ASHLAND —
With only a few days on the job, Dr. Kay Adkins asked members of the Ashland Rotary Club to “be kind an gentle” as she discussed the job before her.
“I appreciate the invitation but I want to warn you this is week three,” she said, earning a laugh from the lunch audience at Monday’s Rotary Club meeting.
Adkins said people in the area have already proven themselves to be “gracious and hospitable,” confirming she and husband, Barry, have found a place which is a good fit for them personally.
Adkins said she asked many questions while considering a move to Ashland to become president and CEO at Ashland Community and Technical College, initially learning about the history of the school which began in 1938 as both Ashland Technical College and Ashland Community College before merging in 2003. Adkins said she was also interested in learning more about the local school’s transfers, and discovered Morehead University students at the top of the list, followed by Ohio University, Shawnee State, Marshall University and others including the University of Phoenix.
ACTC students are also excited about their school, Adkins said, sharing results of an independent survey reflecting an 82 percent satisfaction rate, with 93 percent od students indicating they would recommend the school to a friend. “How cool is that?” Adkins asked.
Students consider the ACTC library to be a valuable resource, Adkins said, adding the facility offers things which keep students engaged in the learning process. ACTC students also ranked their school among the highest possible for student-faculty interaction.
“That’s the one I am most proud of,” she said, explaining the ranking indicates students know staff members “are willing to go the extra mile to help them pursue their dreams.”
Adkins acknowledged the community college faces the same economic challenges as individuals and business owners, with dwindling state and federal revenues and an increasing need to find funding from outside sources. Citing work and achievements by the ACTC Foundation, Adkins said a new $1.6 million child-care center will soon be open, although continued support for the foundation is necessary due to rising demand from a student population facing similar or greater economic challenges.
“Sometimes all they need is an extra $50,” she said, explaining student services offered through the foundation including gasoline cards to help a student get past a lean revenue period.
Listing a few of the local school’s assets including a theater, GED and academic programs as well as employment training and workforce development, Adkins said many longtime residents of the area may still be unaware of many of the things the school offers the community.
“Truly, in some cases, we are the best-kept secret in the region,” she said.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.
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