MCC's Report To Our Communities - 2023 Annual Report

REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITIES

2023

COMMITTED TO OUR STUDENTS, TO OUR COMMUNITY

OUR VISION

Madisonville Community College will be recognized nationally as an outstanding comprehensive community college, committed to student-centered learning, innovative programming, and access.

OUR MISSION

Consistent with the 2016-22 Kentucky Community and Technical College System strategic vision of creating a world-class system of colleges educating Kentucky’s globally competitive workforce, Madisonville Community College has adopted the following mission statement.

Mission: to advance an enduring and enthusiastic commitment to student-centered learning and achievement. In support of our mission and as a public comprehensive community college and member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Madisonville Community College will:

• offer two-year associate degree curricula transferable to all colleges and universities in Kentucky;

• offer two-year associate of applied science, career-oriented technical degree curricula for immediate employment;

• offer diploma and certificate level programs, not intended for transfer, but designed to meet the changing needs of business and industry;

• provide flexible customized training opportunities for area employers;

• provide adult literacy services;

• provide non-credit personal enrichment programming; and

• provide arts appreciation and arts education opportunities.

The mission statement derives from an institution-wide commitment to these values:

• Shared responsibility for learning between student & teacher

• Mutual respect and open communication

• Open inquiry and data-based decision making

• Effective collaboration and teamwork

• Flexibility, adaptability and availability

• Professional behavior and personal effectiveness

• Community service and responsiveness

• Continuous improvement

• Diversity in all its dimensions

• Sustainability

• Life-long learning

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dr. Cynthia S. Kelley

FIND AWE

There are times when I get caught up in the daily work of dealing with issues and problems that arise and I find myself discouraged. Then I have the opportunity to review the content of a report such as this edition of Happenings. Looking back on the past year reminds me that I have so much to be proud of and happy about.

The stories of our students inspire me. They work, they raise families, they give back to the community, but yet they come to MCC looking to better themselves. They excel in their academic life and make us proud of their accomplishments.

I am reminded of the hard work our grant writing team and faculty put into creating programs and writing proposals that allow us to bring new and different learning opportunities to our community. These programs are aimed at getting our graduates into the workforce to begin their careers as quickly as possible.

I remember the hard work that faculty and staff put into our Study Abroad program. I smile because of the excitement felt by 13 of our students who were given the chance of a lifetime to travel to far-off lands. The students had cultural experiences that will affect them for a lifetime.

I look back at the awards and recognitions bestowed on our faculty. The work they do every day in the classroom to make sure our students find success humbles me. They also work in the community, support their professional organizations, and lend a hand across campus. They always stand ready to do what needs to be done.

As I turn a page, I am reminded of our professor who retired this spring from MCC. He retired after 53 years of classroom teaching. Yes, I said 53 years! This college existed in mobile units at the time he started teaching. The number of lives he has touched over the years astounds me.

And I see the story about our faculty member who we lost in 2022. In 2021 this retired professor established the Hagan H.O.P.E. Scholarship. When he passed the college received a legacy gift from his estate. He wanted to make a difference into the future. His gift to our college will help students for generations to come.

Then there is the community we serve. Every day our community is there to support the work we do. Sometimes a person will stop me and tell me a story about a kindness exhibited by an MCC staff person. Every once in a while, I will get an email from a community member excited by a new program. Regularly I see the joy folks find in watching a performance at the Glema. All of these things happen because our community is there for us, cheering us on! It is amazing to me how the people in this community hold our little college close to their hearts.

I could go on and on about the stories in this edition. In fact, this Report to Our Communities could be volumes if we told all the stories there are to tell for the past year. I think you can see, however, when I find myself a little discouraged, all I need to do is look around me. There is no reason to be discouraged. I find myself in awe of all the positivity that surrounds me every day. All I need to do is put my head up, open my eyes and ears, and there it is. A reason to be awed.

So, as we close the books on the last academic year, I am setting a goal for myself. Each and every day, I will work to be awed. It need not be found in big things, it may be very small. It is there, I just need to see it. When you find awe, hope and happiness follow. There is always an abundance of both at MCC.

