KCTCS President Highlights Workforce Development, Industry Partnerships During Visit to WKCTC

Published on Oct 21, 2025

Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), visited West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) on Friday as part of his statewide “KCTCS for KY” tour, emphasizing partnerships with local industry and expanding access to workforce training.

The luncheon, held at WKCTC’s Emerging Technology Center, brought together college leadership, local officials, business and industry partners, and community stakeholders. The event included remarks from Quarles and WKCTC President Dr. Anton Reece, along with program announcements and a question-and-answer session.

Both presidents stressed the importance of aligning academic programs with evolving workforce needs in the Jackson Purchase region — including preparations for anticipated growth in sectors like nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

“We’re excited that West Kentucky Community and Technical College is already engaging with the prospective nuclear energy profile that’s expected to grow in this region,” Quarles said. “These companies will need highly skilled technical workers, and we’re committed to developing tailored training and curriculum to meet those needs — just as we would for any employer across the Commonwealth.”

Dr. Reece shared that WKCTC is actively involved in economic development discussions tied to new industrial projects, including uranium enrichment, solar and AI-related ventures. He noted that WKCTC is working with state and regional partners — including the University of Kentucky and Murray State University — to establish clear academic-to-workforce pipelines, including a planned 2+2 program in artificial intelligence.

“Our approach is rooted in proactive collaboration,” Reece said. “We’re working closely with economic development leaders and our industry partners to ensure we’re not only sitting at the table early, but building programs that deliver the right skills at the right time. It’s about removing guesswork and preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The visit also highlighted several new initiatives:

• Workforce Pell Grant: Recently passed by Congress, the Workforce Pell expands federal aid to short-term technical training programs lasting between eight and 15 weeks. Many of WKCTC’s current programs are expected to qualify.
• AI and Computer Engineering Technology: WKCTC has launched a computer engineering technology program in partnership with the University of Kentucky, designed to support the region’s growing IT and tech needs.
• Meat Cutting Certificate: KCTCS is launching the first certificate program in the nation dedicated to meat cutting, addressing a specific workforce gap identified by Kentucky food processors.
• Election Training: WKCTC will partner with county clerks ahead of the 2026 elections to provide training for poll workers and election volunteers.
• Prison Education Programs: WKCTC has also expanded college access to incarcerated individuals at local correctional facilities, offering associate degree pathways aimed at reentry and long-term employment.

Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, both leaders confirmed that operations and instruction at KCTCS colleges remain uninterrupted.

The visit also celebrated WKCTC’s recent national recognition. In 2024, the college was named the No. 1 two-year college in the nation by the Bellwether College Consortium, a distinction based on student success, retention, graduation and workforce placement outcomes.

“Being selected from more than 1,000 institutions nationwide is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff and students,” Reece said. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished — but we’re even more focused on what’s next.”

WKCTC is one of 16 colleges in the KCTCS system. President Quarles’ “KCTCS for KY” tour includes stops at each institution to meet with faculty, students and local leaders.