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For more information contact Brendan Lehane, KCTCS (859) 246-3305

KCTCS Board of Regents enhances system of comprehensive colleges

CENTRAL CITY, Ky. (August 13, 2004) - Enhancing service to students, employers and communities, the Board of Regents of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) took action today to further develop comprehensive colleges across the state.

The Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, which created KCTCS, charged the new system with developing comprehensive community and technical colleges that offer university transfer programs, occupational/technical programs, workforce training, and community service.

Meeting at the Muhlenberg County Campus of Madisonville Community College, the Board of Regents met that mandate by adopting a resolution approving the pursuit of consolidation and single accreditation of Jefferson Community College and Jefferson Technical College. The resolution allows the colleges to consolidate into a single comprehensive community and technical college and pursue single accreditation under the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

"By fulfilling our mission to establish comprehensive colleges in a seamless statewide system, KCTCS is changing the lives of students, improving services provided to employers, and fulfilling its vital role in the economic growth of communities," said Michael B. McCall, KCTCS president.

The Board of Regents further expanded opportunities for students by approving:

  • New diploma programs in Administrative Assistant and Medical Office Assistant to be offered by Ashland Community and Technical College.
  • New certificate programs to be offered by the following colleges: Ashland Community and Technical College, Central Kentucky Technical College, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Gateway Community and Technical College, Hazard Community and Technical College, Hopkinsville Community College, Jefferson Community College, Maysville Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, and West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

    Since January 1998, the KCTCS Board of Regents has approved more than 1,800 new programs and program options that the colleges may offer to students. Programs and program options available to students across the System now total over 3,000.

    "The new programs offered by KCTCS colleges enhance opportunities for students to pursue their career and personal goals," said Cynthia L. Read, chair of the Board of Regents.

    In other action during its regular quarterly meeting, the Board of Regents approved:

  • The 2004-05 Salary Schedule for KCTCS faculty and staff.
  • Candidates for graduation who applied for academic credentials (certificates, diplomas or associate degrees) between March 30, 2004, and June 28, 2004.
  • The Board of Regents also received an update on the status of the KCTCS Strategic Plan 2006-2010 and discussed the development of the KCTCS legislative agenda for the 2005 regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly.

    Both items will be presented for approval at the Board of Regents next meeting scheduled for December 3, 2004 at the KCTCS System Office in Versailles, Kentucky.
    KCTCS colleges change lives by providing academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.