West Kentucky News

PADUCAH, KY (March 2, 2016) – Georgiana Roberts of Mayfield was recently named Student of the Year for 2015 at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Roberts was one of six previous Student of the Month winners nominated for the award. Student of the Month winners were selected between February and November 2015 with Roberts winning in April.

"I feel honored and blessed that I have been given the opportunities on campus that allowed me to grow as a person and a leader," said the 28-year-old Graves County native. "I would not be here today without the encouragement of faculty and staff who helped and supported me along this journey."

Roberts had taken classes at WKCTC after graduating from Graves County High School in 2006, but took time off to take care of her father who lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer in May 2014. Roberts then returned to WKCTC in fall 2014 to fulfill a promise she made to her father - a promise to return to college, to earn a degree, and to pursue a career fueled by her passion to help others.

During her time at WKCTC, Roberts served as the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter president, and she continues to serve as Kentucky Region Vice President for membership for PTK. Roberts also currently serves as the college's Student Government Association president. As the student body president, she attends meetings of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and serves on the Intellectual Property Committee for KCTCS, an appointed position by Dr. Jay Box, KCTCS president. She is a student worker and peer mentor in the Trio Student Support Services.

Set to graduate from WKCTC with an associate in arts degree spring 2016, Roberts will transfer to the University of Kentucky this fall. She plans to continue her education to earn a doctorate degree in psychology and hopes to become a Christian counselor.

"Success isn't a gift, it's a choice," Roberts said about continuing her education and her life goals. "Everyday you get up, you make a choice to conquer the day or let the day conquer you. I choose to be the conqueror."

Selection of the Student of the Year is based on continuous academic performance, active participation in various student organizational activities and community service, while exhibiting a positive and encouraging attitude. Students had to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher and must have held and been successful in a significant leadership role on campus or within the community.

As Student of the Year, Roberts will receive an award of excellence, $200 and recognition in various college and media outlets.

PADUCAH, KY (March 4, 2016) - West Kentucky Community and Technical College has launched a $5 million campaign to provide continued support for the Community Scholarship Program (CSP), college officials announced Thursday.

WKCTC President Barbara Veazey said many students simply don’t have the resources to attend college. The Community Scholarship Program is helping to take away those financial barriers, she said. “I can say to students, if you will go to college, you will be successful; you will be able to support your family,” Veazey told the audience at the Power in Partnership Breakfast March 3. “But I can never once give them the hope that they really can. This scholarship will.”

The Community Scholarship Program was launched in 2010 with one simple goal – to increase the number of high school students who transition to college by providing a scholarship to all Paducah/ McCracken County graduates. CSP was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Paducah as a public-private partnership with initial investments from city and county government, as well as local businesses and organizations. The intent was to provide a scholarship to help students attain a two-year degree or industry certification from WKCTC. No state or federal funding is associated with this program.

The scholarship provides funding for up to 60 credit hours toward a technical certification and/or an associate degree at WKCTC. The scholarship pays the balance of tuition not paid by federal or state aid and other scholarships received. Students from all Paducah and McCracken County public and private high schools and home-schooled students are eligible to receive funding. Candidates must enroll in the CSP by October 1st of their high school freshman year and meet the established high school performance guidelines.

WKCTC has invested heavily in several services to support the CSP, including mentoring programs, college coaching and first year experience courses.

Scott Darnell, president/CEO of Paducah Economic Development, said the Community Scholarship Program makes Paducah unique in the eyes of businesses looking to locate here. “The types of companies that we want to attract into McCracken County are the companies who are going to look at this program as not an immediate need of how we fill local jobs but for generations to come.”

The scholarship it is an investment into Paducah’s future, said Paducah Public School Principal Donald Shivley. “As superintendent of Paducah Public Schools, I see first hand our students focus on their future, how to plug into the local economy and their gratitude for the scholarship opportunity that they otherwise would not have.”

The first group of CSP students arrived on the WKCTC campus in August 2014. Their arrival on campus meant the community kept their commitment to these students so they could graduate or transfer without tuition debt.

The scholarship has meant a great deal to recipient Courtney Ford. The 19-year-old West Paducah resident is studying business administration at WKCTC. She said it would have been hard for her mother as a single parent to send her to college without the Community Scholarship Program. “I have a younger brother and sister who are going to be right after me with college,” Ford said. “This (scholarship) has really helped me in my journey to take the first steps to my college life. And I just hope the program is there for them when it comes their time and they have the same opportunities.”

Though it is early, initial reports of the progress of CSP students at WKCTC has been encouraging:
More CSP students returning from one fall semester to the next as compared to all other freshmen students from through region.
CSP students are earning more college credit hours on average than their non-CSP peers at WKCTC.
The average grade point average of CSP students is higher than the average cumulative grade point average of WKCTC students who did not receive the CSP scholarship.

“This is a very good start and we want to build on this success,” Veazey said. “The future of our community depends on a education workforce. We have taken on that challenge with the support of the Community Scholarship Program and we want it to continue.”

Anyone who would like to support the Community Scholarship Program can contact Ashley Wright at 270-534-3084 or ashley.wright@kctcs.edu.

