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2006 – 2007 Annual Report

SuccessCelebrating Our

K E N T U C K Y C O M M U N I T Y & T E C H N I C A L C O L L E G E S Y S T E M

ValuesWest Kentucky Community & Technical College thrives in a culture of excellence - where there is an expectation of superior effort and quality performance on the part of everyone in the college. We value:

• Learning• Innovation• Respect• Empowerment

MissionWest Kentucky Community and Technical College is an educational institution that provides excellence in teaching and learning, promotes student success, and supports economic development.

The goals for WKCTC are to:

• Promote Excellence in Teaching and Learning.• Increase Student Access and Success.• Expand Diversity and Global Awareness.• Enhance Economic Development.• Enhance the Strategic Organization.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and is a public, two-year, degree-granting institution serving the Western Region of Kentucky.

VisionWest Kentucky Community & Technical College will be an innovative learning institution committed to empowering individuals to achieve excellence in an environment of respect.

WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1

2 | WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Table ofContents 5 Message from the President

7 Snapshot of the College

8 Credentials Offered

9 Enrollment

10 Promoting Excellence in Teaching and Learning

11 Paducah Junior College, Inc. Foundation

20 Enhancing Economic Development 22 Increasing Student Access and Success

23 Expanding Diversity and Global Awareness

24 Enhancing the College’s Strategic Organization


For thousands of individuals, higher education begins at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC). WKCTC serves nearly 7,000 individuals annually, with a faculty and staff of more than 280. We have added new programs, such as mechatronics, chemical operator and pharmacy assistant technician, to meet the demands of area business. The economic impact our college has on the region is evidenced by the revenue that the college brings back to the community through its payroll, budget, successful graduates and numerous projects impacting economic development.

We set clear goals and targets in 2006-2007 to provide access and achieve success in increasing the educational level of the region we serve. The Annual Report highlights a few of our significant accomplishments and honors under each of the following:

• Promoting excellence in teaching and learning• Increasing student access and success• Expanding diversity and global awareness• Enhancing economic development• Enhancing strategic organization

As the college moves into the fifth year as a consolidated institution we have looked internally to evaluate our progress and address areas for improvement. Six Sigma training for faculty and staff, the creation of the teaching learning center and enhanced technology in the classrooms and laboratories are only a few of the initiatives undertaken.

Paducah Junior College, Inc. the foundation for WKCTC has raised over $ 1 million dollars this past year to increase student access. Too many students, especially minorities and those with low income, have not been able to achieve the dream of a college degree. The endowments established this past year will make a powerful impact in addressing the problem.

The parent of a student recently told me that she had lived in Paducah her entire life but never knew what WKCTC had to offer. We, in community colleges, are so busy and hard at work that we forget to tell our own stories. The college has forged many partnerships, but we must, as a community, work to assure that all the region has access to higher education.

I am grateful for the support of the Paducah Junior College Foundation, the WKCTC Board of Directors and the opportunity to work with our elected officials. I am proud of the faculty, staff and the college leadership team and the best day of the year is awarding credentials at graduation.

Look through the Annual Report and join me in getting the word out that higher education begins at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Sincerely,

Barbara Veazey, PresidentWest Kentucky Community & Technical College

Message from the

President


Ken Wheeler, Chair of the Paducah Junior College, Inc. listens as Dr. Barbara Veazey thanks the audience during a reception recognizing her five years as WKCTC President.

WKCTC offers flexible scheduling, evening and weekend classes, and distance learning. Our new Accessible College provides an educational opportunity to working adults who are unable to attend traditional college classes. The college strives to support local business and industry by meeting the workforce development needs.

Workforce development training, adult education, continuing education, and English as a Second Language are offered on campus as well as at the Workplace Skills Center in Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah. A broad range of instructor-led and online personal development courses are also offered.

West Kentucky Community & Technical College has an enrollment of more than 7,000 students and employs 282 full-time faculty and staff, and 278 part-time faculty and staff.

Snapshot of Our CollegeWest Kentucky Community & Technical College is a comprehensive two-year community and technical college that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). We offer more than 200 associate degree, diploma & certificate options in nearly 40 academic & technical programs. Our general studies courses are transferable to nearly every accredited college in the country.

WKCTC is a smart choice for many students because we:

• Offer lower tuition rates.• Provide technical degrees for today’s jobs.• Provide transfer degrees to four-year colleges.• Deliver job training programs.• Refresh a student’s basic skills.• Help a student decide where to start.• Provide business and industry training.


