Business Courier
September 29, 2003
Gateway becoming college on the move
School takes classes to larger employers
Mini-college campuses located at companies and job sites will account for at least
half of future expanded offerings for Gateway Community and Technical College.
G. Edward Hughes, Gateway's president and CEO, sees this kind of "campus
within a campus" now being piloted at Citigroup in Florence as the major
growth vehicle for the community college.
"It's not unlike in the '60s when we started opening community colleges,"
Hughes said. "That was an effort to open access in a massive way. This
is the next iteration of that."
Classes in four subject areas started in August for 25 Citigroup employees
who are either brushing up on skills or pursuing a degree. Student-employees
can study writing, college algebra, biology and Spanish. Surveys are under way
to determine which classes to offer next.
The idea for the pilot developed more than a year ago, after Gateway conducted
a few targeted on-site classes for Citigroup, said Angie Taylor, Gateway's vice
president of community development.
With 80 percent of Citigroup's 2,300 employees in their 20s, the classes --
packaged with career and academic counseling also offered at work -- made perfect
sense, said Johnna Fasold, Citigroup vice president.
"We see education as a business strategy affecting this site and regional
development," Fasold said.
Citigroup, through its partnership with Gateway, is committed not only to educating
its current employees, but also to providing training for community residents.
There are three facets to the Gateway/Citigroup college partnership:
- Citigroup employees can take a variety of college classes at work. Classes
are offered at varying times to accommodate different shifts. And because
Citigroup allows its employees to work on flex-time, they can take a few hours
off in the middle of their shift to go to school or meet with a professor
during office hours. Citigroup reimburses tuition costs at 80 percent for
any class for a passing grade. Credits can be transferred to Northern Kentucky
University or other regional colleges.
- When Citigroup tests job candidates for employability skills, some often
do not pass. Now those who fail can sign up for free pre-hire training. The
more than 20 hours of classes teach math, reading comprehension and other
skills needed to pass the Citigroup test. Residents can also use the training
as a way to improve their skills for other job opportunities. All students
who complete the training will earn a Kentucky Employability Certificate.
About 300 people are expected to take advantage of the pre-hire training at
Citigroup's Florence location.
- And for current Citigroup employees, career discovery classes will help
people decide on a future career path or occupation, said Faith Kenny, a Citigroup
senior business analyst. Employees are able to work with Casey Gibson, an
academic adviser who is on-site 20 hours a week. She is a Gateway employee,
but her salary is paid by Citigroup. Career discovery classes will help employees
learn about the opportunities available in different career paths while at
the same time helping Citigroup identify manager candidates that the company
wants to retain.
"Here we have a company embracing the common good," Hughes said.
"That's unusual because companies often embrace the particular good."
Gateway's partnerships with businesses are part of a growing trend in the adult
education field. For example, the University of Phoenix now offers training
and other classes to Convergys employees worldwide. That relationship often
leads to Convergys employees taking additional classes with the university,
said Todd Rickel, Cincinnati campus director.
The Gateway/Citigroup program has measures in place to gauge the program's
success. Hughes said he wants to see Citigroup employees staying with the company
longer and moving up faster.
For Gateway, this new kind of campus helps a growing college keep growing.
"We are bursting at the seams on our campuses and we have no more classrooms,"
Taylor said. "This helps us educate more people without more space."
The program also allows Gateway to marry its technical and customized classes
with college credit. For example, now that the Citigroup site in Florence is
certified, employees who take American Institute of Banking classes can earn
college credit.
And while Hughes and Taylor would not discuss specifics about deals being worked
out with other employers, Taylor did say the Citigroup campus could become a
model for other programs in the region and at other Citigroup locations across
the country.
Fasold said she hopes the project is replicated. The Florence site is already
sharing tips and ideas with other Citigroup locations about how to offer college
classes on campus.
"We now have managers who are degreed who want a master's degree offered,"
Fasold said.
The Kentucky Post
September 30, 2003
An evolving mission
Northern Kentucky University just reported a stunning decline in undergraduate
enrollment growth rate over its previous years.
