HCTC's Dr. Amanda Spencer-Barnes, mathematics and statistics professor, participates in statewide leadership academy

Published on Jan 9, 2026

Dr. Amanda Spencer-Barnes, a faculty member at Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC), is one of 23 cohort members in the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's (CPE's) Faculty Leadership Academy for the 2025-26 academic year.

 

Dr. Amanda Spencer-Barnes, right, assists a student enrolled in one of the mathematics courses she teaches.

"I am always looking for ways to broaden my leadership skills at the local, system and statewide levels," Dr. Spencer-Barnes said. "I pride myself on being a lifelong learner. Growing personally and professionally helps me become a better faculty member, in hopes of one day becoming a leader at HCTC."

According to Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ella Strong, the program aligns with HCTC's efforts to develop its own talent.

"Programs like this enable us to invest in and develop our own leaders, which strengthens the roots of our community and ensures its future thrives from within," Dr. Strong said. "Providing access to leadership programs for our employees enables us to plan the college's future by developing leaders within. It is critical for HCTC to develop its own leaders, as this allows us to sustain momentum as we progress."

Dr. Spencer-Barnes explained that the academy has a unique role in addressing the most pressing issues facing higher education across Kentucky.

"I am very excited for this opportunity to further develop my leadership abilities while learning to navigate the issues in higher education across the state, the system, and at our local level," she said.

She hopes to expand her knowledge of leadership, build a strong peer network and deepen her understanding of higher education governance.

"From this experience, I hope to expand my knowledge about leadership, build a network of peers and mentors that I can interact with on a regular basis, increase my knowledge of the governance of postsecondary education at all levels, and delve deeper into how CPE helps to ensure that each college and university is providing academic quality and student success," she said.

While she values the content, she also highlights the personal connections the program makes possible.

"In addition to learning more about leadership, I look forward to the networking that this Academy will provide," Dr. Spencer-Barnes said. "I have already met some amazing individuals from CPE as well as other colleges and universities. Building relationships with peers and mentors is one of the best ways to grow leadership skills."

Her time in the classroom gives her a unique lens through which to apply those lessons.

"Gaining any kind of knowledge in any area can always be brought back to the classroom in how you build your classes and run your classrooms," she explained. "Networking with faculty from other colleges and universities is one of the best ways for faculty to learn new ideas for teaching. Becoming a better leader can help a faculty member become a better advocate for students at the local, system and state levels."

For Dr. Spencer-Barnes, it all comes back to students and the colleagues who make HCTC feel like home.

"The students are my number one reason for becoming a faculty member. Getting to work with students in so many different capacities is very rewarding," she said. "In addition to the students, working with the team of faculty, staff and administrators at HCTC provides an exceptional workplace where going to work really does not feel like going to work. Everyone is supportive, kind, and caring.  It really is like having a second family."

She also had a word of encouragement for others considering a teaching career.

"Becoming a faculty member is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far. It is hard to explain the pride and joy I feel when they walk across the stage at graduation and get to celebrate that moment with their families," she said. "Then, when I see them on social media, and they have gone on to earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, and then work in our communities that we serve, that pride just grows even more. To me, this is what being a faculty member is all about."

To learn more about Dr. Spencer-Barnes' opportunity, visit the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Faculty Leadership Academy webpage.