KCTCS brings back annual conference focused on change and commitment to student success, workforce growth
Published on May 29, 2025
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System marked the return of its annual
conference held May 21–22 at the System Office in Versailles and streamed virtually
to attendees across the system.
Once known as the New Horizons Conference, the reimagined annual conference focused on how educators, staff and leaders can embrace and lead through change, support students and strengthen Kentucky’s workforce.
“We’re excited to bring back the annual conference and are already planning to expand next year’s event to accommodate more in-person participation,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “This renewed gathering reflects our commitment to excellence and our shared vision of developing a more skilled workforce to drive Kentucky’s prosperity.”
Conference highlights included:
- Keynote address by Dr. Jeff Borden: “Facing Changes and Changing Faces” examined how higher education can meet the needs of evolving student populations, followed by a hands-on workshop for deeper learning.
- Student panel: KCTCS students shared personal stories of transformation and success, illustrating the impact of accessible, high-quality education.
- Special awards ceremony: Outstanding faculty, staff and legislative champions were honored for their commitment to education.
KCTCS Champions Award honorees
KCTCS recognized key state lawmakers for their unwavering support of community and technical colleges in Kentucky:
- Sen. David Givens, President Pro Tempore, District 9
- Rep. Jason Petrie, Chairman, District 16
- Rep. James Tipton, Chairman, District 53
- Sen. Stephen West, Chairman, District 27
KCTCS faculty and staff Excellence Award winners
The faculty excellence award celebrates exceptional teaching and academic leadership, while the staff excellence award honors professionals that contribute to student success behind the scenes.
Ashland Community and Technical College
Faculty: Becky Cochran
Staff: Ashley Vanderpool
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Faculty: Jeffrey T. Hicks
Staff: Toni Ousley
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Faculty: Stephanie Fitch
Staff: Ally Grzywacz
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Faculty: Y. Kae Cooper
Staff: Judy Akers
Gateway Community and Technical College
Faculty: Audrey Ostendorf
Staff: Liz Taylor
Hazard Community and Technical College
Faculty: Josh Kelly
Staff: Douglas Scott Gross
Henderson Community College
Faculty: Sarah Crick
Staff: Cheryl McKendree
Hopkinsville Community College
Faculty: Diane Thomas
Staff: Marissa Greathouse
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Faculty: Nick Morris
Staff: Ashton L. Ballard
Madisonville Community College
Faculty: Jeff Bidwell
Staff: Colin Magee
Maysville Community and Technical College
Faculty: Brenda Moore
Staff: Alisha Plummer
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Faculty: Nathan Hirtz
Staff: Courtney Duvall
Somerset Community College
Faculty: Margie Childress
Staff: Todd Chmura
Southcentral Community and Technical College
Faculty: Dr. Renee White
Staff: Denna White
Southeast Community and Technical College
Faculty: Jennifer Nolan
Staff: Keisha Eary
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Faculty: Britton Shurley
Staff: Jessica West
Fire Commission
Staff: Casey Smith
KCTCS System Office
Staff: James Gibson
Staff: Brady Shultz
