VIBRANT SPRING
As I realize spring is quickly turning into summer, I am amazed how fast time passes. With the ongoing schedules of meetings, events, recognitions, and celebrations common to spring in a small college, I have worked hard to keep up with it all. These celebrations are indicative of the difference MCC makes to its students and community. So, as all of us here embrace the vibrant energy of Spring 2024, I am delighted to share the latest updates and accomplishments from Madisonville Community College. Our collective efforts continue to shape a dynamic and supportive educational environment for our students, faculty, and staff.
ENROLLMENT INSIGHTS
Our Spring 2024 infographic showcases encouraging enrollment trends, reflecting the growing trust and interest in our programs. Despite nationwide processing delays with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), our dedicated Financial Aid team is working tirelessly to ensure our students receive the best financial aid packages. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our Financial Aid Office.
We are also preparing ourselves for the enrollment cliff predicted for higher education in just a couple of years. We are reviewing our programs, communicating with our employer partners, and building strategies that will help us face this upcoming challenge.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
We are proud to announce that our EMS-Paramedic program has received continuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This achievement underscores our commitment to providing topnotch education and training for EMS professionals in our region.
CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS
Our student profile highlights the inspiring journey of Anna Merrell, who has shown exceptional resilience and leadership as the President of the Student Government Association. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the supportive community at MCC.
NEW LEADERSHIP AND INITIATIVES
We warmly welcome Dr. Ryan Quarles, the newly appointed President of KCTCS, who recently toured our campuses and engaged with our community. His visit included a Community Roundtable and a Faculty/Staff Town Hall, where he shared his vision and priorities for the future of KCTCS. We are happy that Dr. Quarles
took the time to visit and learn about our college and our community.
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS
In our Faculty Spotlight, we celebrate Aaron Morris and his contributions to our academic community. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce Melanie Tapp as the new Director of Workforce Solutions, bringing her wealth of experience and innovative approach to this vital role.
EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
Our campus has been alive with events, from the 3rd Annual International Cultural Celebration to the Honors Night recognizing outstanding achievements. We also celebrate Tracy Warner, our 2024 Pathfinder Award Winner, for her unwavering dedication to student success.
The Madisonville College Foundation raised funds for student scholarships again this year with their Derby Day Celebration. The event was sold out and folks had a wonderful time celebrating our college and our students.
It wouldn’t be a newsletter if we didn’t mention the happenings at the Glema! Don’t miss the exciting performances and exhibits coming up, including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr., Mean Girls Jr., and Into The Woods. We look forward to welcoming you and your families to these cultural and artistic showcases.
Last and most important. On May 3, we celebrated our students with two commencements. Commencement day is my favorite day of the year. This spring MCC graduated over 900 students earning credentials or degrees. Talk about making a difference!
As we move into a new season, I want to thank you for your continuing support and dedication to Madisonville Community College. Together we are all creating a brighter future for our students and our community. Together we make a difference!
Dr.
Cynthia S. Kelley, President
FAFSA UPDATES CAUSE DELAYS: MCC OFFERS SUPPORT TO STUDENTS
The changes made to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Department of Education have resulted in processing delays across the country at all levels of higher education. Please know that MCC is working hard to ensure our students receive the best financial aid package possible to get an affordable education. If you or a student you know has any questions, please contact the college’s financial aid office for help. MCC can assist with scholarship search and application, completing the required forms, and so much more.
EMS-PARAMEDIC PROGRAM MAINTAINS ACCREDITATION STATUS
The college is excited to share that our EMS-Paramedic program has received continuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP accredits educational programs that prepare health professionals in a variety of disciplinary areas. The EMS-Paramedic program is proud to continue to provide quality education and training for EMS professionals in this region. We put our students first and will continue to strive to meet and exceed the accreditation standards with the utilization of the most advanced equipment, training techniques, and career opportunities available.
ANNA MERRELL’S JOURNEY AT MCC Finding New Beginnings
After losing her sister tragically, Anna Merrell decided that leaving California and moving to Kentucky to be near her nieces was what she needed to do. She did exactly that. In early 2023, Anna and her daughter Ava walked into the Ready to Work office at Madisonville Community College ready for a change. She has not looked back since.
