Professor Miller retiring from HCTC

English Professor M. Kay Miller is retiring after 36 years of teaching for Lees and Hazard Community and Technical College. I have had a blast working at Lees as a junior college, then under UK, and now for KCTCS. I love the students -- they're great people. The faculty and staff are likewise rare and wonderful people to work with. How did we get so many great people in one place? I'm going to miss everyone. It has been an honor and a privilege to work here, she said.

Ms. Miller s students describe her as a great teacher. Another noted that Ms. Miller has really improved my writing skills. Another wrote, She would always explain what we are doing, when it was due and how to do it. If we had questions she would always answer them for us with no hesitation. I like having her as my English teacher. Another said, She taught with passion and was very considerate with any subject. I have to say she was the best professor yet!

Professor Miller noted a change she s seen during her long career, saying 40 years ago students were better at grammar, but now they're better at story. You can always teach grammar, but it's harder to teach a sense of story.

Dr. R. Kathy Smoot, Vice President of Academic Services and Provost, praised Ms. Miller for the interest she always took in the overall well-being of her students and her generosity even outside the classroom. M. Kay would help students at every turn and we appreciate all she was willing to do to help students toward success, Dr. Smoot said.

HCTC President Dr. Steve Greiner commended Professor Miller for her teaching, and her willingness to keep abreast of new teaching styles through the years. Ms. Miller has had a wonderful career with our college and many students are better writers because of her work and dedication.

Ms. Miller holds a bachelor s degree and master s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin and a master s of Fine Arts from Spaulding University. Her life has been rich in experience, including teaching in Alaska and working with Eskimos and Indians from another culture. I learned so much and to appreciate those not from my culture who had a great deal to teach. It's amazing the things you can learn if you are willing to listen and observe. In her past, she worked as a Girl Scout camp counselor for four summers which she said was a hoot. She can cook a turkey in a hayhole and carve handies.

Her plans for retirement include catching up on sleep for the first three weeks, then reading, writing, and traveling.