West Kentucky Community and Technical College

WKCTC has consistently excelled in student achievement, ranking in the top 10% within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). The college’s outstanding performance has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a top community college six times and three times as a college of distinction. A significant indicator of WKCTC’s success is its graduation rates, which have substantially increased from 43.5% in 2017 to 51.5%, placing WKCTC among the highest in the nation. The impressive achievement is largely due to the college’s intentional approach to helping students choose the right classes and stay on their path to success. As highlighted by Dr. Akin, the integration of workforce classes that transition effortlessly into academic programs ensures that students’ time spent learning is both valuable and productive, fostering a smooth journey toward graduation and beyond. PRIOR LEARNING CREDIT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS WKCTC continues to innovate with initiatives like the credit for prior learning programs, recognizing students’ existing skills and experiences. Statewide curriculum committees have identified industry certifications corresponding to certain college courses, ensuring students receive credit for their prior learning. The program is particularly beneficial for students with industry experience, such as those in the Coast Guard, allowing them to optimize their time at the college and accelerate their educational progress. In addition to academic advancements, WKCTC maintains strong community partnerships, especially within the healthcare sector. Local hospitals like Mercy Health and Baptist Health Paducah provide clinical training opportunities and financial support, helping to fund nursing faculty salaries.WKCTC also completed a $3.5 million endowment campaign for healthcare accounts, enhancing the nursing program’s quality. Responding to the critical need for RNs, WKCTC has developed a hybrid LPN-to-RN program.The program allows Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to transition to Registered Nurses (RNs) while maintaining their full-time jobs. The hybrid model combines online within a diverse and inclusive campus community. The mission is reflected in every college’s project and program, ensuring each initiative aligns with the region’s needs. The college’s dedication to this mission is evident in its active engagement with advisory committees and business contacts, ensuring that all programs are relevant and beneficial to students and the local community. 6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06