SKCTC recognizes students “Going Pro” with new careers
Published on Mar 31, 2026
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College is proud to recognize students who are “Going Pro” by committing to high-demand careers across the region. As part of the statewide Going Pro initiative, the college recently hosted a recognition event on its Knox Campus to celebrate students who are transitioning from the classroom to the workforce.
“Going Pro” highlights the achievements of students who are completing their programs and stepping directly into careers that support Kentucky’s workforce and strengthen local communities.
“This recognition is about students who are prepared for employment when they complete their program,” said SKCTC President Lee Harrison. “They’re filling workforce needs across southeast Kentucky.”
The following SKCTC students are being recognized as Going Pro:
Jeffrey Ketchem, Air Conditioning Technology, Centers HVAC
Ethan Mills, CDL, Midwest Logistics
Jacey Collins, Education, Teach for America
Kara Miracle, Education, Teach for America
Sharron Brock, EMT, ARH Barbourville
Robert Blake Couch, EMT, Knox County Ambulance Services
Samantha Harrod, EMT, Knox County Ambulance Services
Alyssa Walters, Medical Assisting, London Women’s Care
Brianna Bray, Medical Assisting, Harlan ARH and Daniel Boone Clinic
Jessica Bray, Medical Assisting, MCHC
Jessica Blakey, Medical Assisting, Harlan ARH Daniel Boone Clinic
Brandy Couch, Medical Assisting, Baker Direct Medical Services Harlan Clinic
Megan Gilbert, Medical Assisting, Front Porch Medical
Bethany Madden, Medical Assisting, Hometown Urgent Care Harlan
Hope Marsee, Medical Assisting, Newborn & Kids Health Center
Maria Napier, Medical Assisting, Harlan ARH Daniel Boone Clinic
Hanna Owens, Medical Assisting, Grace Health
Keylee Ayers, Nurse Aide, Middlesboro Nursing & Rehab Facility
Shawntea Hughes, Nurse Aide, ARH Middlesboro
Kiley Hinkle, Phlebotomy, Baptist Health Corbin
Heather Fulst, Paramedic Technology, Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County EMS
Julia Conaway, Physical Therapist Assistant, Cornerstone Therapy Services
Virginia Marcum, Pineville Radiography, Pineville Community Health Center
Michael Willis, Pineville Respiratory Care, Hyden ARH
Samantha Thomas, Pineville Respiratory Care, Lake Cumberland Somerset
Andrew Mills, Plumbing, Hembree & Peace
Ethan Smith, Plumbing, Hembree & Peace
Keonna Morles, Welding Technology, JR Hoe and Sons of Middlesboro
Hannah Hollifield, Whitesburg Respiratory Care, Hazard ARH
Lisa Lucas, Whitesburg Respiratory Care, Hazard ARH
Katlyn Whitaker, Whitesburg Respiratory Care, Hazard ARH
Heather Akemon, Whitesburg Respiratory Care, Hazard ARH
“Going Pro” is sponsored by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the Kentucky Department of Education. During the 2023–24 academic year, nearly 95% of all KCTCS credentials awarded were in programs aligned with the state’s top targeted industry sectors or designed to transfer to a four-year university.
