https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/news_and_events/ West Kentucky News en-us Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:49:26 -0500 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss OmniUpdate (OU Publish) https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/04-22-tree-planting.aspx On April 20, West Kentucky Community & Technical College hosted the Arbor Day Foundationand AES Tree Planting Volunteer Event on its main campus, bringing together campus and community members for a hands-on sustainability initiative focused on environmental stewardship. Justin Jones Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:49:26 -0400 2 ladies planting a tree 2 people in green shirts and blank pants planting a tree https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/04-13-arbor-day-grant.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) has received a $21,000 grant from the Arbor Day Foundation, supported by corporate partner AES Energy, to expand the local tree canopy through a campus tree planting project and community tree giveaway. Justin Jones Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:01:00 -0500 Arbor Day Foundation Arbor Day Foundation logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/03-31-wk-ed-coop-outstanding-educator.aspx The Challenger Learning Center has named the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative the 2026 Outstanding Educator of the Year in recognition of its support of STEM education and its partnership in providing learning opportunities for students and teachers across the region. Justin Jones Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:33:59 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/03-31-wkec-grant.aspx The West Kentucky Educational Cooperative has been awarded $1.9 million from the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority to support a regional initiative aimed at preparing students in far West Kentucky for careers in the growing nuclear energy sector. Justin Jones Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:25:04 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/03-27-reasp-awards-ceremony.aspx Educators and education professionals from across the region were honored during last night's Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program, celebrating excellence, dedication, and impact in education. Lindsey Gipson Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:50:38 -0400 REASP Awards REASP Awards https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/03-04-amber-fralix.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College announced that Amber Fralix has earned two national academic honors, being named to the 2026 All-USA Academic Team and selected as Kentucky's 2026 New Century Transfer Scholar. Justin Jones Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:26:57 -0500 Amber Fralix Amber Fralix https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/03-04-reasp.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College will host the ninth annual Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program (REASP), recognizing outstanding pre-kindergarten through high school educators, administrators and staff members who work tirelessly each day on behalf of students, parents, and the community. Justin Jones Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:40:14 -0500 REASP REASP Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/02-27-open-enrollment-summer-fall-2026.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College will open enrollment March 1 for its summer and fall 2026 classes. Justin Jones Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:37:55 -0500 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/01-13-spring-honor-list.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) has announced the President’s Honor List and Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester, recognizing 1,039 full-time and part-time students for outstanding academic achievement. Justin Jones Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2026/01-05-class-offerings.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College will offer flexible class schedules this spring, with 16-week, 12-week and 8-week courses starting in January, February and March to help students begin or return to college. Justin Jones Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:24:21 -0500 Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/12-08-dec-grad.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College will celebrate more than 1,000 graduation candidates during four fall commencement ceremonies December 15-16 at the Clemens Fine Arts Center on the WKCTC campus. This year marks a special milestone: for the first time in many years, WKCTC will return to on-campus commencement ceremonies. Aside from temporary adjustments during COVID, the college has not held regular ceremonies on campus in more than two decades. College leaders said they are excited to welcome graduates and families back into the heart of campus for one of the year's most meaningful celebrations. Justin Jones Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:24:44 -0500 WKCTC logo WKCTC logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/hosa-conference.aspx More than 420 students and advisors from 14 regional schools gathered at West Kentucky Community & Technical College (WKCTC) on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, for the 4th Annual HOSA Regional Conference, an event designed to introduce future health professionals to a wide range of career pathways. Justin Jones Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:28:51 -0500 HOSA Regional Conference Students learning how to control sever bleeding. https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/11-10-john-williams.aspx West Kentucky Community and Technical College announced Monday that John D. Williams, a longtime leader and supporter of the Paducah Junior College Foundation and WKCTC, died Nov. 10, 2025. Justin Jones Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:57:15 -0500 John Williams John Williams https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/11-03-increase-fall-enrollment.aspx Enrollment continues to climb at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, where Fall 2025 headcount reached 5,384 students -- a 2.1% increase, or 110 more students than last year. The growth reflects WKCTC's ongoing momentum and its expanding role in supporting education and workforce development across Western Kentucky. Justin Jones Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:26:15 -0500 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/10-27-tech-hub-ribbon-cutting.aspx 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. Justin Jones Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:31:40 -0400 Tech Hub Ribbon Cutting Dr. Reece and 4 ladies cutting a ribbon in front of the Tech Hub. https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/10-21-quarles-visit.aspx 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. Whitney Walker Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:29:10 -0400 WKCTC logo WKCTC logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/10-13-dual-dolo-exhibitions.aspx Two provocative solo exhibitions exploring themes of technology, identity, and human error will open Oct. 23 at the Bill Ford Gallery and the PJC Gallery at Paducah School of Art and Design. Justin Jones Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:44:49 -0400 PSAD Logo West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Paducah School of Art and Design https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/10-08-faculty-fellows-program.aspx West Kentucky Community & Technical College announced this week that Jason Willoughby, assistant professor at WKCTC, has been selected to participate in the 2025-26 Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education Leadership Fellows Program. Justin Jones Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:41:02 -0400 Jason Willoughby Jason Willoughby https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/10-01-regional-leaders-luncheon.aspx The Paducah Junior College (PJC) Foundation welcomed community leaders and professionals from across the region to the Country Club of Paducah on Wednesday for a special luncheon recognizing National Financial Planning Day. Justin Jones Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:14:04 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/10-01-poetry-center-stage.aspx