865, College Algebra, College Algebra Workshop, Modern Social Problems and Introduction to Sociology.
Jan. 25 is the last day to submit an admissions application for 12-week classes.
New students enrolling only in the 12-week session may be eligible for financial aid. To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.
Currently enrolled students are not eligible to receive additional financial aid for 12-week classes added to their schedules, and visiting students are not eligible to receive financial aid through ACTC.
For more information on 12-week enrollment, call (606) 326-2040.
ASHLAND, Ky. – Dr. Larry Ferguson, President/CEO of Ashland Community and Technical College is pleased to announce the selection of Jim Fox as Director of Technology Solutions, effective Jan. 16.
Fox was hired at the college July 1, 1996 and is currently the Information Technology Coordinator. He recently completed a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University.
Fox is looking forward to working with students, faculty and staff in his new role.
“I am enraptured by this opportunity in being the new Director of Technology Solutions at ACTC. I want to continue our tradition of keeping the I.T. department at high standards like we always have in the past and embrace new technology opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff,” he said.
Karen Blevins, Dean of Business Affairs, expressed her confidence in Fox’s abilities. “I look forward to working with Jim in this capacity. I’m confident he will do a great job,” she said.
“We are elated to have selected one of our own to lead our Technology Solutions Team,” said Ferguson. “Jim has decades of experience in information technology and the leadership skills needed to help us innovate and move forward.”
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Ashland Community and Technical College is strengthening our communities by providing certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs that prepare students for employees for employment or transfer to baccalaureate programs as well as enhance job skills through workforce training. As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, our colleges are united in their commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky.
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) faculty member, Ashley Skidmore, has taken on additional responsibilities as Grant Development Specialist for the college.
Skidmore began her work at ACTC in August 2008 as a developmental reading instructor. Over time, she took on additional courses in developmental and college-level English. She currently serves as an associate professor of English and will continue to teach with a reduced load. Her role as Grant Development Specialist began on Jan. 4.
She holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Kentucky and began her professional career as a middle and high school teacher at Boyd County and Fairview Independent schools before being hired at ACTC.
Despite not having a professional background in grant writing, Skidmore says she is focusing a good deal of time this semester on grant-specific professional development opportunities.
She says she pursued this assignment because it allows her to contribute to one of the major lifelines for community projects: funding.
As Grant Development Specialist, Skidmore will help oversee grant curation, consideration, and award management. She will also be receptive to new ideas, provide advice, answer questions and write grants as needed. She will spend most of the remainder of this year training for the role and developing policy-based procedure to help everyone understand the process for seeking grant funding at ACTC.
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Ashland Community and Technical College is strengthening our communities by providing certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs that prepare students for employees for employment or transfer to baccalaureate programs as well as enhance job skills through workforce training. As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, our colleges are united in their commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky.
Feb. 1 is the application deadline for Ashland Community and Technical College’s (ACTC) Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program that begins fall of 2021.
Once successfully graduating from the program, students in the ADN program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination to become registered nurses.
ADN is a selective admission program. Applications are available online at ashland.kctcs.edu under Education and Training, Program Finder, then Nursing. New students must also submit an ACTC application. Application to the program does not guarantee acceptance.
More information is available by emailing Natalie Robinson, program coordinator at Natalie.robinson@kctcs.edu.
Provides career path for area high school, college students
FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (Jan. 11, 2021) – High school and college students interested in becoming a civil engineer should apply now for one of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s $51,000 scholarships.
Since 1948, the Kentucky Transportation Civil Engineering Scholarship Program has provided about 80 scholarship openings each year that are filled with new and returning students to improve the overall engineering expertise within the Transportation Cabinet.
High school seniors, recent graduates, or current college students should apply by the Feb. 1, 2021, deadline.
If selected, a student could receive as much as a four-year, approximately $51,000 cash scholarship award from the Transportation Cabinet to study civil engineering at accredited Kentucky colleges.
The scholarships are competitive and recipients are chosen based on aptitude in math and science, test scores, recommendations, and interest in engineering as a career.
Recipients must agree to work for the Transportation Cabinet after graduation – one year of employment is required for each school year on scholarship – so the scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also provides a career path for selected candidates.
For those not interested in a four-year degree program, the Transportation Cabinet also awards civil engineering technology scholarships.
You can learn more and get applications for both the civil engineering and engineering tech scholarships at https://Transportation.Ky.Gov/Education online. Don’t forget to apply by the Feb. 1 deadline.
THE ‘KEEN’ PROGRAM
Also, to boost student interest in the engineering profession, the Transportation Cabinet offers the Kentucky Engineering Exposure Network – through which highway engineers visit elementary, middle and high schools with hands-on demonstrations to discuss applications of math and science in daily life and to talk about engineering careers. (Currently, only virtual visits are available.)
