Business View Magazine - May 2024

as WIGs, and mobilize the entire college community - from faculty to administration - to work towards these goals.” Central to planning and continuous improvement is workforce training, which Ashland regards as essential to its mandate. This ensures the college educates, prepares, and equips students with the skills to enter the workforce competently. Designed to meet current industry standards and anticipate future needs, programs prepare enrollees for successful careers in high-demand jobs. Brand states,“Everything we do at ACTC is workforce training, and this philosophy is at our core.” This approach has yielded significant achievements. “Our current retention rate is close to 70%, and our graduation rate is close to 60%, which is remarkable,” says Ferguson. ACTC’s focus on continuous improvement and pivotal planning forms its mission’s backbone, driving it towards excellence in education and community service. TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE Ensuring students and staff are equipped with the best tools for success, Ashland College prioritizes integrating current technology across academic and administrative frameworks, Classrooms are outfitted to support online learning, which became critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have a firm commitment to technology. We can go virtual any time,” states Ferguson. Beyond virtual capabilities, the college uses tech for a range of purposes, including predictive analysis of enrollment trends and enhanced student communication. These tools are crucial for maintaining efficiency and responsiveness, allowing for a dynamic approach to management and student engagement. ACTC invests in upgrading program offerings, which is vividly illustrated in the manufacturing and health sciences fields.Notably, the college boasts one of only two 3D metal printers in the entire commonwealth, placing it at the forefront of technological education. Further enhancing infrastructure,Ashland received a state grant to construct a top-tier simulation lab for the health science programs.This facility will include advanced virtual reality (VR), providing immersive and interactive learning experiences critical in the field. Through these and similar initiatives, ACTC supports its educational visions with modern technology, ensuring learners are well-prepared for a workforce where tech proficiency is increasingly indispensable. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT Ashland’s extensive non-profit involvement is a cornerstone of its mission, emphasizing education’s role in broader social impact. “We have a communications plan and are heavily involved in non-profits through our foundation,” Ferguson says, highlighting the structured approach ACTC takes to ensure contributions are meaningful and impactful. Providing Energy Solutions At Marathon Petroleum, we’re in the business of enhancing life’s possibilities. Catlettsburg Kentucky 300K Barrel Capacity 800 Employees Marathon’s Catlettsburg Refinery is a proud member of the local community. Learn more at marathonpetroleum.com/catlettsburg $800K Community Investment 6313 Volunteer Hours ASHLAND COMMUNI TY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE