UCM offers college degrees

Just over 850 people have obtained bachelor s and master s degrees since the University Center of the Mountains (UCM) first opened its doors in fall 2004. Those 850 plus people have had the opportunity to get an education without having to leave the mountains. Many eastern Kentuckians do not want to leave the mountains they love, and others simply cannot leave because of family responsibilities and ties and/or they may have a good part-time or full-time job, and in this current economy, individuals are looking for ways to keep their jobs while also continuing their education. The UCM offers the most cost efficient way to complete a degree. Students and families can save thousands of dollars in higher education costs by staying in the area while earning an advanced degree.

The students received their degrees through UCM partners which include Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Lindsey Wilson College, Midway College, Morehead State University, University of the Cumberlands, and HCTC/KCTCS.

UCM, which is located at Hazard Community and Technical College, is funded through coal severance dollars. Director of the UCM, Deronda Mobelini, noted, The UCM is working well because of the relationships we have established with these regional universities. There are so many benefits for students who take advantage of the UCM. We re seeing their success one student at a time.

Just one of the many benefits is a transfer scholarship. Students who transfer to a UCM partner and who qualify for the transfer scholarship can take baccalaureate programs through the UCM partner at HCTC and pay HCTC tuition rates of $135 per credit hour rather than the average tuition rate of $275 per credit hour. This creates a savings of $140 per credit hour for transfer students who qualify. Once again, students will not have to leave the area to continue their education at a very affordable rate.

Here are just a few comments from students who depended upon the UCM. James Eversole of Perry County noted, The UCM made it possible to achieve my dreams. The supportive staff and teachers of the UCM helped me to achieve my goals in education. David Crawford noted, It offers a unique opportunity where I can live at home. I have two children I will still be able to finish my bachelor s degree and hopefully take it to the next level after that. Judy Craft of Letcher County said, I am attending EKU s RN to BSN Program through the UCM because the location and the flexibility of the scheduling make it possible to continue my education while maintaining family and work commitments.

For more information, contact Deronda Mobelini at (606) 487-3252 or deronda.mobelini@kctcs.edu