WKCTC celebrates Tech Hub with ribbon-cutting, highlights student success

Published on Oct 27, 2025

West Kentucky Community and Technical College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its Tech Hub, a space designed to support both students and faculty in advancing their technology skills and academic success.

The event, held inside the Matheson Learning Resource Center, featured remarks from WKCTC leadership, faculty and students, followed by guided tours and demonstrations of the Tech Hub’s podcast booths and other resources.

"The Tech Hub is a place where students and faculty can come to learn how to use technology and get help with anything from uploading assignments to downloading Microsoft Office 365,” said Melissa Burgess, Tech Hub facilitator. “It's hands-on support that meets people where they are.”

Since its launch in 2024, the Tech Hub has completed more than 3,000 student interactions through tours and scheduled visits, including 828 one-on-one appointments for direct technology support.

“We’ve seen real improvement in student success,” Burgess said. “Several students have come back to tell us their grades have improved, and they’ve been able to pass key courses like English, first-year experience, and medical terminology—courses that are often gateways to continuing their degree programs.”

Burgess said the Tech Hub’s success reflects the value of investing in both technology and personalized support.
“This first year has proven that when innovation meets support, transformation follows,” she said.

Student speaker Allen Williford, a 45-year-old business student returning to college after a long break, shared how the Tech Hub helped him overcome academic challenges.

“Balancing work, family and school isn’t easy, and I was struggling until I found the Tech Hub,” Williford said. “Melissa and Griff made me feel welcome from day one. They’re patient, they explain things in a way that just clicks—and we’ve had a lot of laughs along the way. My grades have improved, and learning has become fun again. The helpers in life are the true champions, and that’s what the Tech Hub team is to me.”

WKCTC President Dr. Anton Reece addressed attendees, emphasizing the college’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in supporting student learning through innovation and technology.

The Tech Hub includes podcast booths, computers, and collaborative workspaces that are available for students, faculty and staff. It also serves as a faculty training center to help instructors integrate new technology into their classrooms.

"Rather than feeling discouraged or dropping out, students who’ve used the Tech Hub are staying in school and succeeding," Burgess added. "And faculty are moving beyond traditional lectures by learning new digital tools to engage students."

The ribbon-cutting also featured recorded remarks from student Tina Dunkerson and concluded with light refreshments and tours of the updated facilities.

The Tech Hub is located in Room A of the Matheson Learning Resource Center at WKCTC’s main campus, 4810 Alben Barkley Drive in Paducah.

For more information, contact:

Melissa Burgess MS, CPhT
Tech Hub Facilitator
melissa.burgess@kctcs.edu

West Kentucky Community & Technical College
4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Tech Hub: (270) 534-3334
Office: (270) 534-3495