KCTCS Elevates Student Voice with Election of Nursing Student to Board of Regents
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents is strengthening its student voice with the election of Jessica Jones, a Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) nursing student whose journey reflects the power and purpose of community college education across the Commonwealth.
“As KCTCS Student Regent, I am dedicated to making sure every student is heard and represented,” Jones said. “I’m proud to represent more than 120,000 KCTCS students, and I’m committed to listening closely and advocating for the concerns and experiences of all students.”
Jones’ story is one of determination, resilience, and return. After attending HCC from 2003 to 2007 and earning both an associate of arts and an associate of applied science degree, she continued her education at Western Kentucky University. In 