TWO THOUSAND TWENTY - THREE SPRING EDITION
SIGNING OFF FROM COVID-19
It was March 12, 2020, that I sent the first message to the MCC campus sharing information about the COVID-19 virus that had made its way to our country. What I thought would be an email to update and caution our employees about a health risk that had not yet touched us very quickly changed. It became numerous emails as the situation seemed to change on an hourly basis. It became even more emails as decisions were made to change our instructional delivery and eventually to close our doors and send our employees into the new world of remotely offering instruction and services for our students. Little did I know at the time that I would send, at a minimum, weekly Monday updates to the campus community for well over a year. After that first year, as we learned more about the virus, the updates were sent as needed, but still, they continued. The updates continued until Monday, May 15, 2023, just a few days after the President declared the national pandemic emergency to be over. On that day I sent a message to campus saying that, after more than three years, I was “signing off” on pandemic updates.
The past 38 months have been some of the more difficult of my professional career. While difficult, in some ways, they have also been some of the most rewarding. During those months, while our country experienced divisiveness and unrest, I witnessed the very best of human nature at MCC. Colleagues helping one another, employees reaching out to students, faculty, and staff serving the community, and everyone working together to keep the college moving forward. There was no “signing off” at MCC, only “signing on” to what needed to be done for our students, community, and college.
When the world was shutting down, MCC found ways to serve our students. Our faculty found new ways to offer instruction that met the needs of students during a time when we didn’t know what the next week would bring. I was impressed by the strategies developed so that students could complete labs and clinicals necessary for the completion of credentials. Online advising and tutoring became commonplace for our staff as they assisted students. Meeting students on screen through Teams was the new office hours of 2020.
While the world was shutting down, MCC also continued to serve its community. From providing ventilators to the hospital, to donating PPE from our Health Sciences campus, to printing face shields and building intubation boxes, to delivering supplies, to donating vegetables from our greenhouse. This college never lost sight of the fact that an important part of our mission is to support our community.
While the world was shutting down, MCC continued to look to the future. Programs were developed and approved that would help us meet workforce needs post-pandemic. Grants were written to address the retention of healthcare workers which has become so critical in the past year. Every department in the college developed plans to ensure that students were served in the most effective way possible in a time of uncertainty.
During the national emergency MCC continued to embody its mission of making college affordable and accessible for students. Not once in the three years did a call for assistance or a need to change a strategy go unanswered. This college stood to the challenge and grew despite the uncertainty. There was no “signing off” from this college during the difficult times. We persevered and became Stronger.
How privileged am I to be part of such an institution.
Dr. Cynthia S. Kelley, President
2ND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The college’s second annual international cultural celebration was held on April 19 and by all accounts, was a huge success. It is estimated that over 450 people attended at some point during the event. The focus of the day was around water, and representatives from Water Step, a non-profit that helps people in developing countries find safe water solutions, were on hand to share their mission and their work.
The day began with another moving flag ceremony presented by the Hopkins Central Junior ROTC. Music and dance performances by Sankofa African Drum & Dance, Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance, and Tuatha Dea punctuated the day while MCC students and faculty, high school students, and members of the community walked through the quad and reviewed the various booths and presentations set up to highlight social and cultural ideas from other nations.
Thanks to the day’s sponsors (Madisonville Rotary Club, Tyson Foods, Hopkins County Tourist & Convention Commission, Murray State University-Madisonville, and First United Bank) for their support and participation in providing this opportunity to our students and community friends.
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RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM FEATURED IN INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY
The MCC radiography program was recently featured in a case study and customer testimonial with Agfa, the manufacturer of the program’s new VALORY digital radiography rooms for on-campus training. The two VALORY rooms were installed in the fall of 2022 and students began using them immediately.
Dr. Joy Menser, faculty member and program director, continually emphasizes to students the importance of training seriously in the laboratory setting. Building good habits and professionalism there will lead to better outcomes for patients in hospitals and clinics.
Having the most current and innovative equipment available for students is essential to preparing them for what they will encounter in their clinical settings and eventually in the workplace. It was important to Dr. Menser that students have the ability to train on equipment that wouldn’t be obsolete in a few years too.
