Hopkinsville Community College got a visit from a familiar name in a new position, as new Kentucky Community Technical College System President Ryan Quarles stopped by Thursday morning.
Dr. Quarles—former Agriculture Commissioner and Kentucky State Representative—has been visiting all of the 16 colleges in KCTCS and HCC was his 14th stop, and he was quick to brag on the community college’s leadership and driven attitudes across the campus. He says he’s eager to get to know everyone as President, and he feels like he’s in the right place at the right time to help take the system higher.
He says he has a lot of priorities moving forward, especially tackling enrollment numbers, maintaining fiscal responsibility and making sure KCTCS is a vital partner in the state’s work force efforts.
HCC Foundation Board Member and Hopkinsville Rotary Scholar Austin Calvert says he was always driven to give back to the community that has given so much to him—his graduating high school class was the first to benefit from the Rotary Scholars program and he was quick to take advantage of it.
Thursday is Giving Day and HCC President and CEO Dr. Alissa Young says they’re always appreciative of any support their students receive, as it helps them stay on track, whether that be from help with books, emergencies or food insecurity.
Dr. Quarles spent the day taking a full tour of the HCC Hopkinsville campus and the HCC campus located on Fort Campbell, where he learned about what challenges the college is facing and what they’re doing to meet the needs of their students.
Officials also took the chance to remind everyone that the Rotary Auction is taking place in Hopkinsville this week, with all proceeds raised from that set to benefit local students pursuing higher education. They took the time Thursday to recognize the Rotary Club for their commitment to education in the community.