HCTC success story: David Adams

Kentucky River Properties (KRP) has a valued employee in their computer aided drafting department and he is a product of Hazard Community and Technical College.

David Adams graduated in May 2009 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design / Surveying and for the last three years he utilized the skills he learned from HCTC at KRP. His main function is to assist the geologist in maintaining and updating the company s geologic maps and data for the purpose of managing existing reserves and evaluating potential acquisitions.

HCTC provided the groundwork for making it possible for me to excel in my chosen field, Adams said. I not only received valuable knowledge but also practical experience through field trips or simply work outside the school building surveying. HCTC also provided other classes that were not part of the core curriculum, but he chose to take them anyway because they expanded his capabilities and made him a more appealing candidate for employment. I tried to open as many doors as possible, he said.

Adams has high praise for the faculty. Every instructor I had was more than willing to work with a willing student that showed an interest in his/her own education. I really can t say enough good things about my experience with the instructors I had. I felt very fortunate to have people that I believe truly did care about me and my education. I haven t forgotten any of them and I don t believe I ever will.

I would definitely recommend HCTC to anyone interested in furthering their education. I think it s a great college with great faculty. Go with a willingness to learn and you will learn.

Craig Daniels, Geologist with Kentucky River Properties, gives high praise for Adams because of his work ethic and his knowledge. David is very efficient, produces quality work and has brought several good ideas to the work we are involved with. He assists with mapping the many characteristics of the numerous coal seams here in the Appalachian Basin and this in turn helps our company manage its existing reserves as well as be able to evaluate new opportunities.

Since graduation, Adams has taken a couple classes at HCTC because he wants to further his capabilities at his current job as well as prepare for possible future opportunities. I continue to work on my education so that I can open more doors to more opportunities and to keep myself an appealing employee or a candidate for future advancement. He plans to eventually obtain either a second associate degree or a bachelor s degree in software development with a focus on advancing applications that he currently uses.

Adams and his wife, Lorie, live near Hyden, with four children, all of which are currently in middle and elementary schools.

Tony Back, Coordinator of HCTC s Computer Aided Drafting and Design / Surveying Program, said Adams was a great student who was very dedicated to learning. He noted that there are many opportunities for those who complete training in the program and the pay is good, even for those just beginning in the industry.

Interested in becoming a success story from HCTC? Begin by enrolling. Call (606) 487-3102 to begin your journey.