Paducah, Kentucky (March 7, 2016) - Alpha Epsilon Beta (AEB) and Diagnostic Medial Sonography (DMS) students at West Kentucky Community and Technical College are hosting two 5K runs for worthy causes in the community next month.

AEB students, who are members of WKCTC’s local chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, have joined forces with the Paducah Human Rights Commission for the Heroes’ Race to Fight Child Abuse 5K run on the WKCTC campus. The race, which will honor military and civil service heroes, will be held on the WKCTC campus April 16 beginning at 5 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit Paducah Child Watch Children’s Advocacy Center. No refunds can be given and entries are non-transferable.

Preregistration is $25 by April 1 and includes an event t-shirt. Late or race day registration is $30. A one-mile Youth Fun Run/Walk will immediately follow the 5K run. The youth run/walk is $10 without a t-shirt; $20 with a t-shirt if register by April 1. The WKCTC campus will be closed to traffic from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Race check-in begins at 3 p.m. in the Anderson Technical Building parking lot. No pets, bikes or skates allowed on the campus course.

Visit http://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/News%20and%20Events/newsItem?id={3F08BA2E-EA5C-442B-ACF2-803475FE92EC} to download detailed information and registration form.

The DMS students will host their second annual Superhero 5K Fun Run April 23 in Paducah’s Noble Park beginning at 10 a.m.

Participants can run or walk to help raise money for the DMS Class of 2016 examination fees and for the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, service and events for wounded veterans of the military actions following the events of September 11, 2001.

Preregistration is $25 before March 18. Late and race day registration is $35. Children 12 and under are $15 per child. The 5K run will be followed immediately by a 1K run/walk. The race will be held rain or shine. Event t-shirts available while supplies last.

Participants are invited to wear their favorite superhero costumes on race day.

Visit http://westkentucky.kctcs.edu/News%20and%20Events/newsItem?id={E8B3732D-214F-4327-9498-9D410FA9FF30} to download detailed information and registration form.

For more information about the Heroes’ Race to Fight Child Abuse, contact Gary Reese, AEB advisor, at garyl.reese@kctcs.edu, 270-534-3172. For more information about the Superhero Race, contact Miranda Hackney, WKCTC Sonography Club secretary, at mhackney0010@kctcs.edu, 270-534-3487.

WKCTC will offer four summer sessions beginning May 16 through August 5. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for specific summer class offerings.

Paducah, Kentucky (March 7, 2016) – “Name the Nose Cone.” That is the name of the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah’s contest to choose the right name for the nose cone the center recently received as a donation from the Paducah Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

Kindergarten through eighth grade students are invited to name this bit of history by participating in the “Name the Nose Cone” contest that is open now until March 31.
Multiple students from one classroom may enter. Entries must be received online.

This nose cone went to space on an Atlas rocket sometime between 1963 and 1965. Although it did not orbit the Earth, the nose cone was a test for the U.S. Air Force’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program. The nose cone did not carry a missile, but instead was used to test for reentry and the best time for missile detonation.

While located in Paducah since 1967, the nose cone has not been on display for several years. Now its location will be outside the Challenger Learning Center, and the CLC staff is asking area students to join the contest to choose a new name for its new home.

The student whose “Name the Nose Cone” entry is chosen will receive a water bottle rocketry program for their class or homeschool group of up to 30 students. The CLC staff can bring the program to the school or the school can chose to visit the center.

The winning student and family will also be invited to the nose cone dedication to be scheduled in April.

Contest rules and entry details can be found at www.clcpaducah.org. Entries must be received on line at http://www.namecontests.com/cynxwa2k. Any entry that does not follow the rules and guidelines will be automatically disqualified. Judges will be CLC staff and members of the Civil Air Patrol.

To learn more about the nose cone, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S2ojqTsy0I.
The Challenger Learning Center is located on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. For more information about the CLC programming or the contest, contact Mellisa Duncan, CLC director, at mellisa.duncan@kctcs.edu, 270-534-3097.
WKCTC will offer four summer sessions beginning May 16 through August 5. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for specific summer class offerings.

After more than 40 years of service in education, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) President Dr. Barbara Veazey announced March 11, 2016 her plan to retire, effective June 30, 2016.

During a faculty and staff meeting in Crounse Hall today, Dr. Veazey said she has been blessed to work in the community college and have a career in a place that changes lives, like no other, through education.

“I am inspired each day by the brightest, most forward thinking group of individuals. Our faculty and staff, the WKCTC Board of Directors, PJC Foundation and the community have been a bedrock of support for education,” Dr. Veazey said.

West Kentucky enrolls more than 9,000 students in academic, career and transfer programs in western Kentucky and online. It also conducts extensive customized education and training programs for area employers.

In May 2002, then Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Michael B. McCall appointed Veazey president of Paducah Community College. McCall named her CEO of the West Kentucky Community and Technical College District, and when PCC consolidated with West Kentucky Technical College to become West Kentucky Community and Technical College in 2003, Dr. Veazey became the founding president of WKCTC.

Biden Dr. Veazey had been a nurse, a nursing instructor, a college department chair, a dean of academic affairs, and an interim college president before being named the first WKCTC president. From the start, her goal for the College was clear – to work with faculty, staff, students, and the community to build a truly preeminent, comprehensive community and technical college. In her tenure as president, West Kentucky has been recognized nationally for achievements in student access and success and contributions to regional economic development. The College was named to the top 10 in the nation each of the three (2011, 2013, 2015) times the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence has been awarded.