I hope you find awe as well.

Cynthia S. Kelley

COMMITTED CHAMPIONS OF STUDENT SUCCESS

A Passion for Learning Drives the Outstanding Student for 2023

DeAnna Garrity’s journey at Madisonville Community College has been filled with accomplishments and a passion for learning. Her love for MCC was nurtured from a young age, influenced by her mother, Savannah Garrity, who has been an instructor at the institution since 1998.

During her time at MCC, DeAnna was an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, which recognizes academic achievement among two-year college students. Additionally, she served as a TRiO student tutor, demonstrating her commitment to helping others succeed in their studies.

In May 2023, DeAnna graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Business Administration with a focus on management. She also earned a certificate in human resources, highlighting her interest in the field. Throughout her studies, DeAnna’s academic performance and dedication to her studies were exceptional, earning her the prestigious 2023 Outstanding Student Award. This recognition is bestowed upon a student who not only maintains a high GPA but also exceeds expectations as a student and exhibits strong leadership qualities.

Garrity’s remarkable achievements serve as a testament to her drive and determination. She has no plans to slow down and intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Morehead State University, starting in the spring. Following her undergraduate studies, she aspires to further her education by attending graduate school. Through her dedication and commitment to learning, she is poised to make a meaningful impact in her future endeavors.

Garrity and Melton Named to KCTCS All-Academic Team

DeAnna Garrity and John Melton have been designated as the MCC representatives for the 2023 KCTCS All-Academic Team. Garrity successfully completed her Associate in Applied Science in the spring of 2023, while Melton is pursuing two credentials, the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science.

The KCTCS All-Academic Team acknowledges students for their exemplary academic performance. By selecting students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, this team aims to showcase the exceptional achievements taking place across all KCTCS colleges.

In December, John is set to complete his studies and has ambitious plans to continue his education at the University of Kentucky. Thanks to the Federal Work Study program, John had the privilege of working in MCC’s IT department, which provided him with valuable opportunities for growth. Reflecting on his time at MCC, John expresses gratitude for the chance to develop creative problem-solving skills and adaptability, both in his academic pursuits and in his overall life. DeAnna has joined the college’s full-time staff in the Assessment Center, where she assists students and members of the community who come on campus to take industry exams or college placement tests.

Congratulations to DeAnna and John for their excellence and commitment to finding a better life through education!

College at Home Helped Muhlenberg Student Start Business

During her senior year at Muhlenberg County High School, Allison Randall had a dream of opening her very own clothing boutique. With the help of her mother, they successfully established Southern Pine Boutique in Central City in 2019. Shortly thereafter, in May 2020, Allison graduated from high school. Given that she had taken dual credit courses through MCC, she knew she would have a smooth transition into becoming a full-time college student. Allison, embracing her small-town upbringing and fondness for her hometown, found several compelling reasons to remain close for her collegiate journey. “I am a small-town girl and a homebody,” she remarked. “Additionally, MCC provided me with a sense of financial security.”

As her business shifted online due to the pandemic, Allison opted to pursue her education virtually. This choice

granted her the opportunity to gain practical experience in managing her own business while concurrently acquiring knowledge through her coursework. Whether learning the intricacies of Excel in her computer class or improving her customer service skills through a public speaking course, Allison enthusiastically shared, “Every class imparted invaluable

knowledge that I apply in my daily business operations.”

In addition to her textbook knowledge, Allison highlighted that she acquired essential skills such as meeting deadlines, developing soft skills, and embracing professionalism. These invaluable skills have played a crucial role in her journey as an entrepreneur. Knowing that she could rely on her instructors for guidance and support, as well as having access to tutoring services, gave her the reassurance she needed to navigate her academic path with confidence.

Allison’s journey exemplifies the positive impact of MCC, showcasing how students can achieve their goals and flourish in their chosen endeavors. MCC’s commitment to student success and the diverse opportunities it provides make it a truly exceptional institution for those seeking to build a successful future.

MCC CONTINUES LEGACY OF GRANT SUPPORT FOR PROGRAMMING

The college continued its successful legacy of building support for programming through grant funding during the year. The following projects were funded and initiated to improve the delivery of academic programs, expand student support, and provide additional resources to underrepresented students to create a pipeline to the college.

$436,421 Delta Regional Authority - Delta Workforce Grant Program

This project will expand capacity in the college’s electrical technology and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) degree programs by purchasing substantial additional equipment and supplies to stock existing lab space within the college’s Brown Badgett, Sr. Energy and Advanced Technology Center.

MCC is leveraging a generous donation to the college’s applied technology programming for this project, offering over 25% of the project cost in cash matching funds. Further, the college proposes to create a credential lattice between the associate degrees in electrical technology and HVAC, allowing a student to complete both degrees in 5 or 6 semesters, as opposed to 8, accelerating their entrance into the workforce.

$672,791 U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development - Delta Health Care Services

MCC will partner with Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville (BHDM), the West Area Health Education Center (West AHEC), and three other hospitals in western Kentucky to implement a nurse resiliency project aimed at reducing burnout, improving job satisfaction, and reducing attrition and turnover. The project is both a health education program and a healthcare job training program. It will effect modifications to the MCC associate degree nursing program that will improve students’ prospects of completing the program by preparing them for the mental and behavioral health challenges associated with being a nursing student and – ultimately – a practicing nurse. It also includes continuing education for incumbent nurses to improve their coping skills, reducing burnout and turnover. A second element of the project involves the use of healthcare simulation, a strategy proven to improve clinical skills and increase confidence among nurses.

$10,000 KCTCS Males of Color Student Success Grants

The Minority Male Mentoring Project (MMMP) will convene males of color from the two high schools in Hopkins County – MadisonvilleNorth Hopkins High School and Hopkins County Central High School. During these meetings, participants will interact with peer and community mentors who will model college and career possibilities for students of color and help participants envision their own desired college and career pathway. MCC personnel will also provide engaging college and career planning activities. By the end of the MMMP program, participants will have developed a detailed, realistic college and career plan that includes major milestones and a plan for reaching them.

International Cultural Celebration Showcases Diversity

The 2nd annual International Cultural Celebration, organized by the Cultural Diversity Committee at Madisonville Community College, took place on Wednesday, April 19th, 2023. The event successfully brought together a wide range of individuals, including community members, local high school students, MCC students, faculty, and staff. With an impressive attendance of over 500 people, the celebration showcased the community’s strong appreciation for cultural diversity. In the spirit of giving back, the college collected more than 300 pairs of shoes to donate to WaterStep, an organization committed to providing clean water access worldwide.

The event featured faculty-led international showcases and captivating performances by Sankofa African Drum & Dance, XochitlQuetzal Aztec Dance, and Tuatha Dea Celtic Heritage, which both entertained and educated the audience. It served as a shining example of the college’s unwavering dedication to fostering diversity. Attendees left the celebration feeling inspired to embrace and celebrate the various cultures that make up our world.

Help Show Me The Way - Mentoring Project Connects with Students

Through generous support from a grant awarded by KCTCS, the college successfully launched a weekend mentoring program for underrepresented male students from the Hopkins County School District. For many years, the college’s Director of Diversity Programs, James Bowles, has led the GLAD Summer camp for middle school and elementary students. The GLAD campers always have a fun summer filled with engaging classes and field trips. During the summer classroom sessions, students experience hands-on learning activities and receive support and encouragement to continue their education beyond high school. Alumni of the GLAD Summer camp had always asked for something during high school, and through this grant opportunity, the college was finally able to offer something to the young men of Hopkins County.

During the semester-long effort, fifteen students participated at some point in the weekend program. These sessions were focused on career and life planning, critical thinking, making good choices, and the steps needed to attend and enroll in college. The mentoring program culminated with a collaborative trip with the GLAD Summer camp students to various educational sites in Nashville such as the Nashville Entrepreneurial Center, Fisk University, and the Nashville Science Center.

The success of this program is owed in part to the support and collaboration of our community partners and members, including DP Productions, ELI Operations, and MCC staff.

Where in the World is MCC? Study Abroad Tours Italy and Greece

In 2022, the inaugural MCC Study Abroad trip took students, faculty, and staff to Ireland. The first trip was a success, so three faculty members and thirteen student passengers embarked on another journey this May. The two-week adventure in intercultural studies included stops in the cities of Florence and Rome in Italy, the cities of Delphi and Athens in Greece, and a 3-day cruise that included visits to the Greek isles of Santorini and Mykonos. Some of the trip highlights included visiting the Colosseum, the Basilica of St. Peter, and the Acropolis. In conjunction with the trip, instructors offered an intersession class in which student travelers could earn three credit hours.

Dr. Robin West, Associate Professor and Study Abroad Coordinator, was one of the faculty members that accompanied students on the trip. “This experience, in my opinion, did more than anything we do on a college campus to promote the KCTCS goal to cultivate diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion,” said West. “Study abroad promotes the goal to enhance the economic and workforce development of the commonwealth”. Another faculty member on the trip, Kellie Arnold, stated, “Understanding diverse cultures plays a vital role in education”. In fact, thanks to their worldwide experience, students who study abroad often find gainful employment sooner and with a higher salary than their peers.

Faculty member Krista Shaw played a vital role in this trip, as she accompanied students on MCC’s first study abroad trip last year. She stated, “Studying abroad challenges students academically and personally, helping them develop skills like flexibility and awareness”. Shaw continues, “These skills are applicable no matter their career”.

Students will have another opportunity to experience MCC’s Study Abroad program next May as the group will embark on a 10day adventure to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.

MCC is able to provide study abroad opportunities thanks to the support of Dr. Judy Rhoads and other scholarship donors through the Rhoads International Scholarship.

FACULTY AND STAFF EXCELLENCE

Davis, Elder, and Smith Recognized with NISOD Excellence Awards

We are so proud of our recipients of the annual National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards - Sharie Davis, Dr. Loretta Elder, and Mason Smith. NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize men and women each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.

Davis, a professor of mathematics at the college, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and has been teaching in the community college system since 1993. She serves as the coordinator of the annual 8th-grade regional math competition and supports the college’s dual credit program, the Senior College Academy. Davis is active in the Muhlenberg County community and serves on the executive committee of the Muhlenberg Youth Leadership Program.

Elder, a professor of nursing, originally earned the Licensed Practical Nurse and Associate Degree in Nursing from Madisonville Community College. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Murray State University, her Master of Science in nursing education from the University of Southern Indiana, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (Organizational Leadership) from Eastern Kentucky University. Elder holds a national certification as a Certified Nurse Educator and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. Her professional career has included work in medical-surgical nursing, ambulatory surgery nursing, and nursing education. She is active in multiple nursing organizations at the national and state level and she supports events to assist the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in piano and vocal performance from Cumberland University. He served as the music director for “Young Frankenstein” at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts and was soon after hired as the technical director/production coordinator for the facility at Madisonville Community College.

Sharie, Loretta, and Mason join a long list of MCC winners of the NISOD Excellence Awards who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.

Frymire Excellence in Teaching Award Goes to Hawkins and Welch

At the spring commencement ceremony, the Frymire Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Kay Hawkins, instructor and program coordinator for our paralegal technology program, along with Jennifer Welch, associate professor of biology.

Richard and Phyllis Frymire have provided consistent support to Madisonville Community College since 1968 when then-Senate Majority Leader Frymire introduced legislation that authorized the creation of MCC. The Frymires have provided leadership and financial support to every major capital campaign conducted in the college’s history. In addition, their generous contributions have provided student scholarships, support for the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, and annual faculty development, as well as the award for teaching excellence. Beyond their financial investment, the Frymires invest considerable time and energy to advocate on behalf of MCC. They are champions of higher education and leaders in our community.

The Frymire Excellence in Teaching Award was created to celebrate faculty who have been recognized for their excellence in classroom instruction, commitment to student success, high academic standards, and service to both the institution and the communities that they serve.

Kay Hawkins

Jennifer Welch

Sharie Davis

Dr. Loretta Elder

Mason Smith

Love of the Past

Helped Professor Joe Gooch Prepare Students for the Future

Professor of History and Sociology Joe Gooch has been a mainstay at Madisonville Community College for nearly 53 years. In his lengthy tenure, he has opened the minds of thousands of students and helped them to see the world and its challenges and opportunities more clearly.

