Southeast News

Dr. Lynn Moore chosen to succeed Dr. Bruce Ayers as Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College President

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:10:00 -0400

Versailles, Ky. (May 16, 2013) – Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Michael B. McCall announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. F. Lynn Moore as president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC).

After consideration of three candidates the SKCTC Board of Directors unanimously recommended Dr. Moore for the position. Board Chair Reecie Stagnolia commented, “Dr. Moore is the best candidate for the job. She has a lot to offer this area and the Southeast Board, Foundation, faculty and students all gave her high marks.”

Dr. Moore has served as the vice president for student development at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon since 2008, and took on an additional role as vice president of administrative services in 2011. Prior to that she was the dean of students and an adjunct instructor at Hill Community College District in Texas, and the supplemental education services director at Texas State Technical College. In addition to her experience in higher education Dr. Moore has also held positions with the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the Texas Department of Corrections and she is a former co-owner and manager of a private dental clinic.

“Dr. Moore brings a range of skills and experience to the position,” said Dr. McCall. “We are pleased to welcome her to SKCTC and KCTCS.”

Dr. Moore earned a doctorate of philosophy in educational administration from the Community College Leadership Program at The University of Texas at Austin. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College with a concentration in human resource management and a bachelor of science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Moore is a member of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) and has experience in community service and fundraising for a variety of organizations.

"I am incredibly honored and proud to have been chosen to serve as the next president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College,” said Dr. Moore. “I appreciate the confidence the college family, Dr. McCall, the Southeast Board of Directors, and the Southeast community have placed in me as I assume the leadership role of this fine institution. SKCTC is indeed one of the ‘Nation’s Top 10 Community Colleges’. It will be a privilege to work with many local professionals to ensure a seamless transition of leadership."

Dr. Moore will begin serving as president effective July 8 following the retirement of long-time SKCTC president Dr. Bruce Ayers.

The 48th commencement and awarding of credentials was held May 10 on the Cumberland campus

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:14:00 -0400

The 48th commencement and awarding of credentials was held May 10 on the Cumberland campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College with over 300 students receiving degrees, certificates and diplomas. The event was held beneath a 200-foot by 120-foot tent as hundreds of spectators paid tribute to the graduates who represented each of the SKCTC five campuses. The ceremony featured key remarks made by Dr. Michael B. McCall, head of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, who urged graduates to become their own CEOs and to work tirelessly marketing themselves while pushing forward in their lives and into the ultra-competitive 21st Century job market. The commencement also marked the final graduation event for Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, SKCTC president since 1987, who will retire June 30. Ayers has worked at the college since 1969 and has held posts a professor, program coordinator and president. Under Ayers’ watch, the college has grown to over 5,000 students and has expanded to campus sites located at Cumberland, Whitesburg, Pineville, Middlesboro and Harlan. Recently, the college was honored by the Aspen Institute as one of the top ten community colleges in the United States.

Check out more pictures from graduation by clicking here!

Cumberland Campus Sustainability Committee plants Tree in honor of retiring college president Dr. Bruce Ayers

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:34:00 -0400

The Sustainability Committee on the Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Cumberland campus recently dedicated a tree to honor Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, the college’s president who is to retire from his post June 30. He was honored for his years of service and for his zeal to preserve the history and culture of the region.

Sustainability Committee member Larry Lafollette had this to say about the tree planting "The contributions made by Dr. Ayers to the preservation of the history and culture of Southeast Kentucky, his extraordinary legacy of service to our college and his concern for people this area bespeaks more than any words of the true meaning of sustainability".

THREE CANDIDATES NAMED IN PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH FOR SOUTHEAST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:57:00 -0400

Versailles, Ky. (May 2, 2013) – Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Michael B. McCall announced today the names of three candidates to be interviewed for the position of president/CEO at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC).

The candidates include:

• Dr. Vic Adams; Vice President/Chief Workforce Solutions Officer, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
• Dr. Ty Handy; President, Northwest Florida State College; Niceville, Florida
• Dr. F. Lynn Moore; Vice President for Administrative Services and Student Development, Umpqua Community College; Roseburg, Oregon

On-campus visits and interviews with the candidates are scheduled for May 7-8 and May 14-15. During those visits candidates will meet with SKCTC faculty, staff and students. The candidates will also have an opportunity to meet with community leaders serving on the SKCTC Board of Directors and Southeast Education Foundation Board.

SKCTC President Bruce Ayers will retire June 30 after leading the college for 26 years.
Dr. Ayers has served as president and CEO of SKCTC since February of 1987 and has been an employee of the college since 1969. During his tenure, SKCTC expanded from one to five campuses, and enrollment has grown from 1,100 students to more than 5,000. Dr. Ayers has positioned the college among the nation’s leaders in providing access to higher education and in working to promote economic diversity. In March SKCTC was named among the top 10 community colleges in the nation by the 2013 Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

Michael McCall, head of statewide community college system, to deliver Southeast commencement address

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:32:00 -0400

Michael B. McCall, founding president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, will deliver the address for the 48th Commencement and Awarding of Credentials at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College set for Friday, May 10.

The ceremony, which will get under way at 6 p.m., will be an evening of much happiness for the 366 eligible students who will receive diplomas and degrees. The graduation service will be held beneath a tent to be erected on the lower campus at Cumberland. The 100 by 220-foot tent can accommodate 2,500 people.

The event will also mark the final commencement as president for Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, who has led Southeast for 27 years. Dr. Ayers, who has worked at SKCTC since 1969 holding posts as professor, program coordinator and since 1987, president, will retire effective June 30. Dr. Ayers will also address the graduates and is expected to speak about the necessity of dealing with change in one’s life and how dealing with change will be successful only if one relies on others for assistance.

The commencement will embrace Southeast graduates from each of the school’s campuses located at Cumberland, Whitesburg, Harlan, Pineville and Middlesboro. SKCTC, which offers over 50 programs leading to degrees and diplomas, boasts an enrollment of over 5,000 students, and during Dr. Ayers’ tenure has grown significantly. In 2013, the college was singled out by the Aspen Institute as one of the top ten community colleges in the United States.

The keynote speaker, Dr. McCall, oversees the KCTCS system of 16 individually-accredited comprehensive community colleges with 68 campuses serving over 100,000 students. KCTCS has an annual operating budget of approximately $920 million and touches the lives of more than 500,000 citizens. Under the leadership of President McCall, KCTCS is committed to serving as the major gateway to postsecondary education for all Kentuckians.

Since his appointment in 1998, Dr. McCall has achieved many successes, such as:

*Merging the 20 community and technical colleges into 16 community colleges.

*Since1998, the KCTCS Board of Regents has ratified and approved more than 600 credit program options that result in certificates, diplomas or associate degrees.

*Under his leadership, KCTCS has become the largest provider of postsecondary education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky representing 51.6 percent of all undergraduate college students.

*KCTCS is the largest provider of workforce training in Kentucky serving over 6,000 businesses and training more than 56,500 employees annually.

*KCTCS is the state’s largest provider of online learning, offering more than 65 online credentials.

*To meet the unmet need of pursuing higher education in an online, anywhere, anyplace, and anytime environment, KCTCS launched Dr. McCall’s virtual learning initiative entitled KCTS Online that is completely learner-centered and will allow adults to pursue higher education 24/7, 365 days a year.

*Other KCTCS accomplishments include the North American Racing Academy (first college-affiliated horse racing academy in the United States), the Kentucky Coal Academy, Kentucky Fire Commission and the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services.

Prior to his selection as the founding president of KCTCS, Dr. McCall served as president of South Carolina’s comprehensive technical college system and provided leadership for that state’s economic development training programs. Earlier in his career, he was president of Florence Darlington Technical College in Florence, S.C. and as president of Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, Va. Dr. McCall was also a dean and a faculty member of community and technical colleges in Virginia.

A native of Wilmington, N.C., Dr. McCall received his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, his master’s in physics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, and his doctorate in education administration from VPI.

Dr. McCall noted how glad he is to be able to attend Southeast’s 48th commencement. “I am delighted to have been asked to deliver the commencement address to the graduates of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College,” he said. “I am happy to be able to commend the graduates on their hard work and determination. Also, it will be my honor to share this occasion with Bruce Ayers during his final time of presiding over the graduation occasion at Southeast Kentucky.”

The event coordinator, Professor Kathy Guyn, made note that preparations for the 2013 commencement began some months ago. She said seating for the event is on a first come, first serve basis with the tent opening at 4 p.m. in order to accommodate the expected large gathering. Also, she said, while limited parking will be available on the campus, secondary parking will be available at the old Cumberland High School parking lot with a free shuttle bus service between the location, the campus and return.

For additional information regarding the 2013 SKCTC commencement, contact Chris Jones, director of public relations, phone 606/589-3003.