To invite an engineer to speak to your classroom in Bath, Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas or Rowan counties, contact Allen Blair at the Department of Highways District 9 office via email at allen.blair@ky.gov or by calling (606) 845-2551.
ASHLAND, Ky. – Don’t let the pandemic sidetrack your dreams. The faculty and staff at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) are available to assist you as you get back on track and on the road to a new career.
The Work Ready Kentucky scholarship is available to Kentucky residents who have a high school diploma or are working towards a GED. The scholarship is not income or grade point average (GPA) based. However, recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher each semester the scholarship is received to be eligible for the following semester.
Scholarships are granted on a first come, first serve basis.
After applying to ACTC, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolling in six credit hours of courses, students can apply for the Work Ready Kentucky scholarship.
The scholarship allows students to take up to 60 credit hours of classes tuition-free.
Students can take courses that lead to potential careers in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, logistics, business or IT.
“The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program is an incredible opportunity to empower and provide greater higher education access to students and to adults wanting to pursue a better life,” said Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC President/CEO. “We are strengthening our workforce and economy by providing students with the skills they need to secure high-demand careers that are available in our region and beyond, right now.”
Students who have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the Work Ready Kentucky scholarship.
Students can earn their AAS degree in Advanced Integrated Technology, Applied Process Technologies, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Computer and Information Technologies, Health Science Technology, Medical Information Technology, Nursing and Respiratory Care. Diploma and certificate opportunities are also available.
Hip-hop artist and Kentucky native “B.” Stille from the group Nappy Roots released a record about the scholarship that is featured in the campaign. He completed his bachelor’s degree in 2019. The video can be found by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=L62bqC87El4
Written by Megan Smedley, ACTC Public Relations Specialist
The Marketing and Public Relations (MPR) department at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) is proud to announce the hiring of Megan Smedley as Public Relations Specialist.
Smedley has worked at ACTC for the past two years, serving as eLearning Student Support Specialist with the Title III grant. She will continue in that role until the grant ends on Sept. 30.
Prior to joining the staff at ACTC, Smedley worked as education reporter for The Morehead News. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University in Secondary English Education and taught in Lewis County Schools for four years.
“Being able to serve ACTC as Public Relations Specialist allows me to pursue both of my passions…writing and education,” Smedley says. “It isn’t often that you find a job opportunity where you can do something you truly love.”
Smedley says one of her goals is to continue to foster a positive relationship with ACTC and the community. She says she plans to work with the various departments at ACTC to help represent the college to the community and prospective students.
“I am looking forward to working with ACTC’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the community in order to shine a light on all of the amazing things that are happening at our college,” said Smedley. “Working at ACTC in the eLearning Lab is a wonderful stepping stone into a long-term career. I have made relationships with so many people, and that will allow me to hit the ground running when I begin my new role.”
“We have so many amazing people at ACTC, and unless you are a student or employee, you might not know that. I want to share that amazingness with the entire Ashland community,” she added.
Smedley will officially begin serving as Public Relation Specialist on October 1.
She and her husband reside in Olive Hill with their two-year-old daughter.
ASHLAND, Ky. – Jonathan Hodgens and Carrie Adkins can both sigh a breath of relief…their first semester at Ashland Community and Technical College is officially complete.
Both students earned their GED with help from Boyd County Skills U and were encouraged by Chrisha Spears, GED+ Coordinator, to continue their education.
“I have wanted my GED for as long as I can remember, and I always thought I was too busy to put in the necessary time. When I called the adult education center, the faculty were nothing but supportive in helping me work around my busy schedule and giving me the tools necessary to succeed,” said Hodgens.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and KY Skills U (formerly adult education) have partnered so students can co-enroll in both Skills U and short-term KCTCS classes and earn the GED, and a college certificate tuition-free.
The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program allows students to earn certificates in high demand fields of study.
“Never think that college isn’t for you, even if you don’t know what area you want to study or what career you’re looking for. Just taking the first steps, and talking to the amazing staff at ACTC will help broaden your outlook on what you think is possible and what you think you can achieve,” said Hodgens.
Adkins said participating in the GED+ program has allowed her to begin a career in healthcare.
“I got my CNA certification through the GED+ program and am working full time,” she said. “I plan on going to college and becoming a registered nurse.”
“I feel more confident as a person, like I proved to myself that I can achieve more than I thought I could,” she added. “College has been one of my biggest dreams. I’m showing my daughter that hard work and dedication pays off.”
Written by Megan Smedley, ACTC eLearning Support Specialist
TAYLOR ALEXANDER
Director of Marketing & Public Relations Ashland Community & Technical College Office: (606) 326-2432 Cell: (606) 547-6133 Your success equals our success.
One of Ashland Community and Technical College’s (ACTC) newest programs is seeing success, even though it has only been offered at the college for less than a year.
