Two Buckhorn Center Workers Benefit From HCTC

Enrolling in the Human Services program at Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) and taking classes through the University Center of the Mountains (UCM) has made all the difference in the professional careers for Vicki Smith and Chrystal Ratliff.

Chrystal used to work at a gas station but after earning her college degrees, she is now the Program Manager for the Family Preservation Program at Buckhorn Children and Family Services located on Maple Street in Hazard. Thanks to HCTC and the University Center of the Mountains, she has never had to leave town to get her bachelor's degree and master's degree. That was especially important to her because she has always worked full time and has a 6-year-old daughter.

In December 2006, she completed her master's degree from Lindsey Wilson College and as a result, she obtained a promotion and better job in January. She is now a licensed counselor.

“I would encourage anyone to attend Hazard Community & Technical College ,” Chrystal said, adding she was very appreciative of the Human Services program coordinator Cindy Plummer. “She has helped me every step of the way. She was there for me,” Chrystal said.

Also praising Mrs. Plummer's dedication to helping students is Vicki Smith who is the executive assistant for the children and family services center. “Even though I'm one of her former students, I can call her today and she'll help me,” Vicki said.

Vicki obtained her associate in applied science degree in December 2006, an associate of arts in August 2007 and is now working on her bachelor's degree in Social Work from EKU. She has accomplished this while working full time and at the same time, she and husband Freddy Smith are parenting a very active 15-year-old Hazard High School band member. “It doesn't matter what age you are, it's good to enroll in college,” Vicki said, adding that she appreciated her education from HCTC because of the one-on-one instruction. “I received a better education than I would have gotten at a larger institution because of the extra attention I received in the classroom,” Vicki said.

Anyone wishing to become the next success story is encouraged to enroll at HCTC. Registration for the Spring 2008 semester will be Thursday and Friday, Jan. 3-4 at all campus locations and at the Hazard Campus only on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Anyone wishing to register in January can complete their application now. Call 436-5721, ext. 73062 or 800-246-7521, ext. 73062.

Perry County Realizing Her Dream of Going to College

Carolyn Woods, 62, of the Middle Fork of Mason's Creek in Perry County , says her anticipated December 2007 graduation with a bachelor's degree demonstrates that you never are too old to learn. Carolyn will obtain her bachelor's degree in Human Services and Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College through the University Center of the Mountains (UCM).

“I wished that I had started earlier, but it just did not work out,” states Carolyn. “I have enjoyed the learning experience while fulfilling my father's dream for me to finish college.”

Carolyn says that she selected the Lindsey Wilson College program because she wanted the counseling credentials to find a job helping people. The additional bonus of the program is that it is offered in an accelerated format. She has been able to complete the last two years of the bachelor degree in 18 months while talking some other necessary Hazard Community & Technical College classes at the same time.

“My father Amos Nickles in Knott County instilled the value of education in me. My daughter, Mary, will be graduating from Morehead State University with a bachelor in social work also in December. My son, Lloyd Jr., received his bachelor's from MSU two years ago.”

Carolyn adds that in addition to earning a degree which will open up career opportunities and mean more money, “learning is fun and exciting.” She has enjoys the college experience and being in the classroom with younger students. “I believe my maturity has helped my learning experience and not hindered it. Being older has helped me prioritize my time, Carolyn states.

“I have learned you can do whatever you set your mind to do and that none of us are too old to learn. I believe learning helps keep us young in spirit,” says Carolyn. She has straight A's, a four point average, in all of her HCTC and Lindsey course work.

Billie Robinson, the site coordinator for Lindsey Wilson College , says “It is a rewarding opportunity to work with students of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.” The college offers both a Bachelor in Human Services and Counseling and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. For more information call 487-3269 or email Billie at robinsonb@lindsey.edu .

There are 18 bachelor degree and seven master degree programs offered in this area through the University Center of the Mountains partnership. For more information visit the UCM website at www.ucmky.org , contact the UCM administrative offices at 606-487-3182 or email the director Ron Daley, ron.daley@kctcs.edu .

Knott County Woman Continues Family Tradition

A Knott County woman is able to fulfill her dream to become a teacher and continue a family tradition in education because of the University Center of the Mountains partnership and Morehead State University (MSU).

Christina Gibson, 23, of Hindman is enrolled in the MSU Middle Grades educational program offered in Hazard via the University Center of the Mountains (UCM). Christina completed her associate of arts degree (the first two years) at Hazard Community & Technical College prior to transferring to the MSU program.

“Having the Morehead State University degree program available close to home made all the difference in the world for me to continue my education,” states Gibson. “And, because of family illness I wanted to continue my education close to home. I have saved a lot of money as well as time having the degree program located here .”

Despite having a family tradition in education, Christina did not realize she wanted to be a teacher until she helped her mother, Knott County Central High School art instructor, Carolyn Gibson, with an art camp is summer 2006. “I loved it and realized I wanted to work with middle grade students. My passion for teaching grew even more when I took my first classes in the MSU program in the spring,” Gibson adds.