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College releases 2013 Spring Final Examination Schedule

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:19:00 -0400

Exam Day 1 - Monday, May 6 2013

    8:00 - 10:00 a.m.        All classes that meet on MW at 8:00 a.m.
    10:30 - 12:30 p.m.      All classes that meet MW at 10:50 a.m.
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m.          All classes that meet MW at 1:40 p.m.

Exam Day 2 - Tuesday, May 7, 2013

    8:00 - 10:00 a.m.        All classes that meet on TR at 8:00 a.m.
    10:30 - 12:30 p.m.      All classes that meet on TR at 10:50 a.m.
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m.          All classes that meet on TR at 1:40 p.m.

Exam Day 3 - Wednesday, May 8, 2013

    8:00 - 10:00 a.m.        All classes that meet on MW at 9:25 a.m.
    10:30 - 12:30 p.m.      All classes that meet on MW at 12:15 p.m.
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m.          All classes that meet on MW at 3:05 p.m.
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.          Special Arrangement Exam Period

Exam Day 4 - Thursday, May 9, 2013

    8:00 - 10:00 a.m.        All classes that meet on TR at 9:25 a.m.
    10:30 - 12:30 p.m.      All classes that meet on TR at 12:15 p.m.
    1:00 - 3:00 p.m.          All classes that meet on TR at 3:05 p.m.
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.          Special Arrangements Exam Period

Exam Day 5 - Friday, May 10, 2013

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All classes that meet on Friday at 11: 15 a.m.

Evening classes should schedule finals on the day and time the class would normally meet during final exams week.

Irregular days and/or times (e.g., nursing, radiography, physical therapy assistant classes) have been used for a few classes and labs. Exams for these classes can be scheduled during the regular class meeting time or scheduled in the time slot for the class closest to their regular lecture time.

INCLEMENT WEATHER SCHEDULE: If the college is on a delay, all finals will start at 10:30 and shift one exam period later in the day. If the college is closed, the college will announce an alternative exam date.

Any student with THREE examinations scheduled on one day shall be entitled to have an examination rescheduled. The student must submit a petition for rescheduling, IN WRITING, to the Chief Academic Officer no later than one week prior to the last class meeting. Special arrangements slots have been scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday.

All classes will meet in their regularly scheduled classroom unless otherwise posted.

Final grades should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by Friday, May 10, 2013. Final grades for Saturday classes should be submitted by Monday, May 13, 2013.

Southeast Faculty, Staff and Students celebrate Earth Day with the planting of flowers on the Cumberland campus

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:42:00 -0400

The annual observance of Earth Day was held recently on the Cumberland campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College as students, staff and faculty gathered to plant a variety of annual flowers at sites near Newman Hall and the Godbey Appalachian Center. The event is coordinated each year by Professor Patricia Scopa, Elana Scopa and Cathie Day. Students participating in the event included: James D. Hughes, Madison Ball, Dustin Bray, Sherry Cornett, Danielle Brock, John Middleton, Austin Short, Michael W Smith, Aubre Hammons, Amber Miles, Clifton Rollins, Tessa Saylor, Brittany Nolan, Tiffanie Graham, Amy Bach, Kristin Jackson, Bridgett Gambrel, Andrea Harmon, Jessica Pierson, Kelli Brown, Ryan Cope, Courtney Mills, Deron Majors, Amber Merida, Tabitha Goodin, Jennifer Gilbert, Jessica Turner, Brenda Payne, Randall Helton, Adam Peace, Sarah Harrison, William Howard, Zachary Howard, Jacob Hunter, Hunter Middleton, Travis Fields, Abbey Abraham, Tasha Fee, Austin Short, Paul Creech, Chase Calton, Deana Polis, Ashley Fouts, Paul Creech, Kim King, Richard Fuller, Adam Peace, Ally Layne, Hailey Dixon and Heath Bennett. (Photo by Chris Jones)

Mock Disaster recently held on Cumberland campus provides opportunity to prepare for a real crisis scenario

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:14:00 -0400

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College staged its seventh annual Mock Disaster Drill recently on the Cumberland campus. Some 150 first responders and students, enrolled in the Southeast nursing program, participated. For the mock drill, the scenario featured a gunman on campus leaving in his wake many critically wounded. Participants manned a triage center and then transported victims to a makeshift emergency room in Falkenstine Hall. The Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College crisis team used the mock disaster as an opportunity to plan and test lockdown procedures in the case of a real emergency. SKCTC also tested the newly launched crisis website takeover system that displays crisis information on the Southeast webpage if a real situation were to ever occur.

You can view more photos of the 2013 Mock Disaster here!

Southeast Education Foundation Raising Funds for the SKCTC Student Emergency Fund on April 24

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 -0400

The Southeast Education Foundation, Inc. is one of the hundreds of nonprofits participating in the first-ever Kentucky Gives Day, scheduled for April 24. Organized by the Kentucky Nonprofit Network, Inc. and presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky and Baptist Health, Kentucky Gives Day is an innovative online fundraising event that encourages Kentuckians to donate as much money as possible in support of their favorite charities in just 24 hours. All donations to the Southeast Education Foundation on Kentucky Gives Day will support the Student Emergency Fund at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Federal and state budget cuts are sure to have an impact on SKCTC students, reducing financial aid, work study jobs and other assistance critical to providing them access to a college education and job training. In addition to tuition assistance, Southeast students often struggle to pay for expensive textbooks, calculators, study supplies, course fees, uniforms, child care expenses, gas money, car repairs, eyeglasses, computer supplies, hearing aids and any number of needs that prevent them from successfully pursuing their educational goals.

“More than 75% of Southeast students qualify for some type of financial aid. The resources available to them and to the college are just not enough to cover all the needs of our students, many of whom don’t have the personal income to pick up additional expenses beyond federal and state grants,” said President W. Bruce Ayers. “We are excited to partner with other nonprofits across Kentucky to see how much we can raise to help our students.”

Beginning at midnight EST on April 24 and continuing until 11:59pm EST, SKCTC friends and benefactors will have the opportunity to go online to kygives.org, connect with the Southeast Education Foundation page and make a 100% tax-deductible donation. All online donations to the Southeast Education Foundation made on Kentucky Gives Day will go directly to support the SKCTC Student Emergency Fund.

“A statewide gives day has proven to be a successful model,” said Danielle Clore, executive director of the Kentucky Nonprofit Network. “We are thrilled to be able to host an event that showcases the collective power of philanthropy in Kentucky, as well as highlights the important role nonprofits play in our communities.”

For more information about Kentucky Gives Day, visit www.kygives.org or call (859) 257-2542. For more information about the Southeast Education Foundation’s participation in this event, please contact Susan Caldwell at 606-589-3165

All Southeast campuses will be holding Spring Fling events with free food, drinks and games for students

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:56:00 -0400

Spring Fling!

Cumberland Campus - Wednesday, April 24th - 10:30-1:00 - hotdogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks - Falkenstine Porch

Harlan Campus (Student Appreciation Day) - Tuesday, April 23rd - 8:00 - 2:30 - Food and games will be set up all day for students

Middlesboro Campus - Monday, April 22nd - 11:00 - 1:30 - hot Dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks - Campus Cafe - (weather permitting Volley Ball & Horseshoes will be set up)

Pineville Campus - Monday, April 22nd - 11:00 - 1:00 - hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks - back patio

Whitesburg Campus - Thursday, April 18th - 12:00 - 2:00 - hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks

All food is FREE!

Southeast hosts the annual National History Day event sponsored by the Kentucky Junior National History Society

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:47:00 -0400

High school students from across eastern Kentucky convened recently on the Cumberland campus to compete in the annual National History Day sponsored by the Kentucky Junior Historical Society in cooperation with the Kentucky History Day. Southeast has been the host of the event for several years, and the event is coordinated by the college’s archivist and faculty member Larry LaFollette. Students were judged on historical exhibitions, web sites, documentaries and historical dramatic presentations. SKCTC faculty and staff, along with members of the community, served as judges. The event attracted several hundred students to the campus.

Southeast to operate new Upward Bound Program, seeking high school students to complete roster

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:59:00 -0400

The new Upward Bound Math Science Program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College is accepting students, according to Dr. Michelle Dykes-Anderson, who leads the program that was recently reestablished.

A year ago, the “traditional” Upward Bound Program as operated by Southeast since 1967 ended due to Congressional budgetary cuts. The program at Southeast, which served high school students in Harlan and Bell counties, was one of several programs operated by regional and state colleges and universities to lose funding.

