Hazard Community and Technical College is a premiere college in Eastern Kentucky with a rich history of inspiring hope and making a difference in the lives of those served.
Brandon Smith – State Senator says:
We’ve seen incredible growth. I started working at the college in the mid 70’s, and at that time we had basically one building, and about 250 students, now we have expanded to 5 campuses and over 4000 students so I’ve certainly had the opportunity to watch the college grow over the years. We partner with students of all ages and backgrounds helping each design a satisfying future filled with accomplishment. HCTC is a great investment providing affordable access to college and workforce readiness. I was a student here, I actually when I first graduated I was living here with my mother and I wanted to stay close to home. I wasn’t sure if I was ready yet to go to UK or one of the big ones so I decided I would try it and see if I would actually turn out to be a good student. So I started here so I have a very close connection with the community college system. A lot of teachers are very challenging for me. Some of the best friends that I’ve ever made in my life and are still close friends today I met here on this campus. I took the start of something that it gave me a love for and I received a four-year and graduated from the University of Kentucky and became a state senator.
Narrator: HCTC opens doors for students in high school.
Brittany Claussen – HCTC Student says:
My story started as a sophomore in high school. I took two online classes and it just kind of evolved from here. And then my senior year I took three classes and it just kind of blossomed. And now I’m in the nursing program at Hazard Community and Technical College.
Narrator: We have made an impact on those we have served throughout the region as is evidenced by community leaders.
Stephen Bowling – Director of Breathitt County Library says:
There is an expectation that students come to the university to the college to learn – that they’re going to come there, be prepared, and when they leave they are in a better position to impact their world. That is the expectation, that’s what they get when they come to Hazard Community, especially to Lees College Campus. Students praise the learning experience. There’s an instant bonding with each age group. And it’s wonderful – I mean for me it has been one of the greatest…single most-greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. I don’t think that you could find a better group of instructors anywhere.
Narrator: Our newest addition is a fine arts degree based at the Kentucky School of Craft where the facilities are second to none.
Jeff Adams – Kentucky School of Craft Director says:
I’ve been to a lot of different studio programs across the country – university research-level institutions. When I first visited here I was amazed at the facilities and the schools specifically here in what was the Hindman, Knott County High School and what they did with the renovations was just absolutely amazing - what they’ve done in terms of outfitting them with the equipment. And the layout is very student oriented, very research oriented. It’s a very unique thing to find for a community college level facility. It’s much, much more than that.
Jesse Campbell – Kentucky Coal Academy Coordinator says:
The Kentucky Coal Academy trains safe, productive new miners and works to upgrade skills and meet the retraining needs of miners who are currently employed. Our facilities here at Hazard are probably second to none. We have a real good maintenance training facility. Mainly a lot of electrical panels that are manufactured by Joy Manufacturing – that no one else has. We have the tracking, Davis Tracking and mine monitoring system that the local operators use. The Kentucky Coal Academy, since 2007, has trained over 9,000 people here in Hazard.
Narrator: In addition to the coal industry, Workforce Solutions addresses the needs of businesses.
Janice Brafford King – Community Trust Bank says:
As an employer I’m very thankful for Hazard Community and Technical College. When the need arose for teller training I couldn’t have been more pleased with the quality of instruction offered to us. In fact, this is Sally Watson. Sally completed the training and is one of our valued employees. I appreciated the professionalism of Workforce Solutions and their flexibility. Hazard Community and Technical College is a strong force in our region and we’re so fortunate to have this college. They make our communities a much better place to live.
Narrator: The Greater Hazard Area Performing Arts Series creates excitement. With more than 40 years of fine programming this area has seen a variety of music, ballet, theater and magic.
The Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky has made a difference. Studies have shown an increase in science scores from this region and a higher growth rate than the state scores.
Hunter Walker – Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky visitor says:
Well, I don’t really know any kids that wouldn’t want to come to the Challenger Learning Center – it’s fun.
Narrator: The partners of the University Center of the Mountains at HCTC have graduated a total of 912 students since its inception in 2003.
Deronda Mobelini – University Center of the Mountains Director says:
The University Center of the Mountains is providing improved access to higher education. So folks in our area who do not want to leave the area or who cannot leave the area because of ties to family or jobs. They can still continue their education. They can work on that bachelor’s degree or in some cases they can work on that master’s degree.
Narrator: We serve the community by responding to needs. When a tornado hit March 2, 2012 we responded by providing food and household items as well as manual labor. Our Heavy Equipment students made an impact by the services we provided. We’re proud of student and HCTC awards. Including being named again as one of the best places to work in Kentucky. Our focus has always been and will continue to be changing futures for the people of Eastern Kentucky.