Professor Gooch remembers the early years of the college when he said the faculty had a “pioneering spirit” and they were all true pioneers in higher education in Kentucky. Community colleges were newer institutions in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In these early days, Gooch recalls, the college operated on a shoestring budget with lots of improvisation – in the classroom, in the planning, and in every idea the college had.

“The budget was small to start so we have to be very creative and innovative with our teaching and planning,” Gooch added. Faculty shared office space in a portable classroom trailer and taught classes in six trailers at the same location. Early graduation ceremonies Gooch said were held all over town – the Rizpah Temple, inside of tents outside, and wherever the college could find space. Faculty duties also included lighting the furnace and other duties as assigned.

Over the years, students haven’t changed much in Gooch’s opinion.

“Students have always been polite and considerate in class. They are definitely more in tune now with what’s happening around the world with digital life the way it is now though,” said Gooch. Students have access to so much more information than in the past too. When something happens around the world, you know it instantly now. Communication and the speed that knowledge travels around the world have had a major impact on our students.

As both a student and teacher of history and sociology, Gooch acknowledges that we live in a challenging time, and it is important for students to understand these challenges fully.

“It is much better to know what really happened in the past and how it affects our present. You cannot make ideas and events safe for people. You have to make people safe for the ideas and events that they might find troubling from history. The study of history allows you to recognize nonsense when you see it too. We have competing ideologies in the culture today and you need to really understand those major institutions that shape our world,” Gooch continued.

Even with these challenges and controversial topics, Gooch remains hopeful about the future.

“I am optimistic about the future, but we have to address some of the issues around inequality in our country. This gap continues to grow and it will be one of our major challenges in the next decade. But I do think our nation can still come together and come to a consensus to solve big problems.”

For Professor Gooch, it was the perfect time to end a long and fulfilling career. Or maybe not.

“I plan to live part of the year in Florida and I recently saw a college in the area that was looking for a history and sociology teacher,” said Gooch. “So who knows. I might teach a course on World War II again or sociology classes.”

Once a teacher, always a teacher.

Excellence in Teaching Awards Highlights Public School Teachers

Public school partners from Caldwell, Crittenden, Dawson Springs, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Webster County districts along with Madisonville Community College and Murray State University-Madisonville have announced the creation of the Regional Education Partnership Excellence in Teaching award to recognize outstanding classroom educators. The award was created to celebrate and highlight teaching excellence in elementary, middle, and high school education. Nominees are sought who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their profession and who inspire and motivate students to achieve their full potential. The colleges and school districts have been meeting regularly since 2017 to discuss issues of mutual importance, to plan collaborative ventures, and to refine and expand dual credit programming for students. A number of key initiatives have been developed through this partnership in the subsequent years.

“Over the last few years, we in the MCC area have discussed a more formal way that we might recognize the best and brightest teachers in our immediate region,” said Superintendent of Dawson Springs Independent Schools, Lenny Whalen. “I’m grateful and excited that we’re able to take this idea and MCC is putting it into motion. We have some excellent teachers at various levels in our area and it’s exciting that they will be recognized for the outstanding job that they do. Quality teachers have a significant impact on the lives of children and it’s an honor to help show our appreciation for what they do.”

Late Professor Greg Hagan Leaves a Legacy of HOPE for MCC Students

Longtime faculty member Greg Hagan, professor of English, passed away in May of 2022 after a brief illness. After his retirement from the college, Greg stayed in touch with faculty and staff and made known his desire to continue to help students in some way in the future. He was an eclectic presence on campus and shared his wide range of interests with students and the college community. His hobbies included cycling, photography, film, and his pet birds. Greg was a dedicated member of his church and volunteered with the local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to help kids. He was one of the few faculty members in the entire Kentucky Community and Technical College System that taught in the humanities and in a healthcare program (respiratory care). Hagan was a graduate of the University of Iowa, Des Moines Area Community College, the University of Alabama, and Murray State University. After discussions with our Advancement Office in February 2021, Greg donated the initial $50,000 to establish the Greg Hagan H.O.P.E. (Helping Others by Providing Education) Scholarship endowment. The purpose of the scholarship is to support the tuition, books, or program costs of students enrolled in high-wage or high-demand programs, and/or transfer students

with preference given to students that consistently improve and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in course studies.