However, the SKCTC program has returned, receiving a five-year grant and will now operate with an emphasis on Math/Science in the STEM fields, Dykes-Anderson explained. The STEM curriculum that will be at the forefront of the new Southeast program refers to course work that prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“We received word last fall that we would once more be offering a program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College. Our grant is for five years and, as of now, we are busy recruiting students, a roster of 60 students, who will come from the Harlan County High School and Bell County High School,” she said.

The recruits will be enrolled in classes for a month-long summer session at the Cumberland campus that is scheduled to begin June 10 and end July 11; the final week of the summer program will include a cultural enrichment trip to Washington, D.C.

Students who are accepted into the program receive stipends prorated on how well they do in class, with those who excel receiving more money. During the summer term, each receives $120. “Everything is absolutely free,” said Dykes-Anderson, “and we provide transportation to get the kids to the summer program and also to the campus for one Saturday each month during the year.”

She noted the summer program will consist of classroom work Monday through Thursday for the four-week period where students will receive “specialized” instruction in mathematics, science, English, a foreign language, journalism and computer education, among others. During the term, students are housed at the Benham School House Inn and in their off hours, have the chance to take part in social events such as viewing movies, swimming, dancing and playing a variety of games.

To be considered for the Upward Bound Math Science Program, students must be enrolled in either the Harlan County High School or Bell County High School, with two-thirds of the roster required to be a first-generation college student, meaning that neither parent has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or they, the students, fall below federal income levels. One-third of the class roster will be made up of students who are either/or.

The Upward Bound Math Science Program at Southeast will have a staff of 17 for the summer term, with Dr. Dykes-Anderson in charge. Other key staff members include Carolyn Sundy, Amanda Farley, Jennifer Brackett and Patricia Baker.

“Yes, the program is back at Southeast. We are thrilled to once more have the chance to provide assistance to deserving students, helping them reach their potential and hopefully, allowing their dreams to come true!” said Dykes-Anderson.

For further information about the program, phone 606/589-3114, 606/589-3155 or 606/589-3058.

Southeast officially honored at the Aspen Institute Prize for Community College Excellence ceremony

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:28:00 -0400

Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, right, president of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College along with other finalists in the 2013 Aspen Institute Prize for Community College Excellence, displayed awards received during a ceremony March 19 in Washington, D.C. Southeast was chosen as one of the top ten community colleges in the nation from a field of over 1,000 colleges. Co-winners for the overall award for excellence went to Santa Barbara City College of California and to Walla Walla Community College in Washington state. Ayers, who is to retire soon as the SKCTC president following 27 years, leads the college that serves Harlan, Bell and Letcher counties and boasts an enrollment of over 5,000 students from five full-service campuses.

Dr. Roy Silver represents Southeast and the Board of Rural Community College Alliance in Washington D.C.

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:12:00 -0400

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Professor Dr. Roy Silver represented the college and the Board of the Rural Community College Alliance by participating recently in a series of meetings held in Washington, D.C. During the sessions, Silver met with various representatives of the White House Rural Council, Secretary Arnie Duncan of the Dept. of Education, assistant secretaries from the Dept. of Agriculture and Frank D. Lucas, the chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Duncan told the more than 55 representatives of rural community colleges that they are an important component of the economic engine by saying: “We cannot do enough to help you!” He went on to explain that rural community colleges across the nation are “crucial to career agenda” of the Dept. of Education. Duncan noted he has a goal that every high school graduate would have “college credits in their back pockets.”

Additionally, the Rural Community College Alliance presented research that documented the challenges the recent changes in Pell Grant allocations have adversely impacted colleges and students. Dr. Silver said he and other participants believe the information that was shared and the personal relations they developed can facilitate improved opportunities for all rural community colleges.

Pre-Registration for the 2013 Fall and Summer semesters will be held March 25-28 from 9-11 AM & 1-3 PM on all campuses

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:08:00 -0500

Pre-Registration for the 2013 Fall and Summer semesters will be held March 25-28, 2013 from 9-11 AM & 1-3 PM on all campuses. Pre-Registration is for currently enrolled students only. Pre-Registration is a great way to make sure you are able to enroll in all the classes you need without worrying about them filling up.

Southeast is offering a slew of Bi-Term courses, Students can register on up to the start of classes on March 18th

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:48:00 -0500

Bi-Term classes begin March 18th! Classes are 8-weeks long. Financial aid is available and students can register for class on up to the first day of classes.

Check out the classes available for the Bi-Term by clicking here!

Lincoln Memorial University makes donation towards new Bell Tower on the Southeast Cumberland Campus

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:10:00 -0500

Officials from Lincoln Memorial University of Harrogate, Tenn., were on the Cumberland campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College recently to make a donation on the clock tower and carillon that has been erected to honor Dr. W. Bruce Ayers upon his retirement as president of SKCTC. Taking part in the event were, from left to right: Dr. Gary Burchett of the LMU board, Lisa Cox, LMU dean of administration, Dr. Ayers and Dr. Jim Dawson, president of LMU. Ayers will retire June 30 following 26 years as the CEO and president of Southeast.

Spring on Cloverlick Poetry and Art Festival Deadline for Entry Submission is Monday, March 25

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:34:00 -0500

2013 Spring on Cloverlick Poetry, Art & Photography Festival

Poetry and Artwork (contact: clarapope@bellsouth.net)

All genres and mediums accepted. One entry per student. Entries should be gathered and organized by teachers. All work must be clearly labeled with the following:

1. Student Name, Grade and School

2. Teach Name and Email

3. Contact Phone Number for School

4. T-Shirt Size

Photography (contact: jmcdaniels0006@kctcs.edu)

This category will be organized by Jennifer McDaniels and the Harlan county Photography Guild. One entry per student.

Music-A-Thon (contact: clarapope@bellsouth.net)

Music Students may enter to perform. Individual students may schedule 10 minutes each for personal performance. Teacher sponsorship required.

Spring on Cloverlick Festival:    Non-competitive
Open to students:                    K-12
Performances:                         5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

High School Senior Art Scholarship Competition (contact: clarapope@bellsouth.net)

Three art entries, any medium.

All work must be clearly labeled with the following:

1. Student Name and School

2. Teacher Name and Email

3. T-shirt Size

Deadline for entry submission - Monday, March 25

Festival will be held Friday, April 19 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (SKCTC Harlan Campus Auditorium)

Awards Night - Monday, April 22 6:00 PM (SKCTC Godbey Appalachian Center Gallery)

Southeast math instructor Newman to make presentation during Kentucky Center for Mathematics Conference

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:17:00 -0500

Kathy Newman, an assistant professor of developmental mathematics at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, will make a presentation during an upcoming conferences. The event, the Kentucky Center for Mathematics (KCM) annual conference slated to be held in Lexington, will feature Newman’s presentation entitled: “From Computation to Comprehension.”

Newman was chosen by Cindy LaFreniere, KCM staff member. Newman recently worked with LaFreniere teaching math to GED students enrolled in adult education curricula. “I am certainly flattered to have been chosen to speak at the conference and consider it quite an honor,” Newman said.

An employee of SKCTC for 17 years, Newman, a native of Harlan County, works on the college’s Middlesboro campus and has been teaching developmental mathematics for the past few years. This is her first appearance at the KCM event, but she has presented at other math convocations over the course of her tenure at Southeast.

“Sometimes we as educators get caught up in the concrete computation and rote memorization of math,” she said. “Math is so much more and math describes how the world works. If we can implant that fact in our students and have them think more abstractly about what they are doing, we may not fully get the question: ‘How am I ever going to use this in real life?’

She went on to say that during her presentation she plans to attempt to demonstrate how to take math problems and make them come alive. “I enjoy putting my students and their friends in the equation; I will use the analogy of fruit to describe how numbers are different and how folks can think about money or bank accounts in certain problems. It makes it real -- from computation to comprehension.”

Southeast to sponsor Career and Transfer Fair, event to be held on Cumberland, Middlesboro and Whitesburg campuses

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:43:00 -0500

The Career and Transfer Center operated by Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, with offices located on each of the school’s five campuses, will present its first Transfer Fair.

The event is slated to run March 4, 6 and 7th and will feature participating institutions of higher learning, including Union College, Morehead State, University of the Cumberlands, University of Virginia’s College at Wise, University of Pikeville, Lindsey Wilson College, Lincoln Memorial University, Midway College and Eastern Kentucky University.

The Transfer Fair is set to begin March 4 in Newman Hall on the Cumberland campus beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding at 2 p.m. On March 6, the fair moves to the SKCTC Whitesburg campus in Caudill Hall. The event comes to a conclusion March 7 at the Middlesboro campus, and will be held in the Welch Science and Technology Building, running from 10 a.m. until 2 o’clock.

Event coordinator Margaret Billings noted the fair gives SKCTC students the chance to speak with counselors and collect information pertaining to financial aid, application deadlines and the opportunity to collect appropriate information about enrolling in a specific four-year college.