With an intense love for not only the College but also the region, Dr. Veazey translated her knowledge of education into what was needed to have a thriving community college in the 21st century. In her vision of the College, there was a future for a state-of-the-art emerging technology center, an art school, new and expanded off campus centers, and expanding academic and career programs to meet local and statewide needs. All of which were accomplished in record time during her 14-year tenure as president.

“Over the last 14 years, Dr. Barbara Veazey has proven herself as an outstanding college president. She has elevated WKCTC to national prominence through multiple Aspen Institute awards and has firmly established WKCTC as the shining star in Kentucky’s western sky,” said Dr. Jay Box, KCTCS president. “Dr. Veazey has focused on the comprehensive mission of a community and technical college—putting as much emphasis on developing a skilled workforce as to expanding arts education. She will be sorely missed.”

A Marshall County native, Dr. Veazey gained a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Murray State University, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Evansville, and a doctorate in higher educational administration from Southern Illinois University.

During her long and respected career at Paducah’s community college, Dr. Veazey assisted in the development of new programs in a variety of fields including physical therapy assistance, paramedicine, health physics, and the establishment of the University of Kentucky College of Engineering at Paducah.

Dr. Veazey successfully led the merger of two separate colleges into today’s WKCTC – an institution that is a leader for quality of life through education. Dr. Veazey has been a national and international consultant on higher education and workforce development issues.

In 2000, she was named the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year. She received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2002 from Murray State University and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award that same year. In 2011, Dr. Veazey and the College were honored by receiving the Chamber’s prestigious Summit Award for leading economic development in the community. Dr. Veazey was named “A Champion of Change” by the White House and President Barack Obama.

Despite tough economic times, Dr. Veazey has guided WKCTC through a period of transformation and growth and spearheaded significant changes in the communities it serves. Under her leadership, WKCTC added additional programs including: applied engineering technology, criminal justice, medical laboratory technician, culinary arts and logistics and operations management – all in cooperation with and the support of local businesses and industries. Dr. Veazey oversaw the construction of a new $18 million emerging technology building and engineering research lab, the renovation of an Inland Logistics and Marine Institute, the Skilled Craft Training Center in Graves County and the establishment of the three-building Paducah School of Art and Design campus located in LowerTown.

KCTCS President Jay Box will be on campus later in the month to explain the search process for the next president.

Other Information:

College Timeline (2002-2016)
Accomplishments during Dr. Veazey's Tenure as President
Download photograph of Dr. Veazey

PADUCAH, KY (March 15, 2016) – Community education offerings at West Kentucky Community and Technical College for the next several weeks will include a secret spy camp, a basketball clinic, a social media workshop and classes on estate planning, culinary cuisine and the next step in honeybee keeping.

Classes are listed as follows.

Culinary Offerings

Cajun Appetizers
March 24, 6 p.m.
Anderson Technical Building Culinary Kitchen and Bistro
Age: Adult
Chef Erik Engelland is on the road again. This time, the tour around the world continues as students enter the mystical land of Turkey. Experience the flavor from the different regions of Turkey with Midye Dolmasi, stuffed mussel; Domates Salatasi, a tomato and cucumber salad; and Imam Bayildi, a rich stuffed eggplant dish. Cost: $45.

Computer Offerings

"Smile: Have fun with photographs using Word"
March 29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Emerging Technology Center, Room 112
Age: Adult
Learn to easily take a good snapshot and include it in a Word document, use Word 2010 and 2013 to edit the image and apply all sorts of styles and special effects to make it look better in a few simple steps. Helpful hints for the advanced beginners. First part of class taught by a professional photographer. Bring a digital camera or phone and learn the secrets behind taking outstanding photos. The class meets two sessions in one day, three hours at a time. Cost: $115.

Challenger Semester Offerings

Secret Agent Spy Camp
April 7-8, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Challenger Learning Center at Paducah, WKCTC campus
Age: Current Grades 2 – 5
A secret spy mission awaits students in this fun and unique offering. At secret agent training students will develop a disguise cover, make and break codes, discover escape and evasion techniques, create and use spy gadgets, and uncover the science behind spying. Cost: $95

Club Challenger A
April 12, 4:15 – 5:45 p.m.
Challenger Learning Center at Paducah, WKCTC campus
Age: Current Grades 1-2
Students can explore the amazing wonders of science during the Challenger Learning Center after school program, Club Challenger. Students join the fun once a month to participate in exciting hands-on activities related to space and science. Cost: $45

Sports Clinics

Basketball Clinic
April 8, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Haws Gymnasium
Age: Grades 4 – 6
WKCTC Stars coach Mike Chumbler and the college’s basketball team will host this one day clinic to teach boys and girls the basics of the game of basketball, both offensively and defensively. Different levels of instruction will be offered based on prior experience. This interactive camp will allow young athletes to train and learn from the WKCTC collegiate athletes. Lunch will be provided. Cost: $35.