A weekend of verse, voices and community connection is coming to downtown Paducah as the James Baker Hall Foundation and West Kentucky Community and Technical College present Poetry Weekend, Oct. 24-25, featuring acclaimed Kentucky poet Wesley Houp and local student writers. Justin Jones Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:11:04 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-30-library-mural.aspx Celebrating literacy and creativity, a new "Discover Your Library" mural was unveiled on Monday, September 29, during a reception at Matheson Library on the West Kentucky Community and Technical College campus. Over 50 students, faculty, staff, and community members attended the event, including students who helped imagine and paint the work. Kathy McHaney Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:47:00 -0500 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-26-moon-tree-named-luna-root.aspx A tiny seed that traveled to the moon has now taken root in western Kentucky and thanks to a creative sixth grader, it finally has a name: Luna Root. Justin Jones Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:01:55 -0400 Picture of tree that was just planted. Picture of tree that was just planted. https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-26-national-financial-planning-luncheon.aspx The Paducah Junior College (PJC) Foundation will host a luncheon in recognition of National Financial Planning Day. The event will bring together certified public accountants, attorneys and financial professionals from across the region to highlight the importance of financial planning and its impact on education and community growth. Justin Jones Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:12:45 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-23-tree.aspx A tree that journeyed around the moon is now rooted in western Kentucky and it's about to get its name. The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah will host a public unveiling of the official name of its Artemis Moon Tree during a celebration on Thursday, Sept. 25. Justin Jones Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:46:47 -0400 Tree A newly planted tree. https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-19-scholarship-application.aspx WKCTC Opens 2025-26 Scholarship Application With More Than $500,000 Available Justin Jones Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:07:30 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-17-scholarship-reception.aspx Just over 100 scholarship recipients and donors came together for an evening of connection, gratitude and celebration during West Kentucky Community and Technical College's annual Scholarship Reception, held Sept. 16 at the Clemens Fine Arts Center. Justin Jones Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:47:05 -0400 Scholarship Reception Individuals attending a scholarship reception. https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-17-mlt-grant.aspx The Medical Laboratory Technician program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College has received a $4,000 grant from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists to purchase new laboratory microscopes. Justin Jones Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:36:36 -0400 MLT Grant MLT Instructor holding a check in the amount of $4,000 from ASCP next to a sign "We won a grant!" https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-08-pathways-to-future-reception.aspx The 2025 Pathways to the Future Donor and Scholarship Recipient Reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The event offers an opportunity for scholarship recipients and donors to connect in a casual setting with food and refreshments provided. Justin Jones Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:41:01 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/09-05-dollar-general-grant.aspx The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded the WKCTC Adult Education a $5,000 grant to support family literacy. The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation's history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. Justin Jones Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:25:47 -0400 Dollar General Store Grant Person holding a check from Dollar General Literacy Foundation in the amount of $5,000 made out to WKCTC Adult Education. Another person is holding a sign reading We Won A Grant! WKCTC. https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/2025-08-28-psad-2-exhibitions.aspx Two exhibitions will open simultaneously at the Paducah School of Art & Design (PSAD) on Thursday, Aug. 28 showcasing the works of printmaking artists Mark Donham and Michael Crouse, as well as drawings by Nashville artist Hannah Maxwell Rowell. In the Bill Ford Gallery, Two Part Harmony features a two-person printmaking exhibition by Southern Illinois artist Mark Donham and Paducah artist Michael Crouse. Justin Jones Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:34:38 -0400 WKCTC Logo WKCTC Logo https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/2025-08-01-summer-bridge-program.aspx For two weeks in July recent graduates from area high schools participated in the Summer Bridge program at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. Through the program the students -- all of whom will be attending WKCTC this fall -- had the opportunity to learn more about the campus, take workshops on best practices for studying and test-taking, meet with faculty and staff, and learn more about program options at the college. Kathy McHaney Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:28:38 -0400 Students with certificates Students with certificates https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/07-03-spring-honor-list.aspx The West Kentucky Community and Technical College Spring 2025 semester President's Honor List and Dean's List are announced, with 885 full-time and part-time students named for their academic achievement. Both lists recognize the success exhibited by the work and diligence WKCTC students bring to their studies. Josh Henderson <joshua.henderson@kctcs.edu> Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:22:53 -0400 WKCTC Spring 2025 Honor Lists WKCTC Spring 2025 Honor List https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/2025-06-18-wkctc-empower-students-through-pathway.aspx For many students, the dream of higher education can feel just out of reach. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is working to change that by helping individuals take the next step toward an affordable, achievable college experience. Justin Jones Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:22:25 -0400 https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/2025-06-17-ged-graduation-june-26.aspx The 2024-2025 GED graduation will be held June 26 at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. More than 65 students are eligible to participate in the ceremony to celebrate their achievement with family and friends. Three GED recipients, and Margie Silvia from Goodwill Opportunity Center will be the keynote speakers for the evening. Justin Jones Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:19:19 -0400 https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/2025-06-12-wastelanders-summer-solstice-show-opens.aspx The Wastelanders Summer Solstice Show - a vibrant celebration of artists from the Paducah, Kentucky area - will open Monday, June 23 at the Paducah School of Art & Design. Josh Henderson <joshua.henderson@kctcs.edu> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:17:16 -0400 https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/newsroom/news/2025/2025-05-20-not-grandpa-factory.aspx This engaging workshop will introduce educators to the exciting world of modern industrial maintenance, where hands-on skills meet high-tech innovation. Participants will explore how today's careers in Industry 4.0-the fourth industrial revolution-blend robotics, automation, sensors, and smart systems with traditional mechanical know-how. No prior knowledge or experience with applied technology subjects is required. The workshop will be held from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm June 4, 2025, at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College Emerging Technology Center in Paducah, Kentucky, and is open to any high school classroom instructor in the region (KY, IL, MO, TN). Justin Jones Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:13:36 -0400