• Air Conditioning Technology

• Accounting Technology

• Auto Body Repair

• Barber/Stylist

• Business Administration- Accounting Option - Hospitality Management Option - Management Option - Real Estate Management Option

• Clinical Laboratory Technician

• Computer Aided Drafting & Design

• Construction Carpentry Technology

• Cosmetology

• Culinary Arts- Catering & Personal Chef Option - Culinary Arts Option - Food & Beverage Management Option

• Dental Assisting/Dental Hygiene

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography

• Diesel Technology

• Fire & Rescue Science Technology

• Health Physics

• Homeland Security/Emergency Management Specialist

• Information Technology- Computer Programming Option - Computer Support Specialist Option - Database Administration Option (Microsoft Track) - Information Security Option - Network Administration Option - Cisco Networking Associate Track - Cisco Networking Professional Track - Microsoft MCSA Track - Microsoft MCSE Track

• Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

• Machine Tool Technology

• Manufacturing Industrial Technology- MIT: Electrical Technology - MIT: Engineering Technology - MIT: Industrial Maintenance Technology

• Mechatronic Systems

• Medical Assisting

• Nursing- Associate Degree Nursing - Advanced Nursing Assistant - Practical Nursing - Nurse Aide

• Office Systems Technology- Administrative Option - Financial Assistant Option - Legal Administrative Assistant Option - Medical Administrative Option

• Pharmacy Technology

• Physical Therapist Assistant

• Radiography• Realtime Captioning Technology

- Broadcast Captioner/CART Provider Option - Judicial Provider Option

• Respiratory Care

• Surgical Technology

• Visual Communication-Multimedia

• Welding Technology

Credentials Offered

WKCTC offers two-year Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degrees. We also offer diploma programs as well as certificate options in many of our technical programs.

Academic and Technical Programs:


2006-2007Enrollment

McCracken . . . . . . . . .2232Graves . . . . . . . . . . . . .1229Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . .880Ballard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .403Calloway . . . . . . . . . . . .376Other KY counties . . . .353Livingston . . . . . . . . . . .327Fulton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210Carlisle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188Lyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140Hickman . . . . . . . . . . . .103

County Origin of Kentucky Students

Enrollment (Fall 2006)Total Student Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,843Students enrolled in online courses . . . . . . . .1,372Students receiving financial aid . . . . . . . . . . . .75%Part-time students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65%Full-time students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35%Female . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51%Male . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49%

Our FacilitiesThe campus of West Kentucky Community & Technical College is nestled on 220 beautiful acres in Paducah’s northside and includes 15 separate buildings. In addition to the main campus, classes are also offered at:

• The Purchase Area Training Center in Mayfield, Kentucky

• The Workplace Skills Center located in Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah

• The Mary Ellen Thompson Health Education Center in Paducah

• The Weaks Community Center in Murray, Kentucky

Total Enrollment per Student Age Group

Younger than 192,423

Note: One percent of the total (91 students) did not report their age.

20-291,955

30 & older2,374


Excellence in teaching and learning is the hallmark of any respected postsecondary institution. At the center of West Kentucky Community & Technical College’s success is the college’s promotion of quality teaching and active learning. WKCTC’s personal attention and commitment to education of the highest quality enables students to develop individual interests and talents to the fullest.

Excellence in Teaching & Learning

Nursing professor Connie Heflin received the 2007 Phelps Endowment Award for Excellence in Teaching. Heflin obtained certification as a nurse educator through the National League for Nursing (NLN) – the first faculty member at WKCTC to complete this certification. Dr. Sam Suryanarayana, professor of chemistry, received the 2007 Paducah Junior College Faculty Award. Dr. Suryanarayana retired in May after teaching at the college since 1969.

The college’s facilities and equipment are a vital component to teaching and learning on any college campus. More than $335,000 was spent in facility improvements in 2007. The work included: renovations to the tutoring center in the Matheson Learning Resource Center, renovations to the Digital Photo Lab in the Student Fine Arts building, and installation of new projection units in three buildings. In addition, design work for the new $16.5 million Emerging Technology Center began.

Aimee Thompson, licensed practical nursing associate professor, was selected

as an item writer for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX®)

in Chicago. Thompson was one of 16 nurses from across the nation to be

selected for the assignment. All nurses in the United States and its four U.S.

territories must take the NCLEX®

In a continued effort to improve teaching in all WKCTC programs,

a Center for Teaching Excellence was established, with Faith Crim

hired as center director. Crim assesses, plans and implements

learning opportunities to help faculty improve student success.

For the first time in more than a dozen years, there was a tie in the selection of the 2007 Teacher of the Year at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. The student body selected Connie Heflin and Marilyn Knoth, both nursing instructors, as their favorite teacher, among 13 faculty members nominated by the Student Senate. A staff nurse at Lourdes for four years, Knoth began her teaching career at Paducah Community College in 1980. Before beginning her teaching career at the college in 1983, Heflin was employed at Lourdes for five years as a licensed practical nurse and as a registered nurse.

The Student Support Services program enrolled 245 students in 2007. Of that number, 85% graduated, transferred, or were retained, and 94% of the participants earned 2.0 or higher GPA during the academic year.


Connie Heflin (right) and Marilyn Knoth (left)

Dr. Barbara Veazey, Dr. Sam Suryanarayana,and WKCTC Board Chair Bruce Brockenborough

On August 17, 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

This legislation includes a two-year Charitable IRA Rollover provision that allows people age 701/2 or older to exclude up to $100,000 from their gross income for a taxable year for cash gifts directly to a qualified charity. This provision is due to expire on December 31, 2007.

For information on how to make a gift from a qualified account, contact Becky Haus at (270) 534-3086, or your financial advisor.