Lifestyles, Fitness and Hobbies

Honeybee Husbandry – Course 2 (continuance of Keeping Honeybees, beginning process)
April 12, 19, 26 and May 7, 6 – 8 p.m.
Emerging Technology Center
Age: Adult
This course picks up where the first course left off. Topics will include:

·       choosing the type of honeybees for your operation;
·       knowing the enemy, part one;
·       the need to feed;
·       developing and maintaining a sustainable honeybee business and more.

On May 7, participants will have the opportunity to visit a beekeeping business and take part in a hands-on lesion. All participation is voluntary and protective gear will be available if needed. Cost: $100.

Paducah School of Art and Design Community Offerings

Ask Questions, Find No Lies: Painting and Personal Revelation
April 9, 16, 23 and 30
2D and Graphic Design Building, Room 202
905 Harrison Street, Downtown Paducah
Age: Adult
This workshop is about pushing personal and creative boundaries and examining media (oil) and a variety of tools. Participants will explore painterly abstraction to rethink expectations and outcomes and see tools and media for what they are and what they can be. Cost: $120. An additional $50 is estimated for student supplies; a list will be provided upon registration.

Estate Planning Offering

Estate Planning
April 7, 6 – 8 p.m.
Emerging Technology Center
Age: Adult
Join Elizabeth A. Wieneke, attorney at law with Whitlow, Roberts, Houston and Straub, PLLC, as she provides essential information for your financial future. Wieneke’s practice is focused in the areas of estate planning and administration, elder law, real estate and property law, business and corporate law, planning for long term care and potential disability, and concerns regarding need to qualify for VA benefits and Medicaid. Cost: $10.

Marketing Through Social Media Offerings

The “Other” Social Media Networks
April 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Emerging Technology Center
Age: Adult
Facebook may consume a large chunk of people’s online time, but what about the other social media networks such as Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest that are growing rapidly in popularity. Learn about these social networks and more. Cost: $20.

More catalog offerings will be offered later in February. Registrations for summer camps are now being taken. Download a full listing of summer camps and upcoming community education classes at http://issuu.com/jblythe0001/docs/communityeducation/1.

Preregistration is required for all classes and early registration is encouraged. The registration deadline is seven days prior to class starting date. Classes may be cancelled due to lack of enrollment. Register online at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky/category/category.aspx or by calling 270-534-3335.

For more information about the Community Education Catalog or upcoming offerings, contact Kevin O’Neill at kevin.oneill@kctcs.edu or 270-534-3206.

PADUCAH, KY (March 16, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Relay for Life Team invites the community to paint to help fight against cancer and raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS) March 29 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Anderson Technical Building student lounge.

Participants can create their own painting designs on pre-cut wooden spring-themed cutouts that can be a fun gift or spring décor for their own front door. The paint party cost is $25 with $10 of each participant’s fee benefitting the ACS.

“We had a great turnout for our first winter-themed paint party this past December with more than 40 participants helping us raise nearly $600 for the ACS, and everyone who participated told us it was a wonderful and unique way to spend an evening with friends and family while being a part of the fight against cancer at the same time,” said Travis, WKCTC Relay for Life Team captain. “We invite everyone in the community to participate in the March 29 paint party and help us continue to take a stand against this devastating disease,” she said.

To join the paint party, participants must choose their cutout by March 22. Cutout designs can be found at http://goo.gl/IaTPYt or by contacting Blair Travis 270-534-3083 or blair.travis@kctcs.edu.

PADUCAH, KY (March 15, 2016) – Spring is just around the corner and with it comes two West Kentucky Community and Technical College community education courses that will teach individuals how to make their own beautiful floral and cake decorating creations.

The Beginning Floral Design class will be held four consecutive Thursday evenings beginning March 31 and running through April 21. The class will be held from 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the college’s Emerging Technology Center, Room 140.

Instructor Maryann Cain, who is a floral business owner and designer, interior decorator and specialty painter, will include the following topics in her four-week class.

• Introduction to design and bow making
• Basic floral design step by step
• Creating your own style
• Make your own wreath

The cost is $89 for the four-session course. Some course supplies will need to be furnished by each student.

Certified Wilton Method Instructor Linda Mayes, who has been decorating cakes for nearly 20 years, will teach Course One Building Buttercream Skills on four consecutive Thursday evenings in April and May. She will teach the course in the Anderson Technical Building, Room 159 from 6 – 8 p.m.

During the four-week course, participants can learn how to decorate cakes and sweet treats with basic buttercream techniques and six simple-to-pipe flowers that transform ordinary cakes into extraordinary results. Participants should bring their own apron and wear closed-toe shoes.

Lesson 1, April 14
Start with the basics and learn how to make buttercream icing, stars, rosettes, bag striping, professionally ice a cupcake and so much more. Participants will decorate their cupcakes before going home to show show friends and family all they learned in class.

Lesson 2, April 21
Learn how to ice a cake and decorate with dots, pulled dots, piping gel pattern transfer and more. Participants will decorate cakes at the end of class and be amazed with the new skills they learned in only two classes.

Lesson 3, April 28
Learn different borders like zigzag, easy ruffle, shell, and bead. Create decorations like the Star Drop Flower, Swirl Drop Flower, Daisy, Sunflower and the Zinnia.