Greg had encountered so many gifted students over the years who needed just a little more help financially to stay enrolled, and he knew that a scholarship like his could make a difference. After his estate was settled, the college received over $566,000 from bequests from Greg to add to the H.O.P.E. Scholarship Endowment. Through the KCTCS matching program, the college was able to apply for matching funds from the system office to increase local scholarship endowments. After all of the matches are complete and finalized, the HOPE Scholarship endowment will exceed $1.1 million.

Longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Mary Werner, shared these thoughts about Greg’s gift and bequest, “In Hamilton, the main character defines ‘legacy’ as ‘planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.’ Professor Greg Hagan planted many seeds at MCC through his years of excellent teaching and work with students. And now with the HOPE scholarship, he has quietly and humbly left behind a great legacy for future students. The impact of his kindness and generosity will be realized for years to come.”

With the income from the endowment, MCC has been able to make several scholarship awards already to deserving students. And it all was made possible by the generous and selfless contributions of a dedicated friend and colleague who cared about students and others. What a legacy!

The Derby Day Gala - Helping Students Finish Their “Run for the Roses”

The sun shone brightly on campus at the college’s first Run for the Roses derby gala held on the first Saturday in May. Over 150 friends and supporters of the college were present for a fun afternoon of music, great food, and fellowship to raise funds for the college’s scholarship program. Entertainment was provided by the Eddy Grove Trio and attendees were treated to an exciting running of the 149th Kentucky Derby on the big screens in the Beshear Center Community Room.

A new focus for the college in the coming years is building a base of support for students who encounter costs associated with equipment and technology needed for their programs of study. The lineman program, nursing, and other technology and healthcare programs have costs for some of this kind of equipment. After the auction and silent auction were complete, over $30,000 was added to the scholarships available for students. This event was made possible through the generous donations and support of so many in the community who purchased tables and gave auction items.

“After months of hard work the Madisonville College Foundation was proud to present the return of its annual gala, Derby Day Celebration,” said Austin Tarkington, MCC’s director of advancement. “In-person events like this had come to a halt for over three years, and it was safe to say that everyone was once again ready to get together and have some fun! The evening was a celebration of all things Kentucky, and a chance to show our community the difference that Madisonville Community College makes in the lives of our students every single day. The money raised from the Derby Day Celebration will help countless students in their pursuit of a college degree at MCC for many years to come. We are so appreciative of the support of the Madisonville College Foundation, and we all look forward to the 2nd Annual Derby Day Celebration next year!”

Glema Center’s 2022-2023 School Days Matinees Series Brings the Classroom to the Theatre

Twelve performances brought nearly 3,900 students and teachers to the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts for the 20222023 School Days Matinees Series. This educational lineup is underwritten with financial support from Hopkins County Schools and provides students from Hopkins and surrounding counties with regular opportunities to visit the Glema Center and experience the arts firsthand.

In October, a traveling troupe from Lexington Children’s Theatre put on Puss in Boots and Digging up Dessa. They returned in March with Anansi the Spider and The Legend of John Henry.

The Children’s Center for Dance Education staged a dreamy performance of A Children’s Nutcracker in December. Primary roles were filled by dancers from the company, local dancers were cast to fill supporting roles in the ballet, and the Glema Center audience was nearly at capacity when the curtain opened for their school day performance.

Kentucky Shakespeare’s traveling actors brought Hamlet to life— and death—on the Glema Center stage in March. The high school audience enjoyed a lively question-and-answer session with the troupe following the performance.

The final event of the series was a presentation for students, by students. In April, Hopkins County High Schools staged a joint production of Seussical the Musical. After their two spirited—and well-received—school day performances, the cast went on to present three energetic public performances of Seussical over the course of two days.

