WKCTC Introduces College Advisory Council, Strengthening Community and Workforce Connections
West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) introduced its new College Advisory
Council during a meeting Thursday, October 29, bringing together leaders from business,
industry, education and community organizations to strengthen partnerships and support
student success throughout western Kentucky.
The College Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity, helping ensure WKCTC remains responsive to the educational, workforce and economic needs of the region while advancing the mission of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
As the council begins its work, WKCTC looks forward to continued collaboration with regional leaders to identify opportunities, strengthen partnerships and expand pathways to student and workforce success.
WKCTC College Advisory Council Members
The following individuals serve on the college's Advisory Council:
- Kenny Boyd, President, Baptist Health Paducah
- Joel Cates, Professor of Mathematics and Faculty Chair, WKCTC
- Taliyah Hamilton, Student Government Association President, WKCTC
- Tony Hamilton, President, B.A.'s Automotive Service Inc.
- Brandi Harless, CEO and Co-Founder, PreventScripts
- Jason Jones, President, Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB)
- Jason Lemle, President, Graves County Economic Development Inc.
- Jason Nyberg, General Counsel and Secretary, Marquette Transportation Company, LLC
- Dianne Owen, Retired Superintendent, Four Rivers Foundation Director, Educational Consultant and Grant Writer
- Myrna Espinosa Redfield, President/CEO and Program Manager, Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, LLC
- Dr. Anton R. Reece, Chancellor, WKCTC
- Amanda Scheidegger, Director of Advising and Staff Council Chair, WKCTC
- Jay Simmons, Superintendent Outreach, West Kentucky Educational Cooperative (WKEC)
Council Elects Officers
During the October 29 meeting, council members also elected officers to serve in leadership roles for the newly established council.
Council Chair: Jay Simmons
Council Vice Chair: Jason Jones
Council Secretary: Myrna Redfield
The newly elected officers will help guide the council's work as it strengthens relationships between WKCTC and regional partners.
"The strength of WKCTC has always been rooted in the partnerships we share with our community," said WKCTC Chancellor Dr. Anton R. Reece.
College Leadership Shares Updates and Priorities
During Thursday's meeting, council members received updates from college leadership highlighting enrollment, student services, academic programs, workforce training, community engagement and campus operations.
A key focus was WKCTC's commitment to connecting education with employment opportunities. College leaders discussed customized workforce training, industry-recognized credentials and flexible educational pathways that allow students to gain valuable skills, enter the workforce and continue their education.
Additional presentations highlighted the work of the Paducah Junior College Foundation, Clemens Fine Arts Center and Challenger Learning Center, along with campus improvement projects, safety enhancements and the college's fiscal year 2027 budget and financial planning process.
The College Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity, helping ensure WKCTC remains responsive to the educational, workforce and economic needs of the region while advancing the mission of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
As the council begins its work, WKCTC looks forward to continued collaboration with regional leaders to identify opportunities, strengthen partnerships and expand pathways to student and workforce success.