Lesson 4, May 5
Learn the technique to writing on cakes and the Ribbon Rose. Decorate cakes with the techniques learned throughout the entire course.

The cost is $69 for the four-session course. Fee includes student kit and guide. A list of optional supplies costing approximately $40 will be provided the first night of class.

Register for the floral design and cake decorating classes by calling 270-534-3335 or online at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky, select Floral Design or Culinary.

PADUCAH, KY (March 16, 2016) - Paducah School of Art & Design (PSAD) is pleased to announce the hosting of space.cowboy.the.graphic.design.of.david.carson, an exhibition of commissioned graphic design, photographs and other original works by world-renowned graphic designer David Carson March 31 – May 6, 2016.

The exhibition will be part of the March 31, 2016 opening celebration for PSAD’s new 30,000-square-foot 2D and Graphic Design Building at 905 Harrison Street in LowerTown Paducah, Ky. The exhibition reception and opening celebration will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Carson exhibition will remain on view through May 6, 2016. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

“The exhibition marks a highpoint in PSAD’s established exhibition program and is a rare opportunity to experience a diverse selection of Carson’s work first hand,” said PSAD dean Paul Aho. “The exhibition reflects his revolutionary approach to assembling visual information and how images and typography can come together in non-traditional ways to convey emotion and communicate a message.” As Carson himself is known to caution, “Don’t mistake legibility for communication.” But as Carson further explains, “It’s the basic decisions—images, cropping and appropriate font and design choices—that make design work, not having the ability to overlap or play with opacity.”

“David Carson is widely considered the most influential graphic designer of our time,” Aho said, “and PSAD is pleased and proud to be bringing his work to the region.”

To complement the exhibition, David will be giving an artist’s talk at 6 p.m. on April 1, which is also free and open to the public. Space is limited for the lecture; advanced registration is encouraged. The lecture will be presented in Room 208 at PSAD’s 2D and Graphic Design Building, 905 Harrison Street.

A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Carson is likely best known for his work in magazine and poster design. London-based Creative Review magazine dubbed Carson, “Art Director of the Era,” and The American Center for Design (Chicago) called his pioneering design of Ray Gun magazine “the most important work coming out of America.” His work on Beach Culture magazine won “Best Overall Design” and “Cover of the Year” from the Society of Publication Designers in New York, N.Y. Carson and his work have been featured in over 180 magazine and newspaper articles around the world, including a feature in Newsweek magazine, and a front-page article in the New York Times.

In January 2014, Carson was named among the "Top 30 Innovators” in 30 years of Apple by Apple computers, which described David as a “Pioneer with profound impact.” He was also named the 2014 Centennial Gold Medalist by the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), the AIGA’s highest honor; and in 1993 as “Designer of the Year” by the International Center for Photography for his work with photography and design. He has served as worldwide creative director for Bose and created worldwide branding campaigns for Microsoft and Giorgio Armani (Milan). Carson ran his own studio in New York City from 1995 to 2003, working with clients that included Nike, Toyota, Audi, Quiksilver and MTV. Since then he has held a variety of positions, lectured extensively around the world and continued his design work through projects with the Harvard Graduate School of Design, London’s National Theatre and Smithsonian Institute, among many others.

As a public speaker, Carson has recently served as keynote speaker at the 2014 FUSE: Branding+ Design conference in Chicago and as guest speaker at TYPO/Berlin 2014. He has also addressed sold out crowds in 2013 at Sophia Design Week, Bulgaria (600+), and Portland Design Week, Portland, Oregon. More recent appearances included lectures in England, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Canada.

To reserve a seat during David Carson’s April 1 artist’s talk at PSAD, please call 270.408.4278.

Paducah School of Art & Design is a division of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. PSAD offers an Associate in Fine Arts degree, as well as studio art classes for students of all levels and disciplines. Classes are offered on WKCTC’s main campus, at 919 Madison Street, and at 905 Harrison Street in historic LowerTown Paducah.

PADUCAH, KY. (March 17, 2016) - The Clemens Fine Arts Center welcomes Johnny Appleseed to the stage for the Backstage Pass series Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Johnny Appleseed, founded in 2012 by a group of young musicians from Nashville, Tenn., captures the sounds and styles of Bob Wills? western swing, Ray Price?s country shuffles, Elvis? early hard hitting rockabilly and Count Basie?s big band swing. The band mixes all these sounds together and delivers it with a contemporary flair to a new audience.

Nashville Scene says, “we caught a little portion of local honky-tonk outfit Johnny Appleseed’s killer and remarkably tight performance… those dudes make true-blue American country music in the classic sense of the term.”

Band members are Casey Driscoll on fiddle, Jon Estes on bass, Andrew Hunt on vocals and guitars, Brett Resnick on pedal steel, Mark Sloan on guitars and vocals and Andrew Squire on drums.

“Put these guys all on one stage and something great happens - you enjoy harmonized lead lines, ripping solos and fantastic arrangements abound,” said Brian Heller, WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center director.

Tickets are $5 at the door in the Clemens Fine Arts Center on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The audience will be seated on stage with the performers in an intimate, coffeehouse setting. Beverages and desserts will be available throughout the evening at a minimal cost.

Summer classes at WKCTC begin in May. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for program offerings.