Christina's father, Rhett Gibson was teacher and coach. Her aunt, Marcia Thompson, teaches chorus and music at Knott Central. Christina's grandfather, Ray Slone, taught for over 30 years.

“I did not know I wanted to follow in my family's footsteps until I had obtained my associate degree at Hazard Community & Technical College . I am so thankful that we have bachelor degrees locally so we do not have to leave home,” Christina says.

For more information about the 18 bachelor and seven masters degrees offered through the University Center of the Mountains visit the UCM website at www.ucmky.org , call 487-3158 or contact the director Ron Daley at ron.daley@kctcs.edu . The UCM administrative offices are located on the Hazard Campus of HCTC. For more information about the MSU educational degrees or other degree programs you may also call the MSU offices in Jackson , Ky. at 1-800-729-5225 or 606-666-2800.

Leslie County Man Continues Education

A Leslie County 's man dream to continue his education is being made possible through the University Center of the Mountains (UCM) partnership.

Eduardo Elenes, 41, of Cutshin , Kentucky is pursuing his bachelor's degree in teacher education from Morehead State University in Hazard.

“Since I have a family and a full time job, the UCM degree programs are the only practical way for me to obtain my bachelor degree,” Eduardo says. “And, I must admit, I do appreciate the smaller campus environment and the more personal touch I obtain here than is possible on a much larger campus.”

Eduardo's education story is typical to many adult or what are called “non-traditional students.” His parents planted the seed concerning the value of education while growing up in Los Angeles , California . Eduardo was not sure what the wanted to do with his life and joined the military. While stationed in Germany he met his wife and they had a son. Eduardo was a good worker and held various jobs including one as an operations manager in a bank. He gave education more value when he realized that some of the people he trained ended up making more money than he because they had postsecondary education.

While working as a cashier in Hyden's Citizens Bank, bank president Fred Brashear encouraged him to get his bachelor degree. “Fred reminded me that children are more inclined to continue their education if their parents have do so. I have the same desire for my son to have a quality life filled with endless possibilities that my parents had for me. I want my son to have even more opportunities than I have had in life.”

Eduardo began taking classes with Hazard Community & Technical College in 2004 and obtained his associates degree. He is taking classes from MSU through the UCM in Hazard and has applied for the MSU teaching program. “I really enjoy my course work and appreciate the quality instruction I am receiving. Learning is fun for me. I wish I had gotten an earlier start in higher education but I am so very thankful that I can get my degree now. ”

For more information about the 18 bachelor and seven masters degrees offered through the University Center of the Mountains visit the UCM website at www.ucmky.org , call 487-3158 or contact the director Ron Daley at ron.daley@kctcs.edu . The UCM administrative offices are located on the Hazard Campus of HCTC. For more information about the MSU educational degrees or other degree programs you may also call the MSU offices in Jackson , Ky. at 1-800-729-5225 or 606-666-2800.

UCM Serving Students

Linda Lewis (left), with assistance from Dr. Edith Baker of the Commonwealth Educational Opportunity Center (CEOC), receives scholarships to complete her bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University through the University Center of the Mountains.

Scholarships Available for Seekers of Degrees

Linda Lewis, a student at Hazard Community and Technical College , has received several scholarships which will assist her financially in completing her Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University . Linda received a $1,500 scholarship from the Rome Rankin Foundation and another $1,000 from Helen Brown Memorial Endowment. Following graduation from EKU, Linda plans to continue her education and become an attorney.

Dr. Edith Baker, Counselor Coordinator for the Commonwealth Educational Opportunity Center , has been assisting Linda with the scholarship process. Edith is employed by Morehead State University , with an office at the University Center of the Mountains located on the Hazard Campus of the Hazard Community and Technical College . The University Center of the Mountains is a consortium of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Hazard Community and Technical College , Eastern Kentucky University , Morehead State University and Lindsey Wilson College .

If you are interested in entering or returning to college, you may contact Dr. Baker at the University Center of the Mountains where you can receive assistance with financial aid, admissions, scholarships, etc., in reaching your goal of becoming a college graduate. Contact Bryan Combs at the University Center of the Mountains, 487-3182.

Midway Opens UCM Office

Midway College will open its office Monday August 20 in the University Center of the Mountains in Hazard, Kentucky to better serve students in the Kentucky River region. John Robinette, the eastern regional director for Midway College 's School of Career Development will be in the office located on the Hazard Campus of Hazard Community & Technical College on Mondays and for other scheduled appointments during the week.

Midway College will be bringing its bachelor degree program Heath Care Administration in Hazard in October. Midway will be bringing its Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grade Education and Bachelor of Arts in Learning Behavior Disorders to Whitesburg in January. Midway will bring its Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security Assessment to Hazard in January, 2008. Midway also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management through the University Center of the Mountains.

For more information concerning Midway programs you may call John Robinette at the UCM offices at 606-487-3182 or contact him by email at jrobinette@midway.edu .