Beyond the School Days Matinees series and in addition to Seussical, the Glema Center presented nine ticketed events from January to May. The Glema Center also hosted several Hopkins County Schools musical performances involving choral and band programs which were free and open to the community, served as the venue for KMEA All District Band and band assessment events, and hosted the Hopkins County Schools Talent Show Series District Competitions this spring.

A Look at this Season at the Anne P. Baker Gallery

Hundreds of artworks have adorned the walls and pedestals of the Anne P. Baker Gallery since August, and there are more still to come.

The season opened with “Jumanji: This Isn’t a Game,” an exhibit by Jarrid Scott, a mixed media artist, illustrator, sculptor, muralist, and printmaker born and raised in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Scott uses recycled and repurposed materials like single use plastics as means of visual storytelling focused on conservation and contemplating life of an alternative future.

Next came selections from “Side by Side,” a touring exhibit sponsored by Arts for All Kentucky. In the Side by Side program, students participate in a series of classes, after which they partner with a professional artist in their community to create a collaborative work of art. This exhibit consisted of 40 such pieces.

The new year brought “Frenia: Art as Therapy,” paintings by Tommi Brasher and Walking Sticks by Nathaniel Brasher. Tommi was diagnosed in her mid-thirties with schizophrenia and uses her artwork as one form of therapy. Nathaniel enjoys the beauty of nature and expresses that in his one-of-a-kind walking sticks. More than 350 students, from kindergarten through high school and attending public and private schools in Hopkins County, contributed to this year’s Glema Center Student Art Exhibit. Next came “Carryin’ on the Tradition XII,” traditional quilts by

the Piecemakers Quilt Club of Hopkins County. The designs and patterns of the more than 100 quilts were as varied as the skilled quilters creating them. The show included several themed displays including a group quilt, a Block of the Month project, and Quilts of Valor, as well as a “tornado” quilt to serve as an example of the twelve quilts that members made and gave to families who lost their homes in the tornadoes of December 2021.

Still to come this summer are the 2023 Glema Center Juried Photography & Juried Art Exhibits. These pieces will remain on display in the gallery through August 18.

The Anne P. Baker Gallery is located inside the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. Gallery admission is always free.

2023 GRADUATION FAST FACTS

GRADUATES BY GENDER

TOP COUNTIES BY GRADUATES

GRADUATES BY AGE

MCC Welcomes Lantrip and Noel as Student Resource Officers

In the fall of 2022, Dr. Cindy Kelley and Madisonville Police Chief Steve Bryan initiated their quest for a new school resource officer at MCC following the retirement announcement of the previous officer. After advertising the job, two highly qualified candidates emerged. During a meeting with the president’s cabinet, it was decided to allocate funding for an additional position. Officers Lantrip and Noel, with a combined experience of over 60 years in law enforcement, proved to be the ideal individuals to ensure MCC’s safety. Given the urgency of school security, the college is thrilled to have the opportunity to double the law enforcement presence on campus. The officers have seamlessly integrated into their roles and swiftly become valued members of the MCC community.

How to Give - Helping MCC to Help Our Students

A gift to MCC is an investment in your community’s well-being. Our success would not be possible without the generosity of alumni, friends, and local businesses who value a strong, affordable college opportunity right here in western Kentucky. Your gift can assist one of the following strategic areas that are vital to continued programming excellence: Tuition support for students pursuing associate degrees, Direct support for the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, Tutorial programs, Funds for employee professional development, Support for the Loman C. Trover Library, and many other special initiatives.

Give online today at https://madisonville.kctcs.edu/giving/online-giving.aspx or contact the Advancement Office at (270) 824-8593 for specific details on Ways of Giving and areas of Designation.

Muhlenberg Webster Caldwell Christian McClean Henderson Crittenden

Mike Lantrip (left) and Chris Noel (right)

SOLUTIONS

Successful Summer Youth College 2023 WORKFORCE

We celebrated our 30th year of Summer Youth College and over 80 students were there to join in the fun. Participants could choose from some great courses this summer, including a hunt for Bigfoot, learning about the Great Outdoors, painting selfies, and much more. In those 30 years, hundreds of students have taken enrichment classes that expanded their horizons and allowed them to find their passions.