“This is the first Transfer Fair solely run by Southeast,” she said. “Hopefully, it will be a big success with many of our students attending. By holding the fair at locations in Cumberland, Whitesburg and Middlesboro, we are hopeful we will be able to reach many of our student population.”

The Career and Transfer Center at Southeast has offices on each of its campuses at Harlan, Pineville, Middlesboro, Whitesburg and Cumberland. Joe Sutton serves the Middlesboro campus, Ron Brunty is at Whitesburg and Tony Sweatt serves in Harlan. Ms. Billings travels weekly to all campuses.

For further information about the upcoming fair or the services provided by the SKCTC Transfer Center, contact Ms. Billings by phoning 606/248-0853.

Joint Allied Health Pre-Admission Conference to be held Thursday, February 21st, 5:00 PM on the Pineville campus

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:37:00 -0500

This is a Pre-Admission Conference for the following Allied Health Division Programs:

Radiography (Pineville Campus)
Surgical Technology
Physical Therapist Assistant
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Respiratory Care

February 21st
5:00 pm
Pineville Campus Room 124

A pre-admission conference is an informal group conference for the purpose of providing information.

Mackenzie Belle Day of Harlan Kentucky is crowned The Miss Southeast Scholarship Pagenat winner

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:55:00 -0500

The annual Miss Southeast Scholarship Pageant was held Saturday on the Cumberland campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College. Seven students representing each of the SKCTC campuses at Harlan, Bell and Letcher counties competed for the title. The winner was Mackenzie Belle Day of Harlan. She will receive a one-semester scholarship to attend Southeast that is valued at $1,000. She will also represent the college during the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, SKCTC president, is shown with Allyson Renee Layne, left, of Cumberland, second runner up, and the winner, Ms. Day; Abbey Brooke Abraham, of Harlan, was the first runner up. Contestants were judged on their talent, poise and appearance, interview and response to an on-stage question.

(Photo by Chris Jones)

Southeast students give support to state transportation initiative by gathering over 300 surveys

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:01:00 -0500

A class project instigated by Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College Professor Rhonda L. Creech has been successful in gathering over 300 surveys that will likely play a key role in the planning decisions by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC). Students enrolled in her statistics STA 220 classes enthusiastically agreed to join with their teacher in the project that begin in early January with the reading of a newspaper article in The Harlan Daily Enterprise seeking input from citizens about transportation needs across the commonwealth.

Upon reading the article, Professor Creech contacted KTC information officer, Ryan Watts, in Frankfort, telling him that her classes had agreed to get involved with the project and would have the surveys completed by January 29. Creech noted the survey was a list of 19 questions concerning demographics, transportation needs along with desires and funding options. “The state agency will use the contributions by Southeast to consider changes in community freight movement, financial resources, economic development and highway safety, along with other issues which are important to our community,” she explained.

The project was supported whole heartedly, Creech said, by the Southeast administration, especially by Dr. Wheeler Conover, the college’s chief academic officer.

SKCTC students worked “tirelessly” to collect over 300 surveys to mail to Frankfort. The surveys highly represented Harlan and Bell counties but also included input from those living across the state, as one section of the statistics class is taught and delivered online. “After the assessments have been received, the KTC will compile and analyze the responses which will likely form the transportation cabinet’s planning decisions over the next two decades,” explained Creech.

Class members participating in the project were Zac Howard, Tommy Noe, Taylor Bowman, Josh Owens, Jacob Carroll, Tracy Devore, Wes Howard and Danielle Brock.

A very special message from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in celebration of Black History Month

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:49:00 -0500

These are the first black Americans to realize pioneering achievements in their fields. With talent and determination, each one has reinvented not only what it means to be an African American, but also what it means to be an American. Our list celebrates the first African Americans to overcome the obstacles of discrimination and achieve top honors in their fields of endeavor.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

1.Marian Anderson
First black member of the Metropolitan Opera Company, in 1955.
2. Arthur Ashe
First black man to win a Wimbledon singles title, defeating Jimmy Connors in 1975.
3. Halle Berry
First African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, in 2001 for Monster's Ball.
4. Garrett Augustus Morgan
A native of Paris, Kentucky invented the 1st stop light and received the first patent.
5. Guion Bluford
First African-American astronaut to launch into space, in 1983.
6. Gwendolyn Brooks
First black to receive a Pulitzer Prize, in 1950.
7. Ralph Bunche
First African-American to win a Nobel Peace Prize, in 1950.
8. Shirley Chisholm
First black woman elected to Congress, in 1968 (from Brooklyn to 91st Congress).
9. Nat King Cole
First back entertainer to host his own show on national television, in 1956.
10. Elbert Frank Cox
First African-American to earn a PhD in Mathematics, in 1925 (Cornell University).
11. Frederick Douglass
First black to receive a major US government appointment, in 1877.
12. Althea Gibson
First African-American to play in the US Open, winning the tournament twice, in 1957 and 1958.
13. Whitney Houston
First artist ever to have seven consecutive singles hit number one.
14. Dr. Mae Jemison
First black woman astronaut to launch into space, in 1992.
15. Jack Johnson
First African-American world heavyweight boxing champion, in 1908.
16. Robert Johnson
The owner of Black Entertainment Television, Johnson became the first black billionaire in 2001.
17. Simmie Knox
First black artist to paint an official presidential portrait (Bill Clinton).
18. Oliver Lewis
First jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, in 1875. Thirteen of the 14 jockeys in the first Derby were black.
19. Thurgood Marshall
First African-American appointed to the Supreme Court, in 1963.
20. Hattie McDaniel
First African-American to win an Oscar, in 1940 for Supporting Actress for Gone with the Wind.
21. Carol Moseley-Braun
First black woman to serve on the U.S. Senate, in 1992 from Illinois.
22. Toni Morrison
First black to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, in 1993.
23. Barack Obama
First African-American president of the United Staes of America.
24. Sidney Poitier
First African-American to win Oscar for best actor ("Lillies of the Field," 1963)
25. Colin L. Powell
First black chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, in 1989, and first black Secretary of State, in 2001.
26. Charley Pride
First African-American inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, in 2000.
27. Jackie Robinson
First black major league baseball player, in 1947, and first black player elected to Baseball Hall of Fame, in 1962.
28. Williams, Vanessa
The first African American woman to win the Miss USA title

Southeast to honor 2013 Hall of Fame alumni; Super Sunday event slated for Feb. 24 at 1:00 PM on the Harlan campus

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:47:00 -0500

Super Sunday is an annual Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) statewide initiative intended to increase the college-going rate of students of color. As part of the initiative, a Super Sunday Hall of Fame has been established, highlighting outstanding African-American alumni. Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College will honor Lee A. Jackson and Michael Alexander as the newest members of its Hall of Fame.

“It’s a tremendous honor for our college to single out the accomplishments of two individuals with roots to Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College,” said Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, president of the college. “Lee A. Jackson and Michael Alexander are being honored as part of the Super Sunday proceedings, as we pay tribute to their contributions to society and to the commonwealth of Kentucky, commending them on stellar careers. However, we note that their journey began many years ago at Southeast.”

Mr. Jackson was graduated from Southeast over 40 years ago and went on to academic successes at the University of Kentucky. Now retired after 31 years of service in state government, he is the former president of the Kentucky Association of State Employees and is a former vice-president of the state AFL-CIO. Active in his church in Lexington and in community affairs, he serves in the capacity of financial secretary for the Dr. Roy P. and Juanita Betz Peterson Arts and Education Fund, Inc., and vice chairman of Evergreen-Brucetown, Inc. Furthermore, he is the coordinator of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast held annually by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Recently, he was honored as the recipient of the UK Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Alexander attended SKCTC in the early 1970’s and was a member of the college’s Upward Bound Program. He holds degrees from Western Kentucky University and earned a law degree from the University of Louisville. Since 1993, he has served Kentucky’s governors as the Deputy General Counsel providing guidance on major policy initiatives, legal matters including litigation and the drafting of legislation. He is also a member of the National Bar Association and the NAACP. He is the father of eight and resides in Louisville and is active in his church, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

SKCTC will sponsor Super Sunday on Feb. 24 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Cawood and Helen Smith Auditorium located on the Harlan campus at 164 Ballpark Road. The event will begin with a potluck meal followed by the program that will feature appearances by Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, the college’s president and by pastors from participating churches: Clover Town Church of God, pastor Terry Turner, Union Baptist Church of Evarts, pastor Darryl Washington, Mt. Olive Baptist Church pastor and the First Baptist Church of Harlan, Pastor Clarence Hall. A college fair will be held following the program.