Ken and Jean Wheeler Establish Endowment with IRA Contribution

Paducah residents Ken and Jean Wheeler took advantage of the charitable provisions provided in the 2006 Pension Protection Act to establish a scholarship endowment. The Wheeler’s donated $15,000 from a qualified individual retirement account to fund the endowment.

Mr. Wheeler has been a member of the Paducah Junior College, Inc. Board of Trustees since 1990 and the chairman of the board since 2005. The Wheelers are very active in economic development initiatives throughout the region and their generous nature is witnessed across the community. The Ken and Jean Wheeler Endowment will generate scholarship funds for WKCTC students.

PADUCAH JUNIOR COLLEGE | 11

Jim and Karen Marvin have given back to the hometown community in which they were raised. Donations from the Marvins totaling $286,500 established the Marvin Family Endowment in September of 2006.

An additional $7,500 was added to the Marvin Family Endowment by Hannan Supply Company following Jim and Karen’s successful bid on the “Name Your Own Endowment” auction item during the 2006 Gala. The $294,000 endowment will generate scholarship funds for low-income Graves and McCracken county students to attend the University of Kentucky College of Engineering’s extended campus in Paducah.

“This is a tremendous and significant donation to our college,” said WKCTC President Barbara Veazey during a reception for the Marvins on September 28, 2006. “The Marvins should certainly be commended for their foresight and dedication to the community. They could have taken their money anywhere. We are certainly humble that they chose to invest in our college, our students and the future of this community.”

The Marvin’s donation has been matched by a U.S. Department Title III award and by the PJC, Inc. Board of Trustees. The matching funds will be used to provide scholarships for first and second year engineering students at WKCTC.

As an only child, Marvin said he was blessed with solid parents. His father was a district supervisor for a major grocery store and his mother was a homemaker. “My father demonstrated how important it was to invest for the future. I was also influenced by one of my University of Kentucky professors,” he said.

Junior high school sweethearts, Jim and Karen Marvin both graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School and attended UK. Married in 1952, the Marvins raised two sons, James Marvin, Jr. and Ken, both of Springfield, Tennessee. They are the grandparents of five grandchildren. The Marvins lived in Mayfield for 40 years before returning to Paducah 10 years ago.

Jim Marvin credited his college education for motivating him and contributing to his success in the tobacco business. While an avid UK supporter, Marvin said one of his sons and Paducah resident Eugene Katterjohn, influenced him to donate locally. Scholarships for UK’s College of Engineering in Paducah seemed to be the best option, he said. “To me, the college is a very important institution in this community,” Marvin said. “And anything that helps business helps all of us.”

Jim and Karen Marvin Establish$294,000 Scholarship Endowment

the Foundation of WKCTCPJC

Photograph by Studio 218


Allan Rhodes, Sr.History AwardWest Kentucky Community and Technical College student Robert K. Ford of LaCenter was presented a $1,000 check for his winning submission in the Allan Rhodes Sr. History Award Challenge.

Mr. Rhodes funded the challenge in fall 2006. The yearly contest encourages WKCTC students to research overlooked Kentuckians in our nation’s and Kentucky’s history.

Ford’s submission highlighted the life of Sergeant Morris Eugene Crain, a native of Bandana, Kentucky. Crain’s unit served in northern Africa, before moving to the European countries of Italy and France. Over the course of his short service, Crain was awarded two Purple Hearts. He lost his life on March 13, 1945 during the Battle of Hagenau (France) while bravely defending his unit’s location while members escaped the German offensive.

In addition to the $1,000 award, Ford’s submission was published in the Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal, and featured on Berry Craig’s “Notebook” that airs on Comcast Channel 2 in Paducah.

Buddy and Mary Ann Upshaw Fund Scholarship EndowmentBuddy and Mary Ann Upshaw attended the 2006 Gala Scholarship Auction and were inspired to fund an endowment during the bidding

on the “Name Your Own Endowment” auction item. Buddy, a retired engineer, and Mary Ann, a retired teacher, donated $15,000 to establish the Upshaw Family Endowment. The Upshaw Family Endowment earnings will generate scholarship funds for WKCTC students.

Leadership PaducahClass Funds Endowment2006 marked the 20th class of Leadership Paducah. In honor of this milestone, Leadership Paducah Class #20 created the Leadership Paducah Endowment at WKCTC. Class members solicited gifts from individuals, organizations and companies to fund the account.

Each year, thousands of non-traditional students who have at least one semester of college behind them return to WKCTC to continue or complete their education. The Leadership Paducah Endowment will fund scholarships to assist these deserving students, making a strong statement to the community that Leadership Paducah, in partnership with WKCTC, is working to provide yet more opportunities for continuing education.

Leadership Paducah Class #20

Allan Rhodes, Sr. presents history award winnerRobert K. Ford with a $1,000 check. Also pictured:Dr. Barbara Veazey and WKCTC Professor Berry Craig.

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West Kentucky Community and Technical College and Paducah Junior College, Inc. honored Superior Care Home and Murray Calloway County Hospital as the 2006 Benefactors of the Year during a formal gala hosted by KCTCS in Louisville on November 11.

