HCTC’s University Center of the Mountains Moves to First Federal Building on HCTC Hazard Campus

After more than a decade in the same home, Hazard Community and Technical College’s (HCTC) University Center of the Mountains (UCM) is relocating. As of Monday, June 28, the UCM will no longer be housed in the Jolly Classroom Center on the HCTC Hazard Campus.

“It’s exciting to move into the First Federal Center (FFC). Even though we are not moving campus locations, it is still a big change for us and our students. We’ve been in the process of moving offices for most of the summer so far,” Assistant UCM Director Helen Brunty said. “But we’re finally getting to that finish line!”

The UCM, which opened its doors to students in January 2005, is a collaboration of partnering colleges and universities in the region designed to help students further their education once they have finished their program at HCTC. As of 2021, the 12 UCM partners include Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Fort Campbell Campus (ERAU), Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC), Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), Kentucky State University (KSU), Lindsey Wilson College (LWC), Midway University, Morehead State University (MSU), Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health, and University of the Cumberlands.

The UCM partners together offer 55 bachelors, 42 masters, and eight doctoral degree programs. In the 16 years it has been in operation, the UCM has been able to assist students in earning more than 1,500 degrees in fields as far ranging as teaching, nursing, medical laboratory sciences, and pharmacy.

“Back in 2002, HCTC’s then-President Dr. Jay Box and then-Hazard City Mayor William D. Gorman had a shared vision to improve access to four-year degrees and beyond for Eastern Kentuckians,” Dr. Deronda Mobelini, UCM Executive Director, explained. “The result of that vision UCM we have today.” 

In 2014, the UCM became a Higher Education Center, umbrellaing three key pieces: the UCM partnership, HCTC General Transfer Services, and the HCTC Career/Job Placement Services.

“Since then, we have been able to offer more comprehensive student and academic services within the Center, such as assisting with resumés or interview skills. The goal is to provide those additional services that will support our students’ educational and career attainment goals,” Mobelini added. 

If you’re interested in what the UCM has to offer you, go to hazardctc.com/ucm or call (606) 487-3182.

To find out more about Hazard Community and Technical College, go to hazard.kctcs.edu, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to get the most up-to-date announcements.