And while the region's motto for 20 years has been "growth is good,"
in this case, nearly no growth is good.
NKU's 0.4 percent undergraduate enrollment growth for this fall -- to 12,208
students -- pales next to the 18.1 percent cumulative enrollment growth figures
it posted over the last five years.
But NKU's loss is Gateway's gain.
Many of the students who would have formerly used NKU as their first entry
into post-secondary education have, this fall, chosen Northern Kentucky's newest
option: Gateway Community and Technical College.
The students who choose Gateway are precisely the students the Higher Education
Reform Act of 1997 set out to serve -- the Kentuckians who need an affordable,
convenient access to the beginning of an education that will serve them personally
and in the workplace.
Gateway is poised to provide this, under its new name, with its new Boone County
campus underway and under the leadership of Dr. Ed Hughes, an expert in community
college education.
It gives students who are re-entering education, who are seeking job training,
or who are in search of some skills-bolstering the right environment and the
right educators to obtain that.
Gateway is setting out to show a whole generation of Kentuckians the ways that
"Education Pays."
It will pay for them personally, because Gateway is directed toward fostering
student success. No college experience is valuable if it comes with the sense
of failure experienced by smart, hard-working students who bring bright dreams
of advancement to a class for which they are not yet ready.
The shame of failing out of NKU is not a good "access," no matter
how high the enrollment goes.
It will pay for them intellectually and educationally, because the two-year
Gateway credits are transferable to NKU if the student chooses to pursue a four-year
degree.
It will pay for them professionally, because the mission of Gateway is directed
to preparing the student for the real needs of the workplace and the state's
developing economy.
It was this linkage of education and work that Rep. Jim Callahan, D-Wilder,
had in mind as he fashioned the legislation that created the new post-secondary
system.
It's a system with a mission and a linkage -- from pre-school through post-secondary
-- that is designed to put Kentucky to work, smartly.
In a state where high school graduation in some counties is still nearly a
50-50 proposition, that's the system we need, for the students and for the economy.
As NKU evolves into a different institution -- what educators call a "comprehensive"
university -- it too has a new mission. Its core business has changed. And President
Jim Votruba is a wise enough CEO to see that growth for growth's sake, not focused
on the core business, is a recipe for disaster.
NKU's undergraduate admission standards are going up. Its undergraduate growth
is slowing, but its law school and graduate school enrollments were up 11.9
percent and 8 percent respectively.
"We're becoming more of an upper division university, with more graduate
students," Votruba told his peers in higher education as they met en masse
Sept. 21-22 in Hebron.
But it's not leaving those who seek first-time college access in Northern Kentucky
out in the cold. In its strong partnership with Gateway, it's making sure that
those who come in are ready to succeed and -- if they chose -- proceed to that
upper division.
You start where you start -- and Gateway's a good place for that.
So, hooray for slow growth and the local leadership and planning in Frankfort
that got us here.
The Hazard Herald
October 1, 2003
Dr. Jay K. Box inaugurated as HCTC third president
The inauguration of Dr. Jay K. Box as president/CEO of Hazard Community and
Technical College was held in the Forum of The Hal Rogers Center Friday afternoon.
From its humble beginnings in the Lower Broadway School in 1968, Hazard Community
College (now Hazard Community and Technical College) has made tremendous progress
attesting to the vision and foresight of Governor Bert T. Combs who saw the
unlimited potential of making higher education available to the people of East
Kentucky. The ceremony began with a musical prelude by the Victory Brass Quintet.
The colors were presented by the Perry County Central ROTC. Ron Mosley, Hazard
Community & Technical College student presented the Scepter and Rich Holl
Faculty Co-Chair was the Mace Bearer. The Rev. Byrant Kibler Sr. St. Marks Episcopal
gave the invocation. William Engle, III, Chair of the Hazard Community College
Board of Directors, gave the official welcome. Engle explained the timing of
the inauguration. Dr. Box has been president of HCTC for a year, in Engle's
word, "Had we made a mistake in our selection, we could have quietly removed
him. Thanks for coming." Following were remarks from Cynthia Reed, Board
of Regents Kentucky Community College System. The Shape Note Singers sang three
hymns: Bound For The Promised Land, David's Lamentations and Jacob's Vision.