Superior Care Home, Inc. made a $75,000 pledge to renovate WKCTC’s first off-campus allied health facility in 2005. The Mary Ellen Thompson Health Education Center was opened in January 2006 and is now home to the college’s flourishing nursing assistant program, CPR and first-aid classes, and the region’s only testing center for the state nurse aide registry. The Center, named in memory of the founder of Superior Care Home, Inc., accommodates more than 450 students. Superior Care Home, Inc. is a family-owned and operated 88-bed nursing and rehabilitation community that employs more than 100 and offers residents suite-style living arrangements.

In 2005, Murray-Calloway County Hospital pledged $100,917 to WKCTC’s Fulfilling the Promise Campaign. This gift enabled the college to continue its licensed practical nursing program in Calloway County. The new facility provides students the opportunity to become a LPN while minimizing travel distances. The college’s Murray-based program enrolls more than 35 LPN students each year and an additional 20 students receive nurse assistant training. Murray-Calloway County Hospital is a 366-bed, public (not-for-profit) institution that serves residents of far western Kentucky and northwest Tennessee.

From left, WKCTC President Barbara Veazey; Helen Sims,owner/administrator, and Mike Sims, management/finance,of Superior Care Home, Inc., Paducah; and KCTCS President Michael B. McCall.

Superior Care Home and Murray-Calloway County Hospital Named Benefactors of the Year

In October 2006, Paducah resident Jim Grisham donated $25,000 to the college’s cosmetology program in memory of his wife Jo Grisham.

The Grisham’s fondness for the college began when Jo attended Paducah Junior College in the mid-1940s. A 1946 graduate, Jo Grisham worked as a payroll coordinator at the former Lockheed Martin and later as the Quality Assurance Coordinator. She died in July 1999.

This gift marks the second major contribution from Mr. Grisham. In 2005, Mr. Grisham donated $25,000 to name the Rosenthal Hall computer lab in memory of Jo.

Jim Grisham Donates $25,000




From left, WKCTC President Barbara Veazey; Keith Travis,vice president of human resources, Murray-Calloway County Hospital, Murray; and KCTCS President Michael B. McCall.

On Valentine’s Day 2007, fourteen couples decided to take the plunge and not only go out for dinner, but cook it too with the expert help from caterer and chef, Laura Duff. The Valentine’s Dinner kicked-off the foundation’s newest project, the á la carte Culinary Series with dinner that was prepared at Kirchhoff’s Bakery.

The á la carte Culinary Series is a collection of classes for the food enthusiast. The 2007 offerings included Mother’s Day Brunch in the courtyard at Max’s Brick Oven Café, Kids in the Kitchen summer camps, and the first-ever Guest Chef Series.

In June, world-renowned Chef Darin Sehnert, from 700 Kitchen Cooking School in Savannah, Georgia traveled to Paducah as the first chef of the series.

Chef Sehnert inspired more than 90 participants who took part in one of the five classes offered. The classes, Northern Italian Comfort Food, A Taste of the

Low Country and Paint Your Palate with Flavor were hands-on with samplings of dishes from Veal Osso Buco to Pecan Praline Angel Food Cake. Participants also learned how to utilize the “building blocks of flavor” to create a well-rounded taste in their cooking.

July marked the debut of Kids in the Kitchen summer camp. Camps were conducted by Paducah native Ro Morse and kids were cooking up a storm while learning kitchen safety, nutrition, and cooking techniques. On the final day of camp, students created a special lunch to share with parents.

A calendar of opportunities for fall and spring is under development and will include hands-on and demonstration classes and special events. Manager of Advancement Becky Haus is the program coordinator and states, “Local chefs and restaurants will be offering classes within the series and there will be something for everyone.” In addition to classes for adults, the series will continue to offer opportunities for children to get involved in the kitchen.

Scholarship donors and recipients gathered in August 2006 for the college’s first Scholarship Reception. More than 100 students and donors were in attendance to visit and meet one another.

Thanks to the foundation’s healthy endowment and numerous annual donors, the college awarded nearly $190,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students during the 06-07 academic year.

Surgical technology student Debbie Rosenthal, 25, of Paducah said going back to college can be overwhelming, especially juggling the cost of college with the cost of raising three young children as a single mother. She was the recipient of the 2006 Donald Blythe Memorial Scholarship. “Receiving a scholarship really means something to me, because it means someone else believes in me, believes I can do it,” Rosenthal said, “and that really does mean a lot.”

Donor Janett Blythe of Mayfield said it had been more than six years since a scholarship fund was established after the death of her brother, Donald, a WKCTC surgical technology graduate. “Our scholarship is not very big. It was really wonderful to hear from Ms. Rosenthal how much even a small amount of money meant to her,” Blythe said. “When you lose someone you always hope that something good can come out of it. With this scholarship, I know something has.”

The college’s Manager of Advancement and Scholarship Coordinator, Becky Haus, was pleased to provide donors the opportunity to meet the students receiving their scholarship funds. “Traditionally, a letter is sent to scholarship donors with information about the award recipient,” Haus said. “Hearing a thank you in person from the student allows our donors to experience first-hand the impact of their generosity.”

