HCTC hosts Going Pro Signing Day in celebration of student success

Published on Apr 28, 2025

Ricky Bates is entering the workforce as a peer support specialist at Beacons of Hope.		Robert Higdon is entering the workforce as a data coordinator at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health.

Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) hosted its annual Going Pro Signing Day event on April 25 during its Spring 2025 Collegewide Professional Development Day.

 Institutions across the Kentucky Community & Technical College System have hosted similar events, recognizing students entering the workforce in critical areas, including advanced manufacturing, business and information technologies, construction, healthcare, and transportation and logistics.

Going Pro Signing Day is an opportunity for HCTC to strengthen connections between the institution and the employers it serves, celebrate student success and demonstrate its commitment to preparing highly qualified graduates equipped with the skills to succeed.

 "This event is a powerful example of how HCTC brings together education and industry to celebrate workforce development. Our commitment is to remain responsive to the employment needs of our region," Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC president and chief executive officer, said. "By hosting events like Going Pro, we're not only recognizing our students' success but also strengthening the bridge between classroom learning and real-world application."

 Each student signed commemorative certificates to represent the significance of entering the workforce. These students, recognized individually alongside their employers, include:

• Ricky Bates, Beacons of Hope
• Robert Higdon, University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health

According to Dr. Keila Miller, the dean of workforce, community and economic development, the event is an opportunity to celebrate the college's contributions to the region.

"Going Pro represents a pivotal moment where education meets opportunity. It allows us to formally recognize the accomplishments of students who are stepping directly into high-demand careers, many of them right here in our region," Dr. Miller said. "These partnerships with employers are vital to the economic future of eastern Kentucky, and this event reflects HCTC’s ongoing commitment to aligning training programs with the needs of our workforce. It is gratifying to see students apply what they’ve learned in ways that make a real difference in their communities."

Higdon said the event was an opportunity for him to reflect on his journey at HCTC.

"The future I've worked for at HCTC, earning my associate degree in applied science in computer and information technologies, is now my present as I step into my role as data coordinator at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health," he said. "I'll embrace this opportunity and let my skills shine as I continue my educational journey and enter the workforce."

As these students step into new roles across the region, HCTC remains committed to supporting their continued success beyond the classroom. To explore program opportunities, visit the Hazard Community & Technical College Program Finder.