KCTCS NEWS RELEASE - for immediate release
Contact: Brendan Lehane, (859) 256-3305
KCTCS Board of Regents enhances system of comprehensive colleges
VERSAILLES, Ky. (December 3, 2004) - The Board of Regents of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) took action today to enhance the development of comprehensive colleges in the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, which created KCTCS, charged the system with developing comprehensive community and technical colleges that offer university transfer programs, occupational/technical programs, workforce training, and community service.
Meeting at the KCTCS System Office in Versailles, the Board of Regents met that mandate by approving the following proposals:
The KCTCS Strategic Plan 2006-10 which sets goals to achieve the KCTCS Mission and the mandates of the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997.
Pursuit of consolidation and single accreditation of Central Kentucky Technical College and Lexington Community College. The endorsement allows the colleges to move forward 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).
A name change to Jefferson Community and Technical College effective July 1, 2005, resulting from the consolidation of Jefferson Community College and Jefferson Technical College into a single institution.
Revised mission statements for Jefferson Community and Technical College and Owensboro Community and Technical College to signify their roles in serving the region as comprehensive two-year colleges.
"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 growth of communities," said Michael B. McCall, KCTCS president.
The Board of Regents further expanded opportunities for students by approving:
Resolution expressing its support and endorsement of KCTCS participation in the University Center of the Mountains – a collaboration of partnering postsecondary institutions comprised of Hazard Community and Technical College, Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Lindsey Wilson College for the purpose of providing greater access to quality postsecondary learning opportunities for the citizens of southeastern Kentucky.
A new diploma program in practical nursing to be offered at Henderson Community College.
A new associate in applied science degree in education for Lexington Community College.
New certificate programs to be offered by the following colleges: Ashland Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Bowling Green Technical College, Central Kentucky Technical College, Gateway Community and Technical College, Hazard Community and Technical College, Hopkinsville Community College, Jefferson Technical College, Madisonville Community College, Maysville Community and Technical College, Owensboro Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, and West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
"These new programs are designed to be responsive to the education and workforce needs in Kentucky," said Cynthia L. Read, chair of the Board of Regents. "We will continue to be responsive to the needs of students and employers by providing greater student access with quality programs."
In other action during its regular quarterly meeting, the Board of Regents:
Approved the KCTCS legislative agenda for the 2005 session of the Kentucky General Assembly.
Approved candidates for graduation who applied for academic credentials (certificates, diplomas or associate degrees) between June 29, 2004, and October 18, 2004.
Received the annual financial audit covering the 2003/04 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. The audit - performed by the independent firm of Deloitte & Touche - was "clean and unqualified." This was the sixth consecutive such audit received by KCTCS.
The Board of Regents next meeting is scheduled for March 10-11, 2005, at the KCTCS System Office in Versailles.
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.