BY THE NUMBERS

KCTCS TRAINS GRANTS: 7 grants $260,000

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS 2022/2023

TRAINING HEADCOUNT: 2,507

COMPANIES SERVED: 500

ASSESSMENT CENTER TESTING: 4,371

MINING STUDENTS/TRAINING HEADCOUNT: 1,435

When Natalie Goshen was a junior at Madisonville North Hopkins, she discovered her passion for a trade career while taking a dual credit electrical course at MCC. Encouraged and guided by her instructor, she made the decision to pursue this path. Throughout high school, Natalie continued taking dual credit courses and immediately after graduating, she enrolled in line technician training through the Workforce Solutions department.

Being only the second female student in the program didn’t make Natalie feel any different from her peers. MCC welcomed her warmly, treating her like family from the moment she expressed interest in the program. Despite considering training programs at different institutions, Natalie knew that MCC was the right choice. Compared to similar programs elsewhere, MCC offered affordable tuition and valuable hands-on experience. The program is led by instructors who are either currently employed or retired from the electrical industry, providing comprehensive knowledge of the trade and equipping lineman students with all the necessary skills to succeed in the workplace.

Natalie explained that beyond technical expertise, the program fostered essential workplace skills. “From teamwork, prioritizing safety, and taking constructive criticism, we know how to compose ourselves in the workplace,” she explained. Through practical exercises, students simulated potential troubleshooting scenarios and engaged in teamwork drills to cultivate camaraderie. Safety remains a top priority for the instructors, ensuring students are well-prepared for any situation.

The training facilities at the Lisman Workforce Complex featured utility poles standing at 40 ft. However, the addition of an 85 ft pole provided students like Natalie with the opportunity to tackle greater heights. This allowed them to prepare for work conditions where utility poles could reach upwards of 100 ft. While climbing the taller pole was a daunting task, Natalie felt safe throughout the experience, with her only concern being the worry it might cause her mother.

Natalie’s experience at MCC has not only solidified her passion for a trade career but also equipped her with the essential skills and knowledge needed for success. With the support of Workforce Solutions, Natalie is on track to complete the program in August and enter the workforce fully prepared.

Natalie Goshen Sparks Excitement for Line Worker Program

A COLLEGE IS NOT DEFINED BY ITS BRICKS AND MORTAR, BUT RATHER BY THE SPIRIT OF ITS PEOPLE.

President’s Cabinet

Dr. Cynthia Kelley

PRESIDENT

Dr. Sidney Hill

PROVOST

Ray Gillaspie

CHIEF BUSINESS AFFAIRS OFFICER

Dr. Jay Parrent

VICE-PRESIDENT, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Mike Davenport DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

David Schuermer DIRECTOR OF GRANTS, PLANNING, AND EFFECTIVENESS

Austin Tarkington DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Madisonville College Foundation

R. Steven Cox CHAIR

Don Fishman SECRETARY/TREASURER

Rhea Ashby

John “Wade” Berry

Erin Blanford

2022-2023 Board of Directors

Alan C. Lossner CHAIR

Robert W. Brooks

VICE CHAIR

Dr. Mary B. Werner FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE, SECRETARY

Bruce P. Brockenborough

Dr. Joe E. Ellis

Jack N. Morris

Patsy K. Oliver

Robert L. Ramey

Casie Richardson

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

Megan Wickham STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Greg Bruce

David W. Jackson

Mike Mercer

Steve Nance

C. Allen Rudd

Tom Shaver

MCC BY THE NUMBERS

Total Fall 2022 enrollment: 3,493

Total Spring 2023 enrollment: 2,892

Total scholarship dollars awarded: $948,173.84

Total private gift scholarship dollars awarded: $265,450

Students from each county in the area: Hopkins County - 1,971

Muhlenberg County - 994

Webster County - 485

Caldwell County - 249

Crittenden County - 144

Number of states represented at MCC: 31

Credentials awarded for 2022-2023: 1,658 degrees, diplomas, and certificates

High school dual credit students: 1,338 in 2022-2023