The event, now in its third year, will also feature music performed by area musicians and vocalists, noted Carolyn M. Sundy, event organizer and SKCTC’s vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. “We look forward to once again hosting the Super Sunday initiative,” she said. “The event is our annual student recruitment happening, specifically targeting African-American students and their families; providing them with information and resources to aid them in their enrollment to the college.”

On Feb. 24, all 16 of the KCTCS institutions will partner with African-American churches throughout the state to host college information fairs for prospective college students and their families. “The day will promote higher education across our state and serve to show prospective students how they can achieve a college education while also highlighting the role of parental involvement and early preparation in enabling successful entry to college for African-Americans,” Sundy said.

For the majority of Kentuckians, higher education begins at one of the state’s community and technical colleges. It is a key component of the KCTCS mission to ensure the state’s diverse populations receive every opportunity to obtain college education. KCTCS’s Super Sunday is modeled after a successful program implemented some years ago by California State University.

For additional information about the local Super Sunday event slated for the Harlan campus of Southeast, which is free and open to the public, one may contact Ms. Sundy by phoning 606/589-3052.

Find out more about Super Sunday by checking out the webpage here

Southeast faculty are recipients of 2013 enhancement mini-grants by unrestricted gifts from donors

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:19:00 -0500

Nine Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College faculty have been awarded enhancement mini-grants for 2013, according to Susan D. Caldwell, SKCTC’s vice president for Institutional Advancement.
She noted that the winners were chosen by a committee comprised of division chairmen, with the amount of the awards totaling $23,246 and made possible by unrestricted gifts from donors.

Faculty members receiving grants include: Ann Schertz ($1,815) for classroom technology to bring live and recorded Web resources to music education courses; Elana Scopa ($2,651) for replacement of hotplates for chemistry, physics and biology labs; Scelinda Webb ($2,998) for research project for microbiology students in partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Wildlife and the Army Corps of Engineers; Joseph Johnson ($2,741) for purchase of equipment for a physics lab for students to perform thermodynamics and magnetism experiments; Wendy Wright ($2,000) for the purchase of a Laerdal airway management trainer for respiratory care students; Paula Whited ($2,800) for the replacement of an electric hospital bed for nurse aide training; James Miller ($2,929) for teaching equipment for electricity/electronic classes; Tracy Bowling ($2,997) for the purchase of a Hoyer lift for the physical therapist assistant program; Astor Halcomb ($2,315) for audio/visual aids for the radiography program.

Berea Professor Dr. Kathy Bullock to speak at Community Diversity Breakfast Saturday, Jan. 19th

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:06:00 -0500

Dr. Kathy Bullock, a professor of music and chairman of the Music Department at Berea College where she has worked for 19 years, will be the featured speaker during the annual Community Diversity Breakfast that is to be held in conjunction with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The event will be Saturday, January 19 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Benham School House Inn, according the event organizer Carolyn M. Sundy, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Dr. Bullock is highly regarded as a lecturer and is the recipient of numerous awards for her role as an educator and musician. At Berea College, she teaches music and general studies courses and directs the nationally-known Black Music Ensemble. Recently, she designed and implemented a program of study for Berea students to travel and study in Zimbabwe, Ghana and throughout the Caribbean.

As a scholar, performer and church music director, Dr. Bullock has provided numerous presentations, performances, lectures and workshops thought the nation. Additionally, she is the co-editor of an upcoming anthology of art songs by contemporary African-American composers. She has earned the Ph.D. and M.S. in Music Theory from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor’s Degree from Brandeis University in Massachusetts.

“We are pleased as well as honored to have Kathy Bullock as our speaker for a celebration and tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Sundy. “The Community Diversity Breakfast is an event we have hosted for a number of years and allows members of the community, from all walks of life, the opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. King.”

The event will feature a breakfast buffet priced at $10.50 and reservations are preferred. To make a reservation, contact the Benham School House Inn at 848-3000 or Ms. Sundy, SKCTC Cumberland campus, at 589-3052.

The 2013 Miss Southeast Pageant is set for February 9th at 6:30 in the Godbey Appalachian Theatre

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:52:00 -0500

An evening of style and elegance will be in order at the Miss Southeast Scholarship Pageant scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9.

The event, featuring contestants from each of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College’s five campuses located in Harlan, Bell and Letcher counties, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center located on the Cumberland Campus.

Contestants will be judged on their talent, composure and appearance and their response to an on-stage question. A panel of judges from across the SKCTC service area will choose the winner who will receive a $1,000 one-time scholarship to the college. She will represent Southeast at the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival slated for May and held at Pine Mountain State Resort Park.

Entertainment during the 2013 pageant will feature the vocal stylings of reigning Miss Southeast, Taylyn Combs. Professor Carlton W. Hughes will serve as master of ceremonies, and the annual event is directed by Veria “Cookie” Baldwin.

Admission to the pageant is free and is open to the public, and for further information, contact Ms. Baldwin at 606/589-2145.

Southeast will be holding regular registration for the 2013 Spring semester January 7-11 on all campuses

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:36:00 -0500

Regular registration for the Spring 2013 semester at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College will be held on each of our five campuses beginning Monday, January 7 and concluding Friday, January 11. Registration times each day will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Registration All Campuses
January 7-11, 2013
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Late Registration
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
January 7 Pineville
January 8 Middlesboro & Whitesburg
January 9 Cumberland
January 10 Harlan

Classes Start
January 14

Last Day To Enter Organized Class
January 18

Retired Decorated Kentucky State Trooper Allen Layne to head Southeast Criminal Justice Program

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:27:00 -0500

Allen Layne, a decorated trooper with the Kentucky State Police for 25 years, will take on the task of directing the Criminal Justice Program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College. Achieving the rank of sergeant, Layne, a resident of Cumberland, retired from the KSP recently and will begin his job at SKCTC at the onset of the spring semester.

The classroom setting is familiar with Layne as he has worked as an adjunct faculty member for the college over the past 15 years. Upon his retirement from the state agency, he noted how “excited” he is about the new position as he works to prepare students for careers in the criminal justice field.

“I have always enjoyed teaching,” he said. “There is something very exhilarating about being in the classroom and interacting with students, teaching them the subject material that I love. Over his years as an adjunct at Southeast, teaching several classes each term, he has helped mold the lives of many who have since gone on to careers in law enforcement, including: the FBI, Kentucky State Police, various sheriff's departments across the region as well as the U.S. Border Patrol and the ATF Bureau..

In his job at Southeast, Layne, who came to the area in 1976, will build the program to emphasize police patrol operations as well as offering course work in the supervision of police personnel and more. “However,” he said, “the primary goal will be to administer and develop a local program that is of interest to students, lending guidance in order for them to move into a four-year program as offered by Eastern Kentucky University and possibly, soon to be offered by the University of Pikeville.”

Layne began his higher education at SKCTC following graduation from Cumberland High School. He credits Dr. Bruce Ayers, the current SKCTC president, who, at the time of Layne’s enrollment at the college, was a faculty member and adviser. “Dr. Ayers knew how much I wanted to become a policeman; he directed me down that path -- guiding me toward an Associate’s Degree at Southeast and then helping prepare me for my transfer to Eastern for the Bachelor’s Degree.” Currently, Layne is working on a Master’s Degree in the discipline.

He is the son of a Methodist minister, the late Harold K. Layne. His mother is Judy Layne, a former college employee, who now resides in Tennessee. Allen has been married for 23 years to Lisa; they are the parents of daughters Ally, a student at Southeast, and Sydney, a student at Cumberland Elementary School.

As the Criminal Justice Program, offered by Southeast, moves forward in the millennium, it will rely heavily on course work in areas of police patrol and supervision. And, as a certified Kentucky Law Enforcement Counsel Instructor, Layne will be positioned to take an active role in the re-training of local officers, which is mandatory for those working within the field. The program Layne directs at SKCTC is constructed to lead students to an Associate in Applied Science Degree in areas of corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice and security loss prevention.

“One of my main goals is to get out and recruit students who are keenly interested in law enforcement,” he said. “I want to be able to speak with them, to meet them and tell them all about the Criminal Justice Program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.”

He also touted the merits of having employment within the field. “A career in law enforcement provides one with a well-paying job, and it also has very good retirement benefits,” he said. “It also gives one a sense of giving back to one’s community, while at the same time helping provide a safer place in which to live and work, to enjoy life.”

Beginning with the spring 2013 semester, he said a total of six classes would be offered on the Cumberland campus, with five classes each slated to be taught at the Whitesburg and Middlesboro sites, and with two classes to be offered at the Harlan campus. The classes, he said, are to be taught by him and a team of well-qualified adjunct faculty that includes lawyers, police officers and corrections officers.

With enrollment for the spring semester set for January 7-11, Layne noted that it is not too late to enroll.

He can be reached by phoning 606-273-1334 or at klayne0003@kctcs.edu.