For more information concerning the 25 (18 bachelor and 7 master) degree programs offered through the UCM visit t the UCM website at www.ucmky.org or contact UCM director Ron Daley at 487-3158 or by email at ron.daley@kctcs.edu .

Local Students Benefit From UCM

The desire to empower people to enhance the wellbeing of their families and communities has encouraged students to enroll in the popular Eastern Kentucky University Social Work bachelor degree program offered in Hazard, Kentucky .

Scott Smith, 36, of Happy, Ky. in Perry County enrolled in the four year degree program last fall after being in the workforce for 15 years. “I enjoyed working with people while in the grocery business and decided the social work program would be a good way for me to work with people while improving my professional and financial situation. The EKU program is a quality and affordable four year degree available here locally with both day and evening classes.”

Naomi Duff, a 26-year-old wife and mother and Leslie County native, says she is drawn by the social work profession because of her desire to help keep families together.

“I have been able to continue my education by staying home and not having to commute a long distance which costs money and would take time away from my husband and two children,” said Duff. “I am very pleased with the instruction and like the fact that we have EKU faculty member Dr. Tony Goldson based here so he can teach and mentor us.”

Both Scott and Naomi intend to advance their education and careers by enrolling in the University of Kentucky masters in social work program also offered in Hazard. They have followed a typical education track in the region by enrolling in the two year associate degree program in human services at Hazard Community & Technical College , followed by the bachelor degree in social work from EKU and then culminating in the UK masters program also in Hazard.

Another advantage of the Hazard program is the availability of the Public Child Welfare Certification Program (PCWCP). PCWCP is a demanding selective admission program with high standards. Successful completion of the program guarantees job placement with the state of Kentucky . Naomi has been accepted in the PCWCP and Scott is hopeful his application will be approved. Both are very optimistic about job prospects. Various expanded social work and human services jobs are expected to be available because of the creation of new positions, growing human needs in the state, and vacancies caused by enticements in the state retirement system in 2008.

The EKU social work program is one of the 18 bachelor degrees offered by partners in the University Center of the Mountains. The UCM partners offer seven master degrees programs.

For more information concerning the social work program you are invited to contact Jeannie Trumbo, the EKU site coordinator at 606-487-3209 or by email jeannie.trumbo@eku.edu . For information about the University Center of the Mountains contact director Ron Daley at 487-3158, ron.daley@kctcs.edu or visit the UCM web site at www.ucmky.org .

UCM Receives Check

State Representative Brandon Smith, State Senator Daniel Mongiardo and Perry County Judge-Executive Denny Ray Noble present a check for $394,449.87 to the University Center of the Mountains (UCM) Director Ron Daley . The check is from Perry County Coal Severance Tax and is partial payment from the $1 million allocated to the UCM in the 2004-2006 state budget. Representative Smith provided the leadership obtaining the funding working with Judge Noble and the Perry County Fiscal Court and Senator Mongiardo. The UCM has approximately 350 students enrolled in ten bachelor and five master degree programs.                

UCM Working Toward More College Degrees; In-depth Study Complete

 A copy of a 119 page detailed report concerning the need for bachelor and other advanced degrees in the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) is available on the University Center of the Mountains (UCM) website. The UCM commissioned Chmura Economics and Analytics to determine what college degrees are needed to satisfy the present and future job market as well as grow the regional economy.

Some of the findings are:

UCM fulfills Governor Ernie Fletcher's “Vision for Education in the Commonwealth” by enabling the universities to help grow the economies in rural Kentucky by raising education levels.  Based on the current industry and occupation mix of the area, the region (KRADD) would need over 199 graduates annually with the bachelor degree or higher to replace the retiring workforce and satisfy the increased market needs from 2005-2013 under the most likely scenario. This estimate jumps to 249 under the most optimistic scenario.

Three major disciplines that will need the most college graduates are business, education and health care. There are also sizeable demands for graduates with computer and information science and engineering degrees. The gap analysis concludes that education and business programs needs can be met by expansion of programs offered by current UCM partners. Increases in engineer, computer sciences, and specialized health care programs may require the addition of new partners.

Student surveys (high school and college) reveal a willing local student population to pursue post-secondary degrees in demand by the local economy.

While the study discussed the need for more knowledge-based educational training for the “flat world” and new global economy, it did not identify the new jobs that can be created or expanded by entrepreneurialism. Students of all ages, however, stated their readiness to engage in this entrepreneurialism. Nearly, 53% of the combined group (high school 48.8% and College students 34.5%) responded that they could see themselves starting their own business. Eastern Kentuckians can contribute and compete in the global economy by having higher education levels.

During the October 25, 2005 Economic Summit in Hazard, attended by over 110 business and community leaders in KRADD, 81% of the attendees said that the supply of four-year degree workers was inadequate.  The entire report, which includes the 57 page appendix, is available on the University Center of the Mountains website www.ucmky.org . Hard copies are available by contacting Ron Daley, UCM Director, at 606-487-3158 or email Ron.Daley@kctcs.edu