LAUREN WOOD RECEIVES PATHFINDER AWARD
During a surprise event at the Hopkins County Career and Technology Center, guidance counselor Lauren Wood was announced as the 2023 Madisonville Community College Pathfinder Award recipient.
The Pathfinder Award acknowledges the important role that high school teachers and counselors play in helping students navigate their educational journey and plan for their future. Lauren’s dedication and commitment to supporting students in their collegegoing plans have clearly been recognized and appreciated by the community.
“High school teachers and counselors are working tirelessly to ensure our young people can succeed in the classroom, workplace, and community,” said MCC President, Dr. Cindy Kelley. “In that spirit, the Pathfinder Award recognizes the best and brightest among us who go above and beyond to embolden and empower the next generation.”
Dr. Kelley added, “Thanks to Lauren’s exemplary efforts, countless students in Hopkins County are able to follow their dreams and make more informed decisions about their future.”
PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Dr. Mary Werner is the recipient of the 2023 President’s Award for Inclusive Excellence. The award is an initiative set forth by Madisonville Community College’s (MCC) Diversity Committee and the President’s office. The purpose of the award is to recognize and reward an MCC employee for contributing exemplary leadership and achievement in advancing diversity at the college and within Madisonville/Hopkins County communities. This award is intended to encourage creativity, dialogue, and action through advocacy, role modeling, scholarship, and/or service.
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DR. KELLEY HONORED WITH THE CORUM SERVICE AWARD
In April, the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce held its annual Evening of the Stars event, where they recognized local businesses and community leaders. Dr. Cindy Kelley, MCC President, was awarded the prestigious Corum Community Service Award. Dr. Kelley consistently motivates and inspires faculty and staff to actively participate in various
local service agencies, setting a great example by doing so herself. Recognizing the comprehensive support our students require, she emphasizes the importance of key partnerships to guide them toward fulfilling careers and improved lives. Dr. Kelley’s work and leadership reflect a genuine commitment to serving others, demonstrating a deep concern for those in need.
NEW STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICERS NAMED
Madisonville Community College has recently hired two School Resource Officers, Mike Lantrip and Chris Noel, who bring over 60 years of combined law enforcement experience. The college has been increasingly focused on campus safety in recent years. Adding a second officer was a logical step to maintain a strong safety presence at all times. The primary goal is to prioritize the safety of the campus community, and this decision reflects the college’s ongoing efforts to create a safe and secure environment for everyone on campus.
CREATING ACADEMIC LEADERS IN MEDICAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Savanna Garrity has been the program coordinator for the medical information technology program at Madisonville Community College since 1998. Medical information technology is a critical field in healthcare that involves the transformation of medical diagnoses, procedures, and other medical services into codes for the purposes of billing, insurance reimbursement, and data analysis. Medical coding is vital to the healthcare industry as it ensures accurate and timely payment for services rendered and enables the collection and analysis of healthcare data.
Over the years, Garrity has had many successful students graduate from the program. Two of her former students shared her passion for the program and have followed in her footsteps in becoming medical information technology program coordinators in the Kentucky Community and Technical College
System. Angela Smith (2012) is the MIT program coordinator at Hopkinsville Community College and Taylor Ladd (2019) is the MIT program coordinator at Owensboro Community and Technical College.
Both women feel that their time at MCC instilled their passion for their careers in higher education. Ladd reflected, “if it wasn’t for the experience I had at MCC, I wouldn’t have continued my education past my associate’s degree.” Smith stated that she always wanted to become an instructor and, “the support I
received while working towards my degree made me want to become an instructor even more.” Smith and Ladd call Madisonville home and are proud to represent MCC in their careers.
Garrity, Ladd, and Smith attended a curriculum meeting in early February and had the chance to catch up. “It is a privilege to work with these two very bright and talented ladies and they will add so much to the Medical Information Technology Programs at Hopkinsville and Owensboro” Garrity stated.