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College receives scholarship funding from PNC Foundation

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:28:00 -0500

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College students will soon have a new opportunity to apply for financial support, thanks to a new partnership between the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Foundation and the PNC Foundation. The PNC Skilled Workforce Investment Scholarship is a one-time $7,500 scholarship.

“Our college is pleased to join in a partnership with the PNC Foundation,” said SKCTC President W. Bruce Ayers. “It will afford our students the opportunity to excel as they pursue a career or transfer to a four-year institution within the commonwealth. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them.”

Students enrolled in high wage, high demand workforce development programs/or who plan to transfer to a Kentucky four- year institution will be considered for the scholarships. Preference will be given to applicants from low-income minority households.

“A business cannot succeed if its communities are not well positioned for future growth and success,” said Debbie Campbell, PNC Regional Manager, Southeast Kentucky. “Our goal with this scholarship is to further the development of Kentucky’s workforce and ensure the long-term vitality of the communities in which we serve.”

The scholarship will be awarded during 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 ($500 per semester) to use toward tuition. Recipients will be able to reapply for the scholarship, but will also be considered among new applicants.

For additional information about the PNC Skilled Workforce Investment Scholarship program, please contact the Office of Financial Aid, SKCTC Cumberland, phone 589-2145.

Southeast December commencement is held in the Godbey Appalachian Center on Cumberland campus

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:12:00 -0500

The sixth annual December Commencement and Awarding of Credentials was held recently in the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center at Cumberland with 160 students being honored. Dr. Odell Wilson delivered the keynote address to a capacity crowd in the theater. Wilson challenged the graduates to aspire to be successful and productive – to be great. During the ceremony, Jeff Whitehead, executive director of Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment (EKCEP), was awarded the prestigious President’s Service Award. Also during the event, the Southeast Choir, under the direction of Ann Schertz, performed.

Hall High Alumni makes gift of $3,500 to be added to the association's scholarship endowment fund

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:38:00 -0500

Ivory Myers of the Hall High School Alumni Association recently presented a $3,500 check to Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College President W. Bruce Ayers. The gift will be added to the association’s scholarship endowment which provides tuition assistance for Hall High School alumni and their relatives who attend SKCTC. The alumni association established the scholarship in 1999 and has continued to add gifts to the endowment over the years. Today, the endowment is valued at more than $45,000. Scholarships are awarded annually from the endowment income.

Southeast fall/winter commencement slated for December 7th in the Godbey Theatre on Cumberland campus

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:40:00 -0500

The sixth annual fall/winter commencement and the awarding of degrees at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College will be held Friday, Dec. 7 in the Godbey Appalachian Center located on the campus at Cumberland. Several hundred students are scheduled to receive degrees and diplomas during the event set to begin at 5 p.m.
Dr. Odell Wilson, longtime SKCTC professor of mathematics and a former administrator, will deliver the keynote address to the graduates. Wilson has been on the faculty of Southeast since 1984, and prior to that time, he served as the county administrator for Lee County Virginia.

Born in Middlesboro, he grew up on a 150-acre farm in southwest Virginia. He is a 1972 graduate of Thomas Walker High School and attended the University of Virginia at Charlottesville where he aspired to be an aeronautical engineer, but when federal funds for the support of NASA diminished, he changed career paths and transferred to Berea College in Kentucky, majoring in physics.
After receiving his degree from Berea, he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Kentucky. He holds a master’s degree from Union College and received a doctorate, Ed.D., from East Tennessee State University.

Arriving at Southeast 28 years ago, Wilson has forged a stellar career of teaching and service where he teaches various algebra, calculus and trigonometry courses. Additionally, he has served as the institution’s academic dean and also holds the distinction of being the founding director of the SKCTC Middlesboro campus which opened its doors to students in 1995.
“I am honored to have been chosen to address the graduates,” he said. “I will likely tell our graduates they should map out a strategy for success -- setting goals -- for life after they have received their degrees from Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College. Hopefully, anything I can tell them will serve to stimulate as well as inspire, encouraging them, possibly, to accomplish importance as they seek a productive life, one that is well lived.”

During his time at SKCTC, Wilson has been involved in many areas of the college’s outreach mission, specifically his connection with the Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ where he entertains and educates area school children with Appalachian-themed folk tales.

Additionally, he serves as the elder at a Primitive Baptist church in Elydale, Va., where he leads the assembly in worship each Sunday. He has been married to his wife of 40 years, Joann, a high school teacher. The couple are the parents of a son, Jared, and daughter, Erin, both educators.

Local author Dr. James B. Goode holds book signing on the Cumberland campus of Southeast

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:05:00 -0500

Dr. James B. Goode, Benham native and former faculty member at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, was on the Cumberland campus Monday to promote his latest book ‘Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas’ a compendium of short stories centering on the celebration of the holiday in the Appalachian Mountains. Goode signed the book as well as reading various passages. (Photo by Chris Jones)

KCTCS President Dr. Michael B. McCall conducts listening tour of Southeast

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:21:00 -0500

Dr. Michael B. McCall, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, conducted a listening tour November 15 visiting SKCTC sites at Whitesburg, Cumberland, Harlan and Pineville. During the tour, he met with faculty and staff collecting input regarding ways and means of transforming the system to a loftier status. KCTCS, which began 15 years ago, is considered to be one of the preeminent systems in the United States.

Annual International arts, entertainment and food festival held in Godbey Theater

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:17:00 -0500

The International Arts & Entertainment Variety Show and Food Festival was held recently in the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center located on the SKCTC Cumberland campus. Now in its fifth year, the event, coordinated by Clara A. Pope and Carolyn M. Sundy, attracted several hundred people to a food tasting affair and variety show. Foods from around the globe were served. Dancers, vocalists and instrumentalists from across the area performed. The event as noted by Mrs. Pope is held each year to “Celebrate the rich ethnic diversity found in Harlan County. We are blessed in this community to have so many people who are interested in furthering understanding, tolerance and appreciation of cultures outside our own,” she said.

Hall of Fame for Mountain Artisans comes to Southeast's Cumberland campus

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:30:00 -0500

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently on the Cumberland campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College welcoming the Harlan County National Hall of Fame for Mountain Artisans. College President Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, left, hall of fame founder and chairwoman Rosezelle Boggs-Qualls and college archivist Larry LaFollette cut the ribbon at the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center where the hall will be located. LaFollette noted that the hall of fame is a “wonderful addition,” to all the other displays in the center. He said that by having the Hall of Fame for Mountain Artisans on the campus will attract attention to the many talented artisans of Eastern Kentucky, who also have their work on display.
(Photo by Chris Jones)

Joint Allied Health Pre-Admission Conference slated for November 7th in Hazard at 2:00 PM

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:38:00 -0400

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College will be holding a joint allied health pre-admission conference November 7, 2012 at 2:00 PM in room 218 of the Bailey/Stumbo building (directly beside Hazard ARH) in Hazard. Radiography, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Care and Medical Assisting are the programs that will be represented.

The SKCTC Call Center is launched, to aid students around the clock 24/7 - 365 with support services

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:42:00 -0400

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical college is revamping the way it serves students.

Southeast, one of 16 institutions within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, is among the first in the system to begin serving students and prospective students through the October 25 launching of a centralized 24-hour call center. The center will aid individuals in areas such as financial aid, student accounts, learn on demand and password reset every day throughout the year. The call center will initiate serving students in the areas of registration and admissions beginning next school year.

“The initial launch is the start of a new way of doing business for our students and we look forward to adding the additional services soon,” said Dr. Rebecca J. Parrott, Vice-President of Student Affairs at Southeast. Dr. Parrott and her staff headed the efforts for KCTCS to meet the rollout date. “I am excited about the new services we are providing to our students with the call center and feel certain it will assist students in a much more thorough and well-timed manner,” she said.

The call center is located in Somerset and is being implemented largely due to the unprecedented growth enjoyed by KCTCS colleges spread across the commonwealth, noted Parrott. “Student services at each of the colleges, Southeast included, were being swamped by demands of new enrollees. This centralized call center will work to pick up the slack as students want around-the-clock service and availability. Students, more and more, demand services beyond 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.”

When a student contacts the center, those answering will know the student’s name and from where he or she is calling. Local persons will be the service representatives.

The process for the execution of the call center began over a year ago when a team visited each of the colleges and gained information about student service practices. Student and local input were the driving force for the services needed for each college. After the information was gathered, KCTCS officials implemented the standardized best practices for student services throughout the colleges and within the call center.

To access the call center, current students as well as prospective students may call (855) 2GO-SKCTC or at help.southeast.kctcs.edu.

