Parke named interim director of HCTCs Ky. School of Craft

With a new focus on HCTC s Kentucky School of Craft, Larry Parke has been named as interim director where he will oversee increased programming for students. We have incredible offerings in Hindman, which will soon include a ceramics component to complement our offerings in jewelry design, Parke said.

Parke has worked for HCTC since 1988 and has held numerous leadership positions including Division Chair for the Business and Information Technology programs, Campus Coordinator for the Knott County Branch, and faculty member.

Outside the doors of HCTC, Parke s leadership includes serving as Chair of the Kentucky River Area Development District Board of Directors, organizing the Knott County Chamber of Commerce and serving a three-year term as president, organizing and providing technical support for the Hindman Merchants Association and the Hillfolk Arts Guild.

HCTC President/CEO Dr. Allen Goben noted Parke s experience in administering grants, supervising faculty, teaching, successfully running his own businesses, work with arts organizations, and commitment to the success of the Kentucky School of Craft all made him the ideal candidate for the job. We applaud Larry Parke s continued involvement in economic development. All of his experience with so many different organizations will help our students succeed.

One of Parke s earlier HCTC jobs was Business Liaison where he wrote more than 100 business plans that resulted in thousands of dollars in business start-up loans secured for business clients. Parke was part of the earliest discussions on whether to open the Kentucky School of Craft and has been closely involved ever since the doors first opened in Fall 2004.

Parke s involvement in the community includes Vice Chair of the Knott County Tourism Commission, United Way of Southeastern Kentucky, Kentucky s Elk Country Corridor coordinator, and the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association.

Parke holds a bachelor s degree from the University of Kentucky and master s degree from Morehead State University, both in Business Administration.

Parke and his wife Jane have two adult children.

The Kentucky School of Craft motto is Excellence in Design, Respect for the Materials, Honor in the Work, and I look forward to seeing more students come to learn from our great faculty in our wonderful facilities, Parke said. For more information, contact Larry.Parke@kctcs.edu or call 606 487-3408.