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Misty Burton Associate Professor and Clinical Coordinator, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
Where are you from originally and where did you attend college? I am from Providence, Webster County KY. I earned my associate degree in science from Madisonville Community College, my bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University and my master’s degree in organizational leadership from Western Kentucky University.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A ballerina
Who has been a major influence in your life? Two people have been a major influence on my life… my mother and my husband. My mother taught me to look for the joy in life and how to show love for my family. My husband pushes me to grow professionally and helps me with any and everything in my life.
What hobbies do you pursue?
Giving my daughter her best life, running her from one activity to the next. I also enjoy walking and cross stitching.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one band or musician would help keep your sanity? I do not believe I can pick just one. It would be a toss up between Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac. I have tickets to see Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks in Nashville this May. I am very excited.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ice cream
If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be? My mom. I have experienced many life lessons since her passing and I would love to have her advice.
What do you love about Madisonville Community College? Giving students the opportunity of a great career in Occupational Therapy. My OT career was/is a gift that provided me rewarding work and financial means for a great life. I also appreciate MCC’s willingness to support faculty and staff’s professional growth. With MCC’s support, I have attended many conferences and finished my master’s degree.
FOUSE SELECTED FOR CPE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Council on Postsecondary Education announced the fifth cadre of its Academic Leadership Development Institute (ALDI) program, which aims to prepare minority faculty and staff members for leadership roles in Kentucky higher education. The 21 participants were chosen from Kentucky’s public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Patricia Torres Fouse, assistant professor of mathematics, was selected to participate from the Madisonville Community College faculty. Fouse holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Master of Arts from Murray State University. She has also completed several graduate-level courses at Murray State University and Western Kentucky University. Fouse is originally from the Republic of Panama and has centered her studies on serving non-English-speaking students.
“Patricia is an outstanding educator who is dedicated to the institution and the community,” said MCC Provost Dr. Sid Hill. “She is an excellent candidate for the program, and I have no doubt that she will serve with excellence. She is already a leader, and this program will only enhance the amazing skills that she utilizes on a daily basis.”
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SERVICE AWARDS
At our annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon, Madisonville Community College recognized these amazing individuals at for their outstanding service and dedication! We also recognized the retirees who have made significant contributions to the college over the years.
5 Years of Service
Rhonda Castleberry, Ali Frailey, Stephanie Lail
10 Years of Service
Kim Higgs
15 Years of Service
Kelly Cotton, Colin Magee, Karen Miller, Britney Mitchell, Temesia Perdue, Brandi Stout
20 Years of Service
Wes Ausenbaugh, Elyssa Lear
25 Years of Service
Shannon Allen, Sherri Todd
30 Years of Service
Carole Baughn, Natalie Cooper, Donald Frasier
45 Years of Service
Mike Davenport
Retirements
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Mike Beauchamp, Teresa Long, Felecia Johnson, Joe Gooch
SCENES FROM SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - WANDA BLACKWELL
Wanda Blackwell took dual credit courses as a high school senior in 1975. Upon graduating, she and her mother enrolled in classes at Madisonville Community College. Wanda completed 33 credit hours before taking a break from school to raise her family. Now in her 60s, she was inspired to come back to MCC to finish what she started nearly 46 years ago.
As a non-traditional student, Wanda was able to attend MCC through a grant for seniors in college. Additionally, she earned scholarships to further aid in any financial barriers.
Wanda graduated with an associate in arts in May of 2023. She received the 2023 Trio Student of the Year award and the Lions Club scholarship. She will return in the fall to earn an associate in science. Wanda says, “you never stop learning and it is never too late to achieve your dreams.”
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Wanda Blackwell, Associate in Arts
UPCOMING EVENTS
ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH COLLEGE
This is our 30th year of Summer Youth College! SYC will meet July 10-13 in the Joe C Davis building from 8:30 AM – 12:00 each day. We have an exciting line up of classes for this summer including Finding Bigfoot, The Great Outdoors, Painting Selfies and so much more! MCC employees do receive a 25% discount for their dependent children. If anyone has any questions, please have them contact the Workforce Solutions office at (270) 824-8658 or email me at casey.young@kctcs.edu.
GLEMA MAHR CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ANNE P. BAKER GALLERY