Paducah, KY (March 9, 2016) – Going to college has always been the priority for Oluwaseun “Sean” Sholola’s family. A native of West Africa, Nigeria, and one of seven siblings, he is not the first to go to college. But Sholola said he has “experienced it and seen how it pays to get a college education.”

Putting that philosophy to work, he has high educational expectations of himself, determination and a strong work ethic. These are a few reasons why he was recently selected as February Student of the Month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

“I feel privileged to have been chosen as Student of the Month at WKCTC,” said the 23-year-old McCracken County resident, who moved to the United States in August 2014. “I am attending West Kentucky because it’s an affordable high standard college in America. It’s one of the top three community colleges in the country, and it’s a pathway to fulfilling my dream and career goal.”

Before leaving Nigeria, Sholola earned a National Diploma in metallurgical and materials engineering and studied at Murray State University before transferring to WKCTC in spring 2015.

Currently studying Industrial Maintenance Technology, Sholola said West Kentucky is preparing him for a future in the petroleum industry. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a doctorate degree in petroleum engineering. He said WKCTC is the right place to begin that journey.

“The hands-on practical experiences here make WKCTC distinct and best for learning. The instructor-student friendship also makes it easy for students to learn academic and social lessons,” said Sholola. “I’m from a country where schools believe so much in theory rather than practice, and coming to WKCTC has introduced me to the practical world of engineering. I have always told my friends planning to come overseas to learn that WKCTC is a place to get the best preparation for the real world,” he said.

In addition to his studies, Sholola serves as student ambassador and a tutor in the college’s tutoring center.

“Sean possesses an uncanny ability to intuit aspects of assisting students that cannot be trained. His work ethic is unparalleled...and he is one of the most intelligent people I have ever known,” said Mason Tudor, WKCTC academic support coordinator.

“He has become a sort of hub in the international student community. Students from all over the world come to visit Sean and let him explain aspects of their courses and enrollment. They trust him and look up to him. Even older students defer to his opinion and steadfast advice,” said Tudor.

“As an international student, I use to have the motive of me being in this country to study and then return to Nigeria - leaving no foot print. But working in the tutoring center and being a student ambassador has shown me what it means to impact one’s generation and the community," said Sholola.

The Student of the Month program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students on campus. Individuals selected must be currently enrolled at WKCTC and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and are nominated on the basis of exceptional performance, personal attributes, academic excellence and active participation in various student organizational activities.

Student of the Month recipients receive $100, a certificate of excellence, recognition on the WKCTC Facebook page, campus announcements and Web site. Recipients are also recognized by Pepsi MidAmerica and receive one free month's supply of their favorite Pepsi product.

PADUCAH, KY (March 21, 2016) – Traci Ledford of Ballard County will teach community members how to cook delicious meals on a budget next month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

The classes, titled “See What’s Cooking with Traci,” will be held three consecutive Tuesdays from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Anderson Technical Building, Room 159. The cost of each class is $45.

“I love to create new dishes and enjoy sharing my experiences and recipes,” said self-taught Ledford, who has been cooking from a young age. “I also teach meal planning, how to save money on groceries with less food waste, and how to make meals the whole family will enjoy on a budget,” she said.

Ledford’s classes include the following.

April 12 - Easy Homemade Mexi-Meal
Take your taste buds south of the border for a Mexican inspired meal. Learn to make a tasty chicken tamale casserole with homemade enchilada sauce. Add a delicious Mexican veggie medley to make it complete.

April 19 – Getting Down to the Delicious Basics
Learn basic tips for planning meals, shopping, storing, and preparing foods. Get to know simple, basic techniques of cooking while you prepare a basic hearty meal consisting of a delicious meatloaf, creamy mushrooms and yummy roasted red potatoes.

April 26 - Mother's Day Special
Nothing is like time shared in the kitchen. Share an evening in the kitchen for a special Mother - Daughter south of the border Fiesta. Get started with simple taquitos made with homemade salsa Verde, served with fresh five-minute guacamole. Then create a great Southwest Chicken Pasta Bake along Fried Mexican Rice - all while making lasting family memories.

To register call 270-534-3335 or online at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky, select Culinary.

Paducah, Kentucky (March 22, 2016) - West Kentucky Community and Technical College is offering a course that is designed to provide water treatment and distribution operators continuing education for renewal of their certification.

This training will provide information on water treatment operations and maintenance, SOP development, math, sample collection, preservation and class discussion.

Upon completion of the training, participants will feel comfortable with their review of water treatment plant distribution maintenance, water treatment, math, sample collection and preservation.

There are no prerequisites for this training. The 12-hour course is April 26-27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Emerging Technology Center, room 141. The cost of the course is $140 per participant. Lunch is included.

State license number is required when registering. Individuals can register by calling (270) 534-3335 or online at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky, click on Licensure & Certification for Professionals.

PADUCAH, KY (March 24, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College will host an open house and celebration of Paducah School of Art and Design’s (PSAD) 2D and Graphic Design Building March 31.

The event, which begins at 5 p.m., will mark the completion of the final phase of PSAD’s LowerTown campus with the 32,228 square-foot building at 905 Harrison Street.