Senator Daniel Mongiardo speaking on the behalf of the Kentucky Legislature
said, that education is the answer to the problems faced by society. "It
is through education that the cost of health care can be reduced." Mongiardo
continued, "I see a bright future for the college. The college has the
resources to train workers for the new jobs that will be coming the mountains."
Dr. Michael McCall, President of the Kentucky Community & Technical College
System stated in his remarks, "I recognize the legacy of the community
college system, the strong local support and the proven leadership of Dr. Jay
Box. The school has a rich heritage Lees 1883, the technical college 1941, and
the beginning of the community colleges in the 1960s. Following his investiture
by Dr. McCall, Dr. Box delivered his Inaugural Address entitled Honoring our
Past, Embracing our Future. Dr. Box paid tribute to the high esteem that the
people of East Kentucky place on their heritage, how that family, church and
music remain a focus of mountain life even today. The terrain and lack of roads
left the people of the mountains isolated until better roads began to be constructed
into the mountains in the 60s. The community college was to be located at Blackey,
however due to some intense lobbying and spirited fund raising headed by local
people the location was changed to Hazard. The school opened with 160 students
and a basic college curriculum. The first Director was Dr. J. Marvin Jolly,
who would remain at the helm until 1985. Dr. Jolly was followed by Ed Hughes,
who left in 2001 to start up a new community college in Northern Kentucky, across
the Ohio River from Cincinnati. In 1996 Lees College in Jackson merged with
Hazard Community College. In 1997 the Kentucky Legislature enacted the bill
establishing an independent Community and Technical College System.
During this milestone event in the history of the institution, Dr. Box outlined
three major goals for the college. "First, I believe it is critical for
us to increase the percentage of Eastern Kentuckians who obtain a college education.
Second, I believe it is imperative for us to expand our role in the training
of our workforce. And, third, I believe we must keep our college focused on
our Appalachian heritage.
Dr. Box's goals for HCTC is to increase the percentage of college graduates.
He sited statistics that need to go up. Only 57% of our people have a high school
diploma, national average 80%, 17% have college degrees, national average 27%,
graduate degree 8.6% national average 24.4%. If we are to move forward we must
improve these numbers. The University Center of the Mountains, where students
can complete a four year degree program is a reality. An agreement has been
reached with HCTC, Morehead University and Eastern Kentucky University that
will enable students to complete their four year degree through HCTC. Dr. Box
said, "The reason we are here is because of the needs of the students.
You must respond to the opportunity by being willing to learn." Dr. Box
pointed out that the Technical Campus offers 17 diploma programs and 80 certificate
programs and that workforce training is a component of the overall program of
the college. Dr. Box sited the example of Hazel Hurt who at 81 enrolled and
completed her Associate Degree in Applied Science and Jerry Ritchie who due
to complications from diabetes, has returned to school at age 31 and will complete
the requirements for the degree in Social Work offered by the college.
"I pledge to continue to work with our local superintendents and high
school principals to increase the access of opportunities for our high school
students. Furthermore, I am committed to expanding cooperation between our college
faculty and high school teachers. By working together, our instructors can closely
align curriculum, share best practices in teaching and learning, and better
prepare high school graduates for a successful college career.
"I will strive to continuously enhance our Academic Resource Centers
as well as expand our collaboration with our community adult education centers
so that our non-traditional as well as our traditional students may receive
the additional support they want and need.
"I will work to see that the University Center of the Mountains continues
to expand its degree offerings so that no Eastern Kentuckian has to leave our
area to get a four-year degree.
"Fortunately, we are blessed at HCTC to have an outstanding faculty and
staff. Never in my 20 years of work in higher education have I been associated
with a more dedicated group of faculty members, administrators, and support
staff.
His third goal for the college is to keep the focus on our Appalachian heritage.