College Hosts Scholarship Donors and Recipients

Chef Darin Sehnert instructs Elaine Oehlschlaeger during Northern Italian Comfort Food at Mentor House Gallery.

Á La Carte Culinary Series Stirs Up Excitement

Ro Morse and the Kids in the Kitchen summer camp students.



Owners of some of Paducah’s most beautiful and historic homes recently opened their front doors for a special cause.

The Passport to Preservation house tour was held May 20 to benefit West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s new preservation technology program. Through this program, area homeowners, builders, craftsmen and others interested can learn preservation and restoration techniques and practices.

Opening their home for the tour were Debe and Hal Sullivan, Gail and Charlie Ransler, Juliette and Paul Grumley, Ginny Ann and Rick Coltharp, and Anne and Jim Gwinn.

Each visitor received a “passport” which included information about the history and restoration of the houses on the tour. Stamps reflecting unique historic or architectural features of all the houses were used to mark each visitor’s passport.

The new preservation technology program at the college has been a project of WKCTC President Barbara Veazey for the past three years. Dr. Veazey was motivated to create the program in response to the growing number of restoration projects in Paducah’s historic neighborhoods and in surrounding communities. Dr. Veazey states, “The program will grow in both course offerings and in numbers as the Paducah School for the Arts develops a presence in Lower Town.”

The house tour idea originated with Anne Gwinn, a leader in the local historic preservation effort for the past 30 years and the vice chairwoman of the PJC, Inc. Board of Trustees. The tour was designed to bring visibility to the new program and spotlight restoration projects where proper preservation techniques were employed.

With approximately 200 guests and recognition from the Kentucky Heritage Council, the event was a resounding success. Event proceeds are directed toward the college’s preservation technology program.

Passport toPreservation

A record crowd helped raise more than $95,000 during the 2006 Gala Scholarship Auction September 12 at Paducah’s Executive Inn. The fundraising continued on September 13 with the Marshall E. Nemer Memorial Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Paducah. The combined events raised $140,000 for the college’s scholarship fund.

Jim and Karen Marvin of Paducah were the highest bidders for a chance to Name Your Own Endowment. Hannan Supply Company agreed to match any bid of $7,500 to establish a $15,000 endowed scholarship in the name of the bidder’s choice. The Marvins bid $10,000 to add to their existing WKCTC scholarship fund, the Marvin Family Endowment.

An anonymous donor donated a week in a newly constructed villa in Salernes, France. Other trips included a Fourth of July weekend in Washington, D.C.; a family trip to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta; an Arkansas duck and goose hunting adventure; and Christmas shopping and lodging in Chicago.

In addition to the live auction, there was a silent auction which featured more than 50 items. The meal for the evening was catered by WKCTC’s Culinary Art students.

Paducah Bank won the pro-am golf tournament, followed by HollandStivers and BellSouth.

2006 Gala & Golf Raises $140,000


the Foundation of WKCTCPJCPortions written by Richard Holland reprinted from Posh, July/August 2007.

The Challenger Learning Center has completed another very successful year with over 6,000 local elementary and middle school students experiencing hands-on space simulation. The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah is part of the national network of centers founded by the families of the astronauts tragically lost in the Challenger accident.

This year the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah launched several new programs for community members of all ages. Public Missions, simulations geared towards families, were hosted by local TV celebrities from WPSD-TV News Channel 6. Junior level Girl Scouts were given the opportunity to sleep under the star dome at overnight events. Astrotots (preschool-aged children) learned about constellations while singing space songs and going on a star hunt.

A new rocket themed camp was created as part of the Space Quest 2007 summer program. Campers designed, built and launched five different kinds of rockets. Finally, the employees of many local businesses flew to Mars during a Corporate Mission

team building program. Center Director Mellisa Duncan said, “This year we have strived to add programming that allows all members of the community, no matter what age, to utilize the center. Learning never stops and our goal is to educate all in our region about the importance of space science.”

The Challenger Learning Center also hosted exciting public events. “Meet the Astronaut Night” featured a presentation by Dan Brandenstein, retired NASA astronaut who has flown four spaceflights spending over 576 hours in space. Following his presentation in the theatre, Mr. Brandenstein attended an open house and autograph session at the CLC. Another first for the center was a Trivia Night fundraiser that was held in February. Over 150 people enjoyed a fun evening while supporting the Challenger Learning Center. The event raised $3,200.

The continual improvement to and renovation of facilities on campus have become an exciting part of everyday life. As the recognized foundation for WKCTC, PJC, Inc. has made contributions that will help support the mission of the college and will assist the college leadership as they seek to offer higher

educational opportunities to the citizens of the region.

The foundation supports the arts in FOCUS program by providing monies that allow the leadership

of the program to bring outstanding touring shows to the campus. During 2006-2007, the students in the carpentry program began construction on a house in the Fountain Avenue district that will set the standard of the architecture for the restoration for that area of Paducah. Thanks to a gift of property from the city of Paducah and the financial backing of PJC, the house will be completed during the present school year and will be sold to finance another homebuilding project.

