Richard Ramsey named KCTCS New Horizons Administrative Staff Excellence award nominee

Imagine a math lab with 30 students who are all needing help. That is the world for Instructional Specialist Richard Ramsey who handles all the students needs very well, even though the students are enrolled in different classes. This ability is one reason Ramsey is being honored by Hazard Community and Technical College with the KCTCS New Horizons Administrative Staff Excellence award. He is HCTC's nominee for the KCTCS statewide award.

HCTC Interim President Dr. Juston Pate noted, Richard is seen as a caring individual who goes the extra mile to help students be successful. He accommodates students schedules by arriving early and/or staying late, if needed. As a former student, Richard understands the struggles of our students and is empathetic to them.

Leila Sandlin Smith, Academic Dean, said, Richard is hardworking, enthusiastic, and he works tirelessly to be an outstanding instructional specialist, continually striving for excellence. Richard is a goal setter he determines the goals he wants to reach and then gives 110 percent to achieve those goals. Richard is the type of person who does whatever it takes especially for the benefit of students.

A student who nominated Ramsey for recognition stated, Richard deserves this award because of his hard work and dedication that he shows to each individual. He is never too busy to answer a question, and maintains his professionalism when he is swamped with enquiring students. His genuine smile gives the students the assurance they need.

Ramsey said he loved working for HCTC. It seems that we are more of a family and not work colleagues. I feel incredibly fortunate to have great faculty and staff to work with. Everyone has been amazing. I also love working with the students; it's amazing to see that moment when they finally "get it." I have had a number of students thank me and tell me that they wouldn't have been able to make it without my help. Knowing that I have helped someone improve their life and hopefully become more successful is the reason I love my job.

Ramsey began at HCTC in 2014. He holds two associate degrees from HCTC and he is working on his bachelor s degree through Morehead State.

Richard and his wife, Isis Ramsey, have two children, Desiree, 14 and Ben, 8. The family lives in Campton.