HCTC participates in regional summit, president earns recognition

Published on Sep 3, 2025

Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) representatives attended this year's Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) Summit, held Aug. 26-29 in Corbin, alongside leaders from across Appalachian Kentucky.

HCTC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Jennifer Lindon, left, accepts this year's SOAR Appalachian Workforce Champion of the Year Award. Photo by Patrick Clark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

During an awards ceremony on Aug. 27, HCTC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Lindon was honored with the SOAR Appalachian Workforce Champion Award.

 Prior to serving as the college's first female president, Dr. Lindon served as chief campus administrator at the institution's Technical Campus, overseeing workforce programs. The award recognized her commitment to expanding career pathways and strengthening workforce development across Appalachian Kentucky.

"This recognition reflects the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff, and partners who believe in the power of education to transform lives," Dr. Lindon said. "HCTC is committed to creating opportunities for every student, family and community we serve."

Dr. Lindon also presented awards to Appalachian Teacher of the Year Gary Douglas and Appalachian Student of the Year Sadie Hoffman during the ceremony, celebrating their contributions to the communities in which they live.

 

Rockhouse Ensemble, composed of students from HCTC's Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music, provides entertainment throughout the ceremony. Photo by Misty Lewis.

 

 

 

 

Students from HCTC's Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music, located in Hyden, provided entertainment throughout the ceremony. The group is known as Rockhouse Ensemble.

Leaders with HCTC Workforce Solutions speak with conference attendees about training opportunities. Photo by Wallace Caleb Bates.

 

 

 

 

 

Workforce Solutions at HCTC participated in the summit by promoting programs designed to meet the region's employment needs, including credentials for adult peer support specialists (APSS), which create career opportunities for individuals in recovery from addiction.

 

HCTC's Heavy Equipment Operation program displays pieces of equipment outside the event venue to spread awareness about training opportunities. Photo by Patrick Clark.

 

 

 

 

The institution also promoted its Heavy Equipment Operation program as part of the event with a display located in front of the venue. This program is the most comprehensive of its kind in the state, offering certificates in backhoe operation, bulldozer operation, front-end loader operation, hydraulic excavator operation and motor grader operation.