Randolph Cullum, program coordinator for the Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) program says the Cloud Computing program at ACTC officially started at the beginning of the Spring 2020 term and has quickly become the largest and most requested track offered by the CIT program at ACTC.
“The low number of institutions teaching cloud computing with AWS has caused a high demand for cloud computing graduates,” he said.
According to Cullum, ACTC is the first college in Kentucky to teach the courses leading to the exams. He added that CIT students William Mynhier and Hope Collins are the first students in the state to pass both the Practitioner and the Architect Associate certification exams for Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Collins says being among the first in the state to pass the exam is something she is very proud of.
“I’m honored to be one of the first in the area to pioneer this learning path and hope my experiences help to make it all the easier for those to follow,” she said.
Cullum expressed his pride in both students, saying that passing the exam confirms that a student can succeed if that student puts in the necessary work.
“The achievement of students in the Cloud Computing program will give me a great sense of accomplishment as I designed the program and the AWS-specific courses. That will be my legacy,” he said.
At the time of publication, there have been four students successfully pass both exams with more students expected to pass. Cullum says that many of those who were unsuccessful on their first attempt plan to retake the exams before the beginning of Spring classes.
The Cloud Computing Technologies track at ACTC provides the concepts and skills needed to design, set-up and maintain cloud-based information systems.
The curriculum provides specific training in Amazon Web Services solutions as well as network administration and storage solution technologies.
Employment opportunities are located worldwide. Employment will include cloud-based system design and administration for medium to large businesses and organizations, as well as government entities.
“I started this journey with looking at just getting a couple smaller certifications to try and move around in the job world,” Mynhier said. “Upon calling my advisor, Randolph Cullum, for the first time and talking for a while, he asked me to come see him in person to talk about my options. He sat with me in his office for quite a while explaining the possibilities I could achieve if I just pushed a little harder and started the cloud computing path, and I am so glad I did. I not only have received the original certifications I wanted to get, but now both of the AWS certifications as well.”
Collins says passing the exams feels like a huge weight is lifted.
“I intend to continue to pursue additional certifications within the AWS platform. Having these under my belt helps me to feel like I am successfully moving forward in expanding my career opportunities, as well as verifies that I am capable of making it in such a high-demand field,” she said.
Both Collins and Mynhier encourage potential students to consider the AWS program at ACTC.
“I would tell any new student looking into an Information Technologies education to seriously consider ACTC,” Mynhier said. “This school has some of the most knowledgeable and compassionate teachers I have ever come in contact with.”
Anyone who is interested in the Cloud Computing Technologies with AWS program should email Cullum, at Randolph.Cullum@kctcs.edu.
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) Workforce Solutions is providing $50,000 in Nurse Aide scholarships in an effort to alleviate some of the stress that COVID-19 has caused on the community workforce.
Due to the demand for nurse aides and the loss of employment in the area, ACTC is offering a scholarship to at-risk populations with opportunities for immediate employment. ACTC is committed to helping our community by producing trained nurse aides to answer the needs of the healthcare industry in our area.
“We are excited to have up to $50,000 in scholarships for nurse aide training to help fill the shortage COVID-19 has created,” says Robin Harris, Director of Workforce Solutions. “This scholarship will afford someone an opportunity they may not have been given without financial assistance. It’s a win-win, helping individuals obtain employable skills and contributing to the workforce in and around our area.”
The scholarship is awarded to those who do not have other financial assistance in place such as scholarships or grants.
Instructor and Coordinator of Short-Term Health Programs, Sonya Riggs, says she is very excited about the SRNA Scholarship for prospective students.
“This great opportunity will open new doors for students who otherwise would not be able to attend classes. This is what we do…Help open new doors and make dreams come true,” said Riggs.
This program provides knowledge and skills for nurse aides to assume the role and responsibility required in a long-term care setting. The focus is on communication, infection control, safety, resident/patient rights, and basic nursing skills. A person who completes this training and passes the state exam would be able to work in long term care facilities as well as some hospitals.
Since January 2019, ACTC Workforce Solutions has trained 650+ nurse aides with some going on to continue their education.
Currently, the program has a pass rate of 94%, according to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
“From working closely with the long-term care facilities in our area, we know they are desperate for nurse aides as the pandemic has really hit them hard,” said Harris. “We hope that by taking away a barrier for some students that we can help our community through his difficult time.”
For more information about the Nurse Aide program or about the Nurse Aide Scholarship, please contact Robin Harris at 606-326-2252 or Robin.Harris@kctcs.edu.
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Ashland Community and Technical College is strengthening our communities by providing certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs that prepare students for employees for employment or transfer to baccalaureate programs as well as enhance job skills through workforce training. As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, our colleges are united in their commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky.
TAYLOR ALEXANDER
Director of Marketing & Public Relations Ashland Community & Technical College Office: (606) 326-2432 Cell: (606) 547-6133 Your success equals our success.