Dr. Box announced plans to expand by 2013 the Appalachian Heritage & Humanities
division to include programs in music, theatre, and art. The music program will
emphasize bluegrass, new grass, and mountain music and will prepare students
for careers in the music business. The theatre program will feature storytelling
as well as traditional plays, whereas the art program will include both traditional
and commercial art components.
He also highlighted students who show they are getting a quality education
close to home. The speech can be read in its entirety at http://www.hazard.kctcs.edu/new_site/aboutHCTC/inauguration%20speech.htm
Dr. Michael B. McCall, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College
System (KCTCS), said Dr. Box came to Hazard with a vision as broad as Kentucky
and a mission that enabled him to hit the ground running. "His easygoing
style, innovative ideas, and strong work ethics have been well received in this
community and at KCTCS.
"His professional leadership is guided by his personal concern for others.
His soft-spoken ways cannot hide the passion he feels for quality and equality.
He is a leader who values and seeks out opinions. He listens, and then uses
what he hears to make sound decisions. People recognize his sincerity, his deep
faith, and his belief in the genuine goodness of people.
"Jay, his wife, Gayle, and their son, Jason, have been warmly received
and, indeed, have found a home in Hazard. They are partners with a community
of people who seek to learn, explore, and grow in knowledge," Dr. McCall
said.
Student Cindy Osborne sang the national anthem. Speakers included student
Jerry Ritchie, staff member Elbert Hagans, faculty co-chair Lee Ann Helton,
and Somerset Community College president Dr. Jo Marshall. Tim Glotzbach, dean
of the Kentucky School of Craft, provided the call to assemble and the Perry
County Central ROTC provided the presentation of colors. Rev. Ellen Peach First
Presbyterian Church Hazard gave the benediction.
Two items were presented that were created especially for the event. The Ceremonial
Mace was designed and built by faculty members John Handshoe, Curtis Combs,
Bobby Beaven and Tim Glotzbach. The Ceremonial Scepter was created by students
Ron Mosely and John Joseph.
Funding for the Presidential Inauguration was made possible by donations from:
Appalachian Regional Healthcare Inc., City of Hazard, J. Phil and Donna Smith,
Peoples Bank and Trust Company, Hyden Citizens Bank, Community Trust Bank, First
Federal Savings and Loan Association, Darrell and Susan Herald, Lewis and Elizzo
Hopper, Kentucky River Properties (LLC), Open MRI of Hazard, Bruce and Virginia
Jo Stephens, Ad East Inc., Margaret and E.L. Adams, Bank of Hindman, C. Vernon
Cooper Jr., Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce, and Mitchell Wicker Jr.
Leslie County News
September 30, 2003
Toyota donates automobiles to HCTC
Students enrolled in automotive technology programs at Hazard Community and
Technical College are benefiting from donations of automobiles by Toyota Motor
Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK).
TMMK released the vehicles to the college as well as six other similar schools
at its plant in Georgetown. Students will work on one Camry and one Sienna minivan
as they train for careers in automotive technology.
The donated vehicles were built during trial phases for new models. Since
they were made, Toyota has used them for transportation in and around the Georgetown
plant.
"We appreciate the generosity shown by Toyota in supporting our colleges'
automotive technology programs," noted Dr. Jay K. Box, president. "This
is an example of our ongoing partnership, which is benefiting communities and
changing the lives of students across Kentucky," noted Dr. Michael B. McCall,
president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, recognized as the KCTCS Benefactor of
the Year in 2001, is the largest donor to the KCTCS Foundation with contributions
exceeding $500,000.
In 2001, Toyota provided 41 robots and six programmable logic units that were
distributed to 14 community and technical colleges for instructional use by
faculty and staff. The company donated $150,000 to support the Kentucky Manufacturing
Skills Standards and Lean Thinking Initiative in 2000.
"TMMK has a very strong relationship with KCTCS," said Tom Zawacki,
general manager at TMMK and chairman of the board of the KCTCS Foundation, Inc."KCTCS
has developed a number of initiatives to help in a variety of programs at TMMK
such as skilled trades, lean manufacturing curriculum, and other practical education
initiatives. We also support KCTCS in a number of ways, one of which is vehicle
donations for their educational training program."
|
