Wallace Caleb Bates, HCTC graduate, hired as new public relations coordinator

Media Contact: Wallace Caleb Bates
Coordinator of Public Relations
Office: (606) 436-5721
wallace.bates@kctcs.edu

2024-N-01
5 Jan. 2024

NEWS RELEASE

(Hazard, Ky.) — Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Wallace Caleb Bates as its public relations coordinator. 

HCTC hired Wallace Caleb Bates as its coordinator of public relations. 

A graduate of HCTC with an associate of arts degree, Bates is an eastern Kentucky native whose roots run deep in the college's service region. 

"I am incredibly proud to be a graduate of HCTC and an Appalachian," Bates said. "My associate degree laid the foundation for my academic success. As public relations coordinator, I will give back to an institution and a region that have afforded me so much." 

He received his bachelor of arts degree in communication studies from Eastern Kentucky University and is pursuing a master of arts degree in school counseling from Morehead State University. He plans to continue his schooling in educational leadership and policy studies at the doctoral level. 

Bates has spent his career in education, including time in the Division of Communications at the Kentucky Department of Education as the agency's career and technical education communications liaison. 

"My past experiences allowed me to experience service-driven leadership in an extraordinary capacity," Bates said. "I was able to grow as a communicator and develop public relations skills, all while learning the components of an education system focused on empowering young people for their lives after graduation." 

He has received recognition from the National School Public Relations Association for a story written about Perry County schools in the wake of the July 2022 floods and awards for his education advocacy efforts. 

"We are delighted to welcome Caleb to our marketing team," HCTC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Lindon stated. "As a familiar face in eastern Kentucky's education community, we are confident in his abilities to represent our institution and its mission well. His accolades and experiences will be assets in our work of growing higher education in the mountains."

Bates began working at the institution on Jan. 2. 

"I am enthusiastic about the many opportunities awaiting me and HCTC in this new role," Bates said. "I look forward to serving the college and its community of leaders and learners."