A brief program begins at 5:45 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by the musical group, “Straight Up Lonesome,” featuring students from Hazard Community and Technical College’s Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music. Tours of the building, art and cooking demonstrations and samples from Kitchens Café will be available.

Nationally-renowned graphic designer David Carson will also be in attendance. His space.cowboy.the.graphic.design.of.david.carson exhibition of commissioned graphic design, photographs and other original works will be part of the opening celebration.

PSAD is a division of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The media is encouraged to attend.

PADUCAH, KY (March 25, 2016) – Cake decorating is one of the most popular continuing education courses offered at West Kentucky Community and Technical College this spring.

“We have had so much interest in these classes, we’ve developed two new classes to have fun with cake decorating with one session offerings on April 18 and 25,” said Kevin O’Neill, WKCTC community education director.

Certified Wilton Method Instructor Linda Mayes, who has been decorating cakes for nearly 20 years, will teach the one-session classes from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Emerging Technology Center, Room 159. Each offering is $28.50.

April 18 - 5 Steps to a Great Cake!
Learn how to make a great cake starting with the basics. Participants will level, torte and ice cakes. They will also learn basic decorations such as the star, shell, rosette, dot and more in only one class. Recommended for all skill levels. The following items are the required student class supplies; the cost will be approximately $23.

• Icing color (Optional)-one color recommended
• Nine inch angled spatula *(409-7712)
• 12 inch disposable decorating bags *(2104-358)
• 10 inch cake board *(2104-102) or bring cake in round cake carrier
• Decorating tips 5, 12, 18, 32 *(418-5, 418-12, 418-18, 418-32)

The following items are recommended for the class.
• Apron
• Gallon size plastic bags for clean up
• Container to transport cake
• One recipe of buttercream icing (see recipe below) or Wilton Ready-to-Use Decorator Icing (704-680)
• One 8 inch cake un-iced
• Large serrated knife

Buttercream Icing Recipe:
• One pinch salt (optional)
• One teaspoon flavoring (butter, vanilla, almond)
• One cup vegetable shortening
• Seven teaspoons water or milk
•One pound powder sugar

Mix all the liquid ingredients and the salt together. Gradually add the powder sugar till well mixed.

April 25 - Cupcake Basics
Learn easy buttercream decorating techniques, like swirls, stars, rosettes and more. Then combine them on top of cupcakes for fun and unique designs. This class is a great introduction to the Wilton Method Class with no experience necessary. Recommended for all skill levels. The following items are the required student class supplies; the cost will be approximately $13.

• Wilton 12-piece Cupcake Decorating Set, item *(2104-1364) (includes decorating tips 1M, 2A, 2D, and 4B)
• 12 inch disposable decorating bags
• Wilton Ready-to-Use Decorator Icing — one pound can *(710-118)
• Six un-iced cupcakes
• Apron
• Waxed or parchment paper
• Silicone spatulas
• Gallon size plastic bags for cleanup

The following items are recommended for the class.
• Nine inch angled spatula *(409-7712)
• Wilton Icing Colors (recommended): Black *(610-981), Ivory *(610-208), Teal *(610-207), Royal Blue *(2201-1488), Delphinium Blue *(610-228), Violet *(610-604); or any number of desired colors

*All items listed are Wilton item numbers found locally at Michael’s located at 5187 Hinkleville Road.

Register for the one session cake decorating classes by calling 270-534-3335 or online at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky, select Culinary.

Paducah, Kentucky (March 28, 2016) – A panel discussion about race in America will be held on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College and at Washington Street Baptist Church in April.

Part of WKCTC’s Diversity and Inclusion series, “Race in America, Nearly Half a Century After Martin Luther King Jr.” will be held April 4 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in WKCTC’s Crounse Hall, Room 101 and April 7 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Washington Street Baptist Church, 721 Washington Street. Both presentations are free.

During each presentation, panelists will discuss the Confederate Flag and how it symbolized slavery and treason during the war, and how it has become a modern symbol of resistance to racial equality, as well as other race issues in 21st century America.

Panelists: David Nickell, WKCTC professor of sociology and philosophy; Gerald Watkins, Kentucky Representative and WKCTC professor of political science; Dr. James Duane Bolin, Murray State University (MSU) professor of history; Dr. Brian Clardy, MSU assistant professor of history and coordinator of religious studies; and panel facilitator Berry Craig III, author and WKCTC retired professor of history.

The media is encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Dr. Belinda A. Dalton-Russell, WKCTC vice president of student development and the director of the college’s Office of Cultural Diversity/Student Development at 270-534-3081,
belinda.dalton-russell@kctcs.edu.

Paducah, KY (April 1, 2016) – Students who would like to start taking classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College this summer and fall can register now.

Fall classes begin August 15, 2016. The college’s four summer sessions are listed below.

Session 1 - May 16 – June 26
Session 2 - June 6 – July 24
Session 3 - June 6 – August 5
Session 4 – June 20 – August 5

WKCTC offers 250 associate degree, diploma and certificate options in more than 40 programs. The college provides students with a variety of ways to begin classes including day, evening and online courses.

WKCTC advisors are available to help students with the registration process and offer assistance in creating an academic plan that can help them reach their academic goals. Appointments can be scheduled 24-hours a day by calling 1-855-GO-WKCTC (1-855-469-5282).

