HCTC success story: Mother and daughter graduate together

Sandy Campbell and her daughter, Hannah, both graduated from Morehead State University on the same day. Sandy is the Lead Ready to Work Coordinator at Hazard Community and Technical College. Hannah is a Perry County Central 2010 graduate where she was Valedictorian of her senior class.

A long personal challenge ended at the Morehead State University Commencement on Saturday, May 9. Saundra Campbell, Lead Ready to Work Coordinator at Hazard Community and Technical College, graduated with her master s degree in Adult and Higher Education. This has been a life-long journey for her and a dream fulfilled on Saturday. It was even more special because she graduated with her daughter Hannah, who received her bachelor s degree in Veterinary Science from MSU the same day.

Saundra (Sandy) Campbell began her academic journey in the summer of 1984 by enrolling at HCTC. She graduated in 1986 with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Data Processing. She started her career at HCTC in July 2000. The University Center of the Mountains opened its doors in 2004 and with this came the opportunity for Sandy to further her education. She enrolled at Morehead and completed her bachelor s degree in 2008, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She began working on her master s degree in 2009 and graduated May 9.

I am a first-generation college student and the UCM has allowed me to further my education. I am married and have two children and it would not have been possible for me to attend a University full time while working and raising my children. I believe in the power of education and what it can do for people, she said.

Sandy called getting an education an opportunity of a lifetime. Her father has been battling cancer. To have both my parents, along with others in my family, to watch both my daughter, Hannah, and I graduate together was one of the best days of my life. It has truly been a long and tough journey but I am so proud to say I did this. If I can further my education while working full time and raising my children, then so can others. I hope that my students as well as my own daughters can learn from my accomplishments and realize you can do anything you set your mind to do. I tell my students all the time that Knowledge is Power! You must believe in yourself!