SKCTC, HCTC co-sponsor dignitary day in Harlan County

Published on Aug 23, 2024

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) and Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) co-sponsored a Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) Dignitary Day event at the Harlan Center on Aug. 21. 

The event began with remarks provided by Dr. Patsy Jackson, interim president and chief executive officer (CEO) at SKCTC, who emphasized the importance of the gathering as an opportunity to break bread and build stronger ties with community leaders. "We're blessed to have such good partnerships and the dedication of KCTCS to our shared vision of empowering individuals and transforming communities through education," she said. “Together, we are making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals.”

Dr. Jennifer Lindon, president and CEO of HCTC, also provided remarks. "At HCTC, we recognize the importance of regional collaboration to strengthen economic and workforce development efforts across southeastern Kentucky," she said. "It's through our collaboration that people have increased access to high-paying, in-demand careers." 

Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), discussed access to education and meeting Kentucky's workforce needs through KCTCS programs. He also highlighted the importance of creating meaningful relationships with community partners to achieve these goals. “Our partnerships with our local communities, our state and local leaders, and our state’s workforce help ensure that KCTCS continues to offer accessible, affordable higher education for all Kentuckians, regardless of their background,” Dr. Quarles said. 

Judge Executive Dan Mosley of Harlan County expressed his enthusiasm for the colleges' ongoing efforts. "It's great to have Dr. Quarles here in Harlan County today. He is doing an exceptional job leading the Kentucky community college system," he said. "Having a partner like the college to be able to tailor workforce needs around the needs of employers is a major win for us as a community."

After the program, Dr. Quarles opened the floor for questions, allowing attendees to engage directly with his vision for KCTCS. His goals for community and technical colleges focus on learner success by putting students first, employment success through strong community partnerships, organizational success via responsible practices and promoting advocacy at all levels of government. 

HCTC primarily serves Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe counties; SKCTC primarily serves Bell, Harlan, Knox and Letcher counties. The colleges collaborate to increase access to higher education opportunities, including through regional programs that combine learners from both institutions. 

The event's attendees ranged from officials representing city, county and state governments, local law enforcement agencies, educational entities and regional nonprofits.

For more information about HCTC and SKCTC, visit the Hazard Community & Technical College and Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College webpages, respectively.