Funds from PJC, Inc. also allowed for the installation of technology upgrades on the campus. They assisted with network upgrades and replacement switches. Additionally, the technology department purchased wireless access points for all facilities that will now allow students to use their own devices in campus student study areas.

PJC, Inc. Funds Campus Enhancements

Challenger Learning Center Continues to Grow

Members of the arts in FOCUS production of The Mikado.



NASA Astronaut Dan Brandenstein and WPSD-TV News Anchor Paula Bridges during the center’s “Meet the Astronaut Night.”

President’s Cup Academic TournamentStudents from Madisonville North Hopkins High School took the top award at the annual President’s Academic Cup on December 6, 2006.

Madisonville North Hopkins defeated Lone Oak High School in the final round of the tournament. The top teams received trophies while a permanent cup engraved with the winning school’s name will remain at the college. Madisonville North Hopkins is to be congratulated on the fourth straight win by their team.

More than 100 students from 14 high schools attended the academic tournament, which included a quick-recall format as well as a written competition. Each match in the quick recall competition consisted of 80 questions

coming from the areas of mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, and fine arts.

This is the seventh year for the competition sponsored by PJC, Inc. and the West Kentucky Academic Association.

WKCTC President Barbara Veazey presents Madisonville North HopkinsHigh School with the 2006 President’s Cup Championship Trophy.

Fulfilling thePromise CampaignExceeds $4.9 MillionMore than $4.9 million has been raised in the college’s Fulfilling the Promise campaign from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2007. Donations and pledges received by initiative are:

Challenger Learning Center . . . . . . . . $20,269Arts & Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,896Culinary Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55,532Allied Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,075,102Emerging Technology/ . . . . . . . . . . . $239,986Engineering Research WingScholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $631,060Unrestricted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $203,413Non-Featured Objectives . . . . . . . $2,724,596

TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,974,855



The satisfaction of giving comes in knowing that you are investing in the lives of students, business, and communities who benefit each and every day from our education, training and services.

Gifts to West Kentucky Community and Technical College can be made through Paducah Junior College, Inc. PJC is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the support of WKCTC and its programs. As the foundation for WKCTC, PJC, Inc. provides resources to help donors find the appropriate use and nature for desired charitable contributions, including:

Appreciated Securities

• Bequests• Cash Gifts• Charitable Gift Annuities• Charitable Lead Trust• Charitable Remainder Trust• Closely-Held Stock• Life Insurance• Matching Gifts• Real and Personal Property (In-Kind)• Retirement Account Gifts

Please contact the Office ofAdvancement for more information:

Paducah Junior College, Inc.The Foundation for West KentuckyCommunity and Technical CollegePOB 7380Paducah KY 42002-7380Phone (270) 534-3086 Fax (270) [email protected]



Reaccreditation was awarded to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, and the Auto Body and Diesel Technology programs received Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) program certification in 2006-2007. Jennie Stuart Medical Center staff sonographer Barbara Creekmur (above, at right) shows WKCTC diagnostic medical sonography class president Trish Murphy an ultrasound machine donated by the Hopkinsville Hospital.

WKCTC employeesPeggy Block and Tom Butler were honored during the Kentucky Community and Technical College’s New Horizons Awards Banquet for outstanding faculty and staff. Block,coordinator of the college’s physical therapist assistant program, was selected as WKCTC’s outstanding faculty member and Butler, coordinator of WKCTC television production, was honored as the college’s top staff member.

Faculty member Dr. Felix Akojie completed the second edition of “Laboratory Manual for Introductory Biology.”

Success at all levels of education depends on how well students communicate the written word. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) is publishing a Postsecondary Readiness Guide for English/Language Arts that outlines skills necessary for student success in college and careers. Accompanying this guide will be a series of nine exemplary model units that use research-based instructional strategies to address the readiness indicators. One of the nine units was developed by WKCTC English faculty through a pilot cooperative project – the first to combine

postsecondary faculty with high school faculty.

More than 40 court reporters and court reporting students from across the state and Southern Illinois attended the Kentucky Court Reporters Association Fall Convention that was held for the first time on the campus of West Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Several new tools were implemented in 2007 to nurture an atmosphere of teaching and learning, including FOCUS, a web-based career and educational planning tool; a student planner; standardization of the college’s advising format; and renovation of the Master Advising Center.

Harriet G. Knowles, programcoordinator for the nursing assistant program, received the Better Life Education Award from the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities (KAHCF). Eight Better Life awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have furthered the goals of the long-term care profession in various fields.

Kevil resident Jackie K. Hodges joined the college staff as director of adult education. New adult education services in Nursing Pathway have been established, and adult education curriculum in reading, math, and language have also been developed and implemented.


Excellence in Teaching & Learning

WKCTC has partnered with area housing authorities to open Centers of Opportunities in local communities. Each center allows individuals who do not have home computers or who do have computers but do not have adequate Internet connections to take WKCTC classes from the center. Centers are currently open in the Fulton Housing Authority, the Housing Authority of Murray, and the Housing Authority of Paducah.

