HCTC's Bobby Collins is retiring, reflects on serving students

Published on Jun 25, 2025

After 38 years of dedicated service to Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC), Bobby Collins is retiring from his role as a career services counselor.

"What started as a way to get back on my feet after getting laid off from the coal industry turned into a career," Collins said. "I never expected I would retire from here, but I've been grateful for every step along the way."

A native of Buckhorn, Collins began his journey at HCTC as a student, earning his associate degree in 1982 from then-Hazard Community College, which was part of the University of Kentucky.

Following his time as a student, Collins began his professional career at HCTC in business services, where he worked in accounts receivable.

"I was working to get bills paid, making sure everything was in order," he said. "Then the financial aid director came to me and said, 'Come over here. We could use you.' That's how it all shifted."

He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Morehead State University (MSU) two years after earning his degree from HCTC. He put his knowledge to use for many years in the financial aid office, where he remembers doing everything by hand before the days of online systems and digital processes.

"We printed checks on paper. We mailed things. If the computer system went down today, we wouldn't be able to do our jobs—but back then, we didn't have one," he said. "I've watched it change from hard-copy paperwork to full online submissions. It's wild to think about."

Eventually, Collins was asked to take on the college's veterans' affairs program, a responsibility he came to cherish. He pursued his master's degree in counseling from MSU in the mid-1990s to strengthen his expertise in serving students.

"I didn't ask for it, but I'm glad it came to me," he said. "I've loved working with our veterans and their families. Some of them have become lifelong friends. It's a complicated system, and I've always felt honored to help them navigate it."

About a decade ago, Collins transitioned to the Advising Center, a move that brought him back to working directly with students.

"I was facing burnout," he admitted. "I talked to my boss and said, 'I miss working with students.' The next thing I knew, I was moved to advising. I got to be face-to-face again, helping students get into the right classes and programs. That's what I've always loved."

Throughout his career, Collins had to adapt to shifting federal regulations, changing technology, and an increasing amount of paperwork.

"Every time a new U.S. president gets elected, they change the VA rules," he said with a laugh. "You've got to stay on top of it. That's something I wish I had done a little better—keeping up with all the regulation changes. But I've always preferred working with people over working with paper."

"I've learned something at every stage, whether I was a student, when I worked in the business office, when I moved to advising," he said. "This place has been good to me."

When asked what he hopes others remember about his time at the college, he paused before answering.

"I just hope they remember that I cared," he said. "I cared about students. I cared about our veterans. I wanted to make sure people had what they needed to succeed."

Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC president and chief executive officer, said Collins' legacy at HCTC will continue to make a difference for students. 

"Bobby Collins has been a steady, compassionate presence at HCTC for nearly four decades. His dedication to our students, especially our veterans, has made a lasting impact that cannot be overstated," Dr. Lindon said. "Bobby’s heart for service, his willingness to adapt, and his deep connection to this region embody the very best of what we stand for as a college. We will miss his wisdom, humor, and warmth in the halls of HCTC, but we celebrate all he has given and wish him the very best in this next chapter."

After nearly four decades of service, Collins said he is looking forward to what lies ahead.

"I plan on staying quiet for a while," he joked. "I'm excited for what's next."