SKCTC to host International Arts and Entertainment Variety Show Nov. 10th

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:26:00 -0400

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College will host the fifth annual International Arts & Entertainment Variety Show & Food Festival on Saturday, Nov. 10 and will be held in the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center at Cumberland. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a food exhibition and tasting followed at 7 by the variety show.

Local musician and educator Clara Atkins-Pope began the international program in 2008 upon the suggestion of the college’s President Dr. W. Bruce Ayers. The food segment was added in 2010 and is headed by Carolyn Sundy, SKCTC’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. According to Pope, the event in past years has featured dancers from Bangladesh, musicians from the Czech Republic, dramatic presentations from China, regional representations of Appalachia through music, photography and writings; works from the high art of opera and many more special presentations. The food exhibit and tasting segment has featured culinary contributions from Nigeria, Angola, India, Bangladesh, Lebanon and the Middle East as well as from Scotland, England and foods from Central Appalachia.

“The mission of the International Arts & Entertainment Variety Show & and Food Festival is to celebrate the ethnic diversity that we find in Harlan County,” noted Pope. “Since the opening of the coalfields in 1913, Harlan County has been a unique melting pot of cultures, each of which came together to work, to build and to live in the now nearly extinct culture of the mining camp.”

Now, according to Pope, a new flavor has been added to the area. “Men and women of all colors, ethnicities and creeds learned to respect one another through the value of individual’s work and contribution to the coal camp community, but as the world-wide cultural palette of Harlan County shifted from mining camp to the medical field, we still see an impressive array of people coming to work here from other lands.”

The event is expected to provide an opportunity for people from all layers of Harlan County society to come together to share and appreciate the arrival of the new immigrants. “No wars, no confusion, just pleasure and thanksgiving for the diversity each family heritage brings,” said Pope.

The success and popularity of the food aspect of the festival, said Carolyn Sundy, owes much to Dr. Sheila Ahmad who has played a key role in helping spread the word about the festival. “Each year, Dr. Ahmad has helped us to come to know people in the international community who are willing to share aspects of their personal lives with us.”

Additionally, Southeast Professor of Music Ann Schertz, “Works tirelessly to procure musical talent as well as showcasing her enormous skills,” Pope said.

The roster of talent for 2012, although still “evolving” according to Pope, will include: vocalist, Ryland Pope, presenting opera works and Stephen Collins Foster songs; dance performances by members of the Robyn Bingham Dance Academy, Sarah Ashley Sellers, dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy number from the Nutcracker, Bethany Cox performing the Arabian Dance from the Nutcracker, as well as performances from the Marzipan segment of the Nutcracker featuring Emily Evans and Lucy Bryson; Stephanie Smith, dancing the Copelia; Egyptian dances and the Dance of the Hours as done by members of the Heather Adams’ ensemble; Dr. Hassan Ahmad, harmonica with Greg Hollins on the bongo drums; Natalie Tomlinson, bluegrass fiddle, in the company of other local performers; Ann Schertz, hammer dulcimer; a performance by Chinese exchange students; vocals by Carl Smith, Jr., Italian opera selection, Caro Mio Ben; Tammie Chapman, performing light gospel; Tommy C. White, vocals and guitar; Seth Murphy, Christian Rap and Clara Atkins-Pope, pianist and accompanists and also slated to play the Celtic harp.

“We are blessed in this community to have so many people who are interested in furthering understanding, tolerance and appreciation of cultures beyond our own,” noted Pope.
“We invite the public to come out for a magical evening, an evening they will likely not soon forget.”

Individuals wishing to bring food, a vegetable, casserole, bread, cake, pie or candy, are asked to contact Ms. Sundy at SKCTC in Cumberland by phoning 589-3052, and for further details about the fifth annual event, contact Pope at: clarapope@bellsouth.net

Free lecture on Mother Jones by Si Kahn Tuesday October 30th on Harlan campus

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:10:00 -0400

The Appalachian Center at the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Humanities Council are sponsoring a free lecture by folksinger Si Kahn on the labor organizer Mary Harris “Mother” Jones on Tuesday October 30th at 6PM in Room 102 of Building 1 on the Harlan campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College. All are welcome.

New Higher Ground Performance "The Mash Up" on display Oct. 27 at Cumberland Campus

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:14:00 -0400

The Appalachian Program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College will be presenting a special one-afternoon performance of favorite scenes and songs from the first three Higher Ground plays.

HIGHER GROUND: THE MASH-UP will take place at the Godbey Appalachian Center on the SKCTC Cumberland campus on Saturday Oct. 27 at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a meet-the-cast discussion.

The event is part of the Network of Ensemble Theaters Microfest which will be taking place Oct. 25 through Oct. 28 in Knoxville and in Harlan County.

Tickets for the Higher Ground show are $5. For more information or to reserve seats for the Higher Ground show, contact Theresa Osborne at 606 589-3136 or theresa.osborne@kctcs.edu

Also on Oct. 27 and beginning at 5 p.m., the Godbey Appalachian Center will be the site of Crawdadoween 5: Crawmageddon, an all-ages art and music show.

For more information on Crawdad, contact crawdadky@hotmail.com

Southeast Regional College Day is set for October 24th on the Cumberland campus

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:29:00 -0400

Southeast Regional College Day October 24th - Hosted by Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College for Harlan County & Harlan Independent schools. Students are bused to the Cumberland campus to meet with college representatives from over 30 different colleges and universities across the region. College representatives will have information tables set up in the Godbey Appalachian Center Gallery & Theatre area from 9:00-11:30 am. Student Services will have pizza & refreshments in the grill during the event. Please contact College Day Coordinator Kim Maynard if you have any questions about the event 606-248-0255.

The Captain Crawdad Music and Arts Festival is scheduled for October 27 on Cumberland campus

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:52:00 -0400

Captain Crawdad is a 1-day, non-profit, music and arts festival on the Cumberland campus created by students of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. Bands will be performing in the theater of the Godbey Appalachian Center. In addition to live music there will be a visual arts gallery that includes works from students as well as free pizza and soda.

ADMISSION IS FREE

For more information such as band lineups please view the Captain Crawdad website here: http://captaincrawdad.com/

Southeast will serve as host to a variety of upcoming performing arts programs

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:33:00 -0400

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is proud to host, sponsor and support a vast array of performing arts programs throughout the region in 2012 and 2013. Please take the time to look through our performing arts brochure below to find events for theatre, music, dance and much more.

-2012-2013 Performing Arts Brochure PDF-

Southeast President Dr. W. Bruce Ayers is the Swappin’ Meetin’ Honoree for 2012

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:03:00 -0400

Bruce Ayers likes to lightheartedly say he “Grew up and grew old at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.”

As president of the college since 1987 and prior to that a student and faculty member, Ayers’ connection with Southeast spans almost a half century. Under his watch, SKCTC has grown from several hundred students located on one campus to now serving well over 5,000 at five campuses spread across Harlan, Bell and Letcher counties. Recently, the college was singled out by the respected Aspen Institute as one of the top ten community colleges in the country.

As the 48th installment of the Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ is set to take the stage Friday and Saturday Oct. 5-6, Ayers will be flattered as the Honoree for the event, which over the years has carried his distinctive imprint. The event, since 1964, has blossomed, grown and flourished, becoming one of the top folk and arts festivals of its kind in the state.

Ayers was a Southeast student, fresh from a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, when the first Swappin’ Meetin’ was held along the picturesque banks of Cloverlick Creek in Cumberland. He recently recalled how the small festival began with a focus on musicians and arts and crafts’ demonstrations. Over the years, he has held a variety of jobs along with other faculty and staff members pulling together to ensure the success of the festival. Today, the event attracts several thousand patrons for a lively two-days of fun and fellowship.

“I am so privileged to be selected as the Swappin’ Meetin’ Honoree,” he said. “I was a student when it all began; it was a small festival and much has changed over the years. Then, we had the one building (Newman Hall) on the campus and it was completely surrounded by a sea of tents and booths.”

He said the growth of the event is hard to comprehend. “Through the years it has enjoyed tremendous growth, and one of the most important changes has been the involvement of the public schools,” he said. “Literally, hundreds of school children from across the region come to the campus, especially during the opening day of the event, and enjoy the experience while learning about Appalachian traditions and being exposed to the arts and crafts and the traditional music; all the great spectacles of the event which make the Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ the jewel it has become.”

Ayers stressed that each Swappin’ Meetin’ is a “team effort” by the many students, faculty and staff, as well as folks from the community who work year round the make it a success.

A native of Insull, Ayers graduated from Bell County High School before joining the Marines. His tour of duty included a stop at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. In 1964, he enrolled as a freshman at then the Southeast Center of the University of Kentucky located at Cumberland. Early on, he exhibited leadership skills and an intense sense of community and campus involvement heading several student groups as well as playing a key role in establishing the college’s award-winning newspaper, The Southeasterner.