WKCTC receives financial support from a variety of sources including tuition, state funding, and donations through Paducah Junior College, Inc., the foundation for WKCTC. The college also diligently seeks grant funding to help support the college wherever possible. Grants awarded in 2006-2007 included: a $170,700 OSHA grant to provide safety training to small construction companies and $524,315 in KY WINS funding for 19 businesses.

WKCTC hosted the Human Anatomy & Physiology Regional Conference with more than 80 science professionals from 15 different states in attendance.

The Tennessee Valley Authority donated $5,000 to support curriculum development and delivery for students who wish to receive training in Mechatronics, as well as to enhance the college’s electrical technology and industrial maintenance programs. Mechatronics involves learning about many integrated technologies that are used in today’s sophisticated production systems, such as mechanical, electronics, and software components.

For the second consecutive year the college hosted the “Working Connections Information Technology Faculty Development Institute,” a week-long professional development conference.

Enhancing Economic Development

WKCTC’s Training Center for Community and Economic Development served 247 businesses and had a total workforce enrollment of 3,044. In addition, 423 individuals were served through continuing education classes, with 779 seniors participating in the senior’s continuing education program.

WKCTC continues to increase its pass rate for licensure and certification exams. Barbering and Cosmetology both reported 100% pass rates for first time licensure takers. The Nursing program reported a pass rate of 93%, the Licensed Practical Nursing program reported a pass rate of 97%, and the Nursing Assistant program reported a pass rate of 97%. All rates were above the national mean and above the KCTCS mean for 2005-2006. Surgical Technology and Medical Assisting both reported a pass rate of 100%.


The City of Paducah is nationally known for its Artist Relocation Program, annual Quilt Show, and majestic view of the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River. WKCTC expanded its impact in the areas of arts, tourism and hospitality by setting the

development of a Paducah School for the Arts as a college priority. Partnering with the City of Paducah,

the College is moving forward with the school by offering art classes on campus and in area Lower

Town galleries in the fall 2007.

As part of a new restoration/preservation program, thecarpentry program at WKCTC partnered with the City of

Paducah to completely build a new house. The house is located at the corner of Madison and 14th streets. The project offers

WKCTC carpentry students an opportunity to get live residential construction experience as they work on the house from start to

finish. The 1,600-square-foot, Craftsmen-style home will have three bedrooms and two baths. The City of Paducah donated the

lot, drew up the house plans and has worked closely with the instructors and students to complete the project. Upon completion

the house will be sold and income will go back to the program.

The television department produced 238 programs and a new commercial series to support the college’s branding effort. In addition, the television department worked with the culinary arts program to produce 10 new “Cooking at the College” television shows, which are also offered online.


Education plays a vital role in the economic and cultural vitality of our region and country. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is proud of its contribution to the economic development and growth of the region. The social benefits of medical savings, reduced crime and unemployment as a result of education from WKCTC totals more than $2 million each year. The College looks forward to the opening of a new Emergency Technology Center (design picture at left) on the campus by 2009.

WKCTC has developed a cooperative effort with Murray State University to implement a process of identifying students at MSU who have stopped attending the university to find out if they might want to enroll at WKCTC. Pictured at left is Dr. Randy Dunn, president of MSU with WKCTC President Barbara Veazey.

StudentAccess& Success

An accelerated degree program was developed that included a hybrid combination of classroom and online instructional strategies. As part of the Accessible College Education program individuals were allowed to utilize recognized industry training and/ or work experience for college credit. More than 200 students have enrolled in the Accessible College Education program since its launching in the fall 2006.

WKCTC has also been able to increase student access and success through grant assistance. The college received $44,500 for implementation of short-term programs for welding and carpentry through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Funding, and received $14,000 through a Remediation Pathways grant to incorporate contextual remediation in the Nurse Aide program.

New programs have been added to address the demands of the region’s workplace. New credentials include an AAS in Machine Tool and AAS in Surgical Technology; diploma in CNC Machining, and certificate programs in Security Option for Information Technology, Pharmacy Technician Assistant, Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Phlebotomy for the Healthcare Worker, Mechatronics and Chemical Operator.

Dual credit enrollment has increased at WKCTC from 1,143 in the fall 2005 to 1,378 in fall 2006 – a 21% increase.

Five new iMac computers and a wireless printing network were a gift to WKCTC’s digital photography computer lab, allowing the college to extend the size of the class. Instructor Randy Simmons said the gift opened the possibilities of an advanced digital photography class or digital video film making class.

Credentials Awarded Since College Consolidation 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

Certificates 400 720 809 1460Diplomas 234 328 243 232Degrees 466 567 482 506Total Credentials Awarded 1100 1615 1534 2198


Individuals today expect convenient access to the education they seek. West Kentucky Community & Technical College has recognized this expectation, and has implemented the Centers of Opportunity, the Accessible College Education program, and comprehensive distance learning programs to meet community’s demands.

Twenty-four students from the International University of Nursing in St. Kitts transferred into the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Seven of these students graduated in May.

