HCTC Welcomes New Face to Cosmetology Department

Hazard Community and Technical College’s (HCTC) Cosmetology Department has a new face! Leslie County native Jennifer Wilson joined the faculty at HCTC as a cosmetology instructor in January 2022 after the retirement of long-time instructor Rachel Sexton in 2021.

Wilson is a graduate of Leslie County High School, after which she went on to become a student at HCTC. She received several degrees including her cosmetology certification and diploma.

“I worked in the salon as an owner and stylist for almost 10 years,” she says. “I felt that I wanted to do more within the field, so, I went back to school and finished the Cosmetology Instructor’s Program, also at HCTC, in 2016.”

Later that same year, Wilson was recruited to manage the JC Penney Salon in Hazard where she stayed for five years.

“While working at JC Penney’s, I decided to continue my education once more and pursue my bachelor of psychology through the University of the Cumberland’s,” Wilson explains.

Now, Wilson has found her way back to HCTC and has been given the chance to do what she truly loves—teach cosmetology.

“I truly love everything about teaching cosmetology, but one thing I love most is the excitement that it brings to my students. Seeing the students learn new skills while adding their creativeness to different projects within this field is very rewarding to me,” she says.

Wilson says she is extremely thankful that HCTC was able to provide her with the education and skills needed to hold the position she does today.

“I am planning on a long future within this cosmetology department, and I cannot wait to see what’s next,” she says.

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