After achieving an Associate’s Degree from Southeast, he transferred to UK where he received a Bachelor’s in English. Upon earning a MA from UK, he returned to Southeast in the fall of 1969. During his tenure at the college, he has held posts as Upward Bound director and various staff and faculty positions; 25 years ago he became the institution’s eighth president. He and his wife, Barbara, are the parents of sons Sean and Andy. They have three grandchildren.

Ayers, along with other award recipients, will be honored in a ceremony set for Saturday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. on the main stage to be located on the veranda of Falkenstine Hall.

Southeast Workforce Solutions offering basic wilderness survival course

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:38:00 -0400

BASIC WILDERNESS SURVIVAL

This course will teach BASIC Survivor Skills to the beginner or intermediate hunter/hiker/outdoors person, male or female, young or old. This course is designed to teach anyone the ability to survive in an emergency situation until rescued or help arrives. This course is real world survival taught with modern 21st century items.

COURSE LENGTH AND DESCRIPTION

Course Dates: October 13 & 14, 2012

The course will be one day and a half (Saturday 8:00 AM to Sunday at noon). The students will sleep overnight in their tent. Students will also learn and demonstrate survivor skills over a 24-hour period in a wilderness setting. They will receive hands-on instruction and guidance from our professional instructors and will demonstrate the skills learned through teach back. Class size and instructor ratio is 1:5/6 and no more than 18 students per class. Students will be paired up for safety reasons and shelter building. A minimum of two instructors will always be on hand for each and every class. Students will be required to bring the items indicated as well as three Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s). MRE’s will be available for purchase at the start of the class Saturday by the instructors if needed. No cell phones or firearms will be allowed to be brought by the students. The instructors will have the necessary equipment to contact local law enforcement should an emergency arise. Departure will be at 8:00 AM Saturday morning with the class returning around noon on Sunday. Dress code should be appropriate for the weather including proper footwear. No flip flops or sandals or open toed shoes allowed.

For more information regarding this course please view the brochure by clicking this link!

The 48th annual Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ is set for Oct. 5-6 on the Cumberland campus

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:31:00 -0400

The Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ will bound onto the stage and into the spotlight for the 48th time beginning Friday, Oct. 5 and continuing through Oct. 6. The festival, one of the oldest and most successful folk, art and music events in the commonwealth, will be held on the Cumberland campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Hundreds of festival-goers are expected to gather at the Swappin’ Meetin’ which pays tribute to the traditions and the culture of those who reside or have deep roots in the Central Appalachian Mountains.
“There is something for everyone at the Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’, “ said Michael Corriston, the event’s long-time director. “The event continues to grow and has developed into one of the top festivals in both attendance and content.” He noted how the event has become a “jewel” with people from across the region, state and country coming to the area each fall to participate and enjoy the festival.

“Folks will be here for two days of fun, fellowship and enlightenment,” he said. “We are excited about hosting the festival as we welcome our old friends. We invite all to come see what we have to offer as we reconnect with
our Appalachian heritage while enjoying the exquisite autumn in a most magnificent setting.”

As a premier folk and arts event, the Swappin’ Meetin’ continues to attract an impressive lineup of artisans who eagerly demonstrate their craftsmanship. For 2012, demonstrators will include basket weavers Frances Whitaker and Eleanor Smith; flute maker, Bruce Helton; chair caning, Stewart Whitaker; dulcimer making, Payton Manning; chain saw carving, Joe Salyers; scroll saw art by Donald Honeycutt; wood carvers, Robert and Oneatta Smith; spinning by Fern Cornett; lye soap making by Francis Amily; broom making by Larry Counts; sorghum molasses cooking by SKCTC faculty and staff, and Raku pottery creations and demonstrations done by SKCTC staff and students.

Throughout the two-day event, a variety of music will be presented and will feature beginning Oct. 5, music by Lonnie Burkhart and Zelma Forbes, who will also serve as masters of ceremonies; Marlow Tackett, Roy Harper, Harlan County High School Choir, Brooklyhn Woods, Jim Mullins and Company, Derek Jeffers. On Saturday, Oct. 6 taking the main stage will be Jake and Ruby Ravizee and the Greater Mt. Sinai spiritual group. Additionally, singers Jason Collins, Raymond Smith, Seth Carmical, Tommy White, Anna Jo Creech, Peggy Green, Seth Murphy, Mary Lynn Franks and Tammy Chapman are scheduled to perform.

During each festival, various individuals are honored for their contributions as artists, workers and supporters, all of whom have played key roles in helping the Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ reach its pinnacle of success.
Southeast President Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, who began his association with the college as a student in 1964 and who, for the past 27 years, has been president, will be honored as the 2012 Swappin’ Meetin’ Honoree. Ayers, who will retire next June, has been a tireless supporter of the festival and over the years has held countless jobs as a worker, participant and supporter. During his time at the college, the event has enjoyed significant grow, where today the festival attracts several thousand people for the two-day event held along the banks of Cloverlick Creek in Cumberland.

The Swappin’ Meetin’ Faculty Award for 2012 will be given to Professor Carlton W. Hughes, and the Savannah Delph Award will be awarded to Dianne Corriston, with the Staff Award going to Scotty Carruba. The Quilting Award will be presented to members of the Poor Fork Quilters. Their collective work will be showcased in the gallery of the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center beginning Friday morning until 4 p.m. Saturday.
No Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’ would be complete without contests. Over the years, various contests have given local folks the opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise in a wide-ranging spectrum of competitions. Set for this year will be the Pickles, Jams and Jellies Contest, Quilt Contest, Baked Goods Contest, Hog Calling Contest, Great Pumpkin Contest, Story Telling Contest, Checkers Contest, a Cake Walk and the
Photography Contest sponsored by the Tri-City News.

“We invite all to come out and enjoy the 48th Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’, “ said Corriston. “It proves to be a fun time, a wonderful time for all. We surely hope to see you there!”

For further details about the festival, contact Corriston at the SKCTC Cumberland campus by phoning 606/589-3137.

If you are a vendor and would like to setup a booth at this years festival please click this link to download the form and deliver it to Michael Corriston at the SKCTC Cumberland Campus

Southeast names Middlesboro campus applied science building in memory of Troy Welch

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:25:00 -0400

A dedication ceremony was held recently at the Middlesboro campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College honoring former mayor and community leader Troy Welch. The event marked the official naming of one of the three buildings on the campus as the Troy Welch Applied Science Building honoring him, who as mayor, worked tirelessly to secure the land on which the school was erected during the mid-1990s.

The ceremony to honor Mr. Welch, who died in 2011, was attended by members of his family, representatives of SKCTC and many friends of the former mayor.
Campus director Dr. Vic Adams addressed the large gathering by recognizing members of the Welch family, noting that the naming of the building would be the first structure on the campus to bear the name of an individual.

Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, president of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, recalled how Mr. Welch played a significant role in securing the property where the campus, one of five full-service campuses operated by Southeast, was constructed. He noted that Mr. Welch was able to negotiate with the city’s Airport Board securing a more affordable price for the acreage, and a year later ground would be broken for the construction phase of the campus. The campus began accepting students in 1997, and today serves over 2,000 students.

In 2009, Mr. Welch was honored by Ayers and the college as the recipient of the President’s Service Award for his efforts to aid and support Southeast in the institution’s service and mission to the region. Today, the college, located at Middlesboro, Pineville, Harlan, Whitesburg and Cumberland, educates over 5,000 students while offering over 50 programs leading to degrees, diplomas and certificates, as well as providing specialized workforce training.

Alice Maddox, the daughter of Mr. Welch, spoke to those in attendance saying how humbled and proud her father would have been to know the building was being named in his honor. “My father was very concerned about the youth of the community and the creation of a branch of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in Middlesboro. It quickly became a vision for him as he worked tirelessly and relentlessly to see the dream come to fulfillment.”

She went on to note: “Through my younger eyes I never realized the energy he expended to improve the community while working long hours for our family. Today, my mature eyes look around this place and see a building named in his honor, and I merge these two remembrances: My father’s love of politics and his passion for service, with results for our community.”

Mrs. Maddox, representing her siblings, Jay and Leigh Ann and Mr. Welch’s widow, Jenna, recalled how her father had an “innate” gift to be a “forward” thinker.

“He truly had a vision of how he wanted Middlesboro to progress then and in the future. I marvel at his insight and his intuition even today. My father recognized the needs of the citizens, businesses and institutions of this city and was willing to put himself out there to do something about it. Southeast became his vision, he became relentless in his pursuits to see the college built and to begin educating the youth of the area.”

Others who appeared during the program and recalled the work done by Mr. Welch, included State Rep. Rick Nelson, Jennifer Jones and Bob Vaughn.