Anna was already receiving KTAP but had been volunteering hours at our local humane society. As soon as we enrolled her in Ready to Work, we knew that a workstudy position on campus would be beneficial for her. She was not familiar with Kentucky, much less the small town of Madisonville. She was placed in Student Affairs for her work-study and is a helping hand to everyone in this department. Regarding her education, she jumped right into a bi-term class as her first step, followed by summer classes, and by fall 2023, she boasted a 4.0, was enrolled fulltime, and was running for Student Government President.
Currently, Anna serves as SGA President. She has spoken in that role at Board meetings and has received compliments from many well-respected people on campus. She is driven like no other. She plans to become a teacher and has already begun taking EDU classes that will transfer to MSU for her 4-year degree. As SGA president, she serves as a student rep with all new student orientations, giving tours and introducing faculty and staff. She has led SGA efforts to increase student life presence across campus at functions such as trivia in the student center, scavenger hunts, participating in the Christmas parade, and so much more.
Ava will be 4 next week, and she is thriving at the Hopkins County YMCA preschool, just as her mom is at MCC. They both bring joy to those around them. They are a great example of Ready to Work participants whose potential is limitless.
NEW KCTCS PRESIDENT VISITS MCC ON ‘FOCUS ON THE FUTURE TOUR’
Newly appointed KCTCS President Dr. Ryan Quarles spent the day earlier this spring touring the college’s Badgett Center, the Simulation Hospital Wing, the Health Sciences Campus Sim Home, our Tech Campus, and our aviation programs at the Madisonville Regional Airport.
As part of his “Focus on the Future Tour”, Dr. Quarles held a Community Roundtable to hear about the college’s work with various community partners and conducted a Faculty/Staff Town Hall where college employees learned about his priorities and could ask questions about his plans for KCTCS.
MELANIE TAPP NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
Melanie Tapp, of Madisonville, has been named the new director of workforce solutions at Madisonville Community College. Tapp is taking over for Mike Davenport, who recently retired from the college after 47 years of service.
“I’m thrilled to step into this new role—a position that’s all about people,” said Tapp. “I can’t wait to collaborate with businesses and individuals to create meaningful, innovative strategies that make a real impact on our workforce.”
Tapp previously worked at the college as the assistant director of workforce solutions. Her professional experience includes a stint as the director of workforce development for Madisonville Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation.
A graduate of Murray State University, Tapp currently serves on the Hopkins County Young Professionals Board of Directors, the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Crittenden County Economic Development Board. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the 30 under 40 Successful People in Western Kentucky by the Western Kentucky Business Journal.
PAULA SEABROOKE: PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Paula Seabrooke has been honored with this year’s President’s Award for Inclusive Excellence for her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion at MCC. Known for prioritizing student needs and amplifying the voices of those less heard, Ms. Seabrooke is celebrated for her tenacity, work ethic, and holistic approach to student wellness.
She actively supports students academically, physically, and mentally, often going the extra mile to connect them with community resources. Her hands-on approach has made a significant impact, whether she’s helping a student in distress or encouraging them to use the Food Pantry.
Ms. Seabrooke also plays a key role in organizing the International Culture Celebration, showcasing her leadership and ability to unite diverse groups. Her respect for cultural differences and unbiased decision-making are central to her approach, making her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.
Congratulations to Paula Seabrooke for her outstanding contributions to fostering an inclusive environment at MCC.
THE GLEMA MAHR CENTER’S 2023-2024 SEASON: A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND COMMUNITY
The second half of the Glema Center’s 2023-2024 Season featured a variety of popular acts drawing in new and returning patrons.
Bluegrass duo Darin and Brooke Aldridge, who opened the spring Evelyn and David Smart Coffeehouse Series, and pianist Brian Woods, who kicked off the spring Glema Mahr Chamber Music Series, were each greeted by a full house in their onstage setting.
The spring Center Stage Series opener, Exile, attracted a large and enthusiastic audience, many of whom had traveled from elsewhere for the February concert. This series also ended on a high note with a near-capacity crowd in the house for a concert by Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute in April. The night was made particularly memorable when 50 members of the Madisonville North Hopkins High School Marching Maroons entered the auditorium to perform the song “Tusk” with the band.