Diversity & Global Awareness

For the second year, a touch of the Orient arrived on the WKCTC campus. Professors Zhen Zhong Liu and Hong Ming Song both were from Tianjin Normal University in China. Song taught beginning and intermediate Chinese Language while Liu taught Chinese culture.

Seven students completed the Governor’s Minority Students College Preparation program at WKCTC. The students, recommended by guidance counselors, were selected out of a group of more than 15 eighth grade applicants from Paducah Middle School. The Govenor’s program is designed to make students aware of the benefits they can receive from a college education and to prepare them for college.

Herbert Martin, a retired West Kentucky instructor, was presented with the College’s second African-American Legacy Award. He was nominated along with Heloise Greene and Gail Ridgeway.

President Barbara Veazey andPaula Armon were among five representatives from the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) who traveled to China in October 2006 to strengthen partnerships with Tianjin Normal University and Tianjin Foreign Studies University.

In 2006-2007, West Kentucky Community & Technical College employees have traveled to China, Mexico, and the Caribbean in an effort to bring global awareness to the college.

Hispanic Cultural Competence course was taught by WKCTC instructors in Guadalajara, Mexico.


In order to be a strong institution, continual assessment and improvement must be made. This year, the college increased productivity through development and implementation of supervisor training, improved hiring procedures, enhancing the college’s institutional research web site, the use of Six Sigma strategies, and joining two national survey projects. Other accomplishments included:

In 2006-2007, $406,352 in new grant funding was secured for a total of more than $2.9 million in competitive grants awards.

WKCTC completed and submitted a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Compliance Audit.

The College’s mission statement, vision, and values were reviewed and revised, and promoted throughout the campus in 2006-2007.

Fewer missed calls and less frustration for individuals trying to reach college personnel were a few of the benefits of a call center established at WKCTC in June 2007. Student service personnel have been assigned to answer specific lines in the center. When individuals call the college’s main telephone number at 554-9200 and ask for admissions, records or financial aid, they are directed to the call center.

The Arts in FOCUS series attracted 6,146 people in 2006-07. Forty percent of that number was students and children. An

additional 4,500 attended events sponsored by other campus and community organizations. An Arts in FOCUS brochure received the KCTCS award for best four-color brochure.

A children’s chorus, The Paducah ArtsReach Singers, was formed as part of the College’s work with The Kentucky Center for the Arts, The Kentucky Arts Council, Paducah Parks Services and the Paducah Housing Authority. The chorus presented its first concert in July. The program will continue through the coming year with the Paducah ArtsReach Singers performing in Paducah with Vickie Winans in October, The Northern Kentucky Brotherhood in November, and the WKCTC Community Chorus in December.

The Clemens Fine Arts Center, the WKCTC Music and Theatre Departments, and the WKCTC

Cosmetology Department partnered in our production of The Mikado. Cosmetology students worked with director, Norman Wurgler, and Make-up Designer, Constance Frank, to apply make-up and wigs for the four- day run.

The Television Department at WKCTC was awarded the 2006 Communication Award from the Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society. The award is given annually to the media outlet that best improves, displays and assists recreational needs in the Commonwealth. WKCTC’s television department, spearheaded by Tom Butler Jr., produced 24 broadcasts for the Paducah Parks Department in the last year in addition to taping more than 20 city commission meetings.

WKCTC was among more than 40 recipients of crumb rubber grants totaling $1.2 million.

The Adult Education Department has been awarded a $100,000 grant for READ KY by the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development, New Adult Literacy Initiative. The initiative is to address the literacy needs of adults who score below the basic levels of literacy achievement by providing free classes in a private location. Classes will be held in a training room at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, located near Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah.

Challenger Learning Center atPaducah began its new Public Mission

Program in November 2006 allowing the general public to fly space missions with

local television personalities.

Strategic Organizational Enhancement


OfficersKenneth Wheeler, ChairAnne Gwinn, Vice ChairLorraine Schramke, SecretaryBruce Brockenborough, TreasurerJohn D. Willams, At-Large

Board Members Guthrie AllenChris BlackAnn DentonJoe FramptomB. A. Hamilton Dr. Wally MontgomeryJudge Jeff HinesLouis MichelsonDr. William Wheeler

Ex-Officio Members Bill Paxton, MayorVan Newberry, County Judge ExecutiveDr. Barbara M. Veazey, WKCTC PresidentKay Travis, PJC Executive Director

Paducah Junior College, Inc. Foundation Board of Trustees

West Kentucky Community & Technical College Board of Directors

Bruce P. Brockenborough of Paducah Robert R. Emerson of WingoB.A. Hamilton of West Paducah Donald R. Mitchell of Paducah Nancy Susan Nelson of Benton Julie A. Thomas of Barlow Mary Lou Yeatts of MurrayShari Gholson of Paducah, faculty representativePaul Ross of Paducah, staff representativeAlissa Morehead of Reidland, student representative

West Kentucky Community & Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the associate degree.

West Kentucky Community & Technical College, a member of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

4810 Alben Barkley DriveP.O. Box 7380 • Paducah, KY 42002-7380(270) 534-3264 • www.westkentucky.kctcs.edu

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