Walk-ins are welcome, but students are encouraged to make an appointment to avoid waiting times during registration.

The Advising Center is located in the Anderson Technical Building, Room 106. Advising Center hours are Monday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and
Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Students can also submit a free online application by selecting the red APPLY NOW link at the top of the WKCTC Web site at westkentucky.kctcs.edu.

Students submitting an online application must still register for classes. Financial aid and grant opportunities are available for eligible students.

Paducah, KY (April 1, 2016) – Eighty competitors vied for top honors at the second annual Robot Extreme Challenge (RCX) recently held at West Kentucky Community and Technical College March 19.

The competition was divided into high school and middle and elementary school levels with the Calloway County SPRACx winning the high school division. In the middle school division, the McCracken County’s Circuit Smart 4-H and St. Mary’s Circuit Breakers teams won first and second, respectively. In the elementary division, the Lady Lyons from Lyon County took first place followed by the St. Mary Robotic Masters in second place.

Other participating teams represented were from Heath, Lone Oak and Murray middle schools and McNabb Elementary.

The 2016 RCX competition was built around the “Avalanche Rescue” theme. Students simulated saving stranded skiers, saving Pine Cone Mountain Lodge from another avalanche, and setting off explosions to create “controlled” avalanches.

“This competition honors preparation, grit, teamwork, creativity and critical thinking,” said Bill Kunnecke, program director of the WKCTC’s science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) initiative. “The rules for building a team’s robot (using LEGO pieces only) and missions are open enough such that there are multiple solutions for completing missions. Like chess, students opening moves are up to them,” said Kunnecke.

The Kentucky-based competition was created to help students build skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and involved participants preparing a LEGO EV3 Robot to complete as many as 15 missions. Students pre-programmed the robot to do one or more missions at a time and completed as many missions as they could in three minutes. Student teams got four tries to gather as many points from a run, and the top score from any of the runs was used to determine winners of each level.

For a complete list of upcoming STEAM and summer camp opportunities including various summer camps, visit https://issuu.com/jblythe0001/docs/communityeducation/1.

Summer classes at WKCTC begin in May. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for program offerings.

PADUCAH, KY (April 4, 2016) –West Kentucky Community and Technical College is now offering the National Restaurant Association ServSafe® Manager Training and Certification every third Thursday each month beginning April 21.

This course of training, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the college’s Emerging Technology Center, is designed to develop an understanding of the basic principles of food sanitation and safety and to be able to apply them in the food service operations. Personal hygiene habits and food handling practices that protect the health of the consumer will be reinforced. The cost of the training is $125.

A picture ID along with a valid email address is required. Basic computer skills are helpful because the exam is web based. The book required for these sessions is the ServSafe Manager Sixth Edition book with the 2013 Food Code. The book can be purchased for $61.85 in the WKCTC bookstore located in the Anderson Technical Building.

If participants are only interested in re-testing, they need to register for the $67.00 offering. This section is just the test for certification or recertification for the ServSafe Managers Training and Certification exam.

To register call (270) 534-3335 or online at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky; select Licensure & Certification for Professionals.

PADUCAH, KY (April 5, 2016) – Television shows such as TLC’s “Extreme Couponing” have promoted the art of couponing to a national audience. West Kentucky Community and Technical is bringing the excitement closer to home with “Couponing 101” April 19 and 26.

Each couponing class will be held from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in WKCTC’s Emerging Technology Center, Room 214; the cost is $15 per class.

“We wanted to offer classes to help people learn how to get the most from couponing, including how fun and exhilarating it can be to save money while doing their shopping,“ said Kevin O’Neill, WKCTC community education director.

Participants will explore paper couponing and electronic, code-based couponing and learn to organize and find coupons that can improve their shopping experiences.

Early registration is encouraged. Space is limited and classes are filling up.

To register call 270-534-3335 or go online to ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky; select Couponing.

Georgiana Roberts Named WKCTC Student of the Year

WKCTC Launches $5 Million Fundraising Campaign for the Community Scholarship Program

WKCTC hosting two 5K runs in April to benefit worthy causes in community

Challenger Learning Center invites students to participate in Name the Cone Contest

WKCTC President Announces Retirement

Upcoming WKCTC Community Education Offerings

Paint Party to Support WKCTC Relay for Life Team

Spring Brings Creative Classes in Floral Design and Cake Decorating to WKCTC

PADUCAH SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN HOSTING WORLD-RENOWNED GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nashville’s Johnny Appleseed performing at Backstage Pass in the Clemens Center April 2

Oluwaseun Sholola selected as WKCTC Student of the Month

Learn to Cook on a Budget WKCTC

WKCTC provides continuing education for water treatment and distribution operators

Paducah School of Art & Design 2D and Graphic Design Building Celebration

One Session Cake Decorating Classes at WKCTC

Race in America Panel Discussions at WKCTC and Local Church

Registration is Open for 2016 Summer and Fall Semesters at WKCTC

Local Student Teams Take Home Trophies from WKCTC’s Annual Robot Extreme Challenge

WKCTC Offering Manager Training and Certification

Learn to save money with couponing classes at WKCTC