Mason Franklin brings student voice to KCTCS Board of Regents

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents is expanding student representation with the election of Mason Franklin, a Hazard Community and Technical College student who has a strong interest in student advocacy and ensuring students have a voice in decisions that affect their college experience.

“The people in my life and my experiences at HCTC have encouraged me to speak up for myself and become more involved; I wanted to use that motivation to represent other students and make sure their voices are heard,” Mason said.

At HCTC, Mason serves as a student assistant for the college’s student support services program. He is also a student ambassador and is involved with Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for high-achieving community college students focused on scholarship, leadership and service. Currently, he is pursuing an associate degree with the intention of studying nuclear medicine and entering the field of health care.

“We are incredibly proud to see one of our own students from the mountains of southeastern Kentucky serving as a voice for students across the commonwealth,” said Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC chancellor. “As a peer mentor, Mason has supported fellow students through difficult circumstances, using his own perspective and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in their lives. I am confident he will bring that same compassion, insight and commitment to the Board of Regents as he helps elevate student voices and shape conversations about higher education, workforce development and the future of Kentucky.”

Through his work in student support, tutoring, outreach and student organizations at HCTC, Mason has had the opportunity to experience college from a different perspective than his fellow students. Those experiences have strengthened his interest in serving others. In his role as student regent, Mason hopes to help his colleagues feel comfortable speaking up and getting involved in decisions that affect their futures.

“I want to improve communication between students and KCTCS leadership so that students feel like their concerns are actually being heard,” Mason said. “Most importantly, I want to leave the position knowing that I represented students honestly and did everything I could to advocate for them.”

Franklin’s experience supporting and advocating for fellow students will bring an important perspective to the KCTCS Board of Regents as he works to ensure students have a direct voice in conversations and decisions that shape their experience across the system.

“Mason understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges our students experience, and he has already demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others,” KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said. “That perspective will be invaluable to the Board of Regents. We look forward to hearing his ideas, learning from the students he represents and working alongside him to continue improving the student experience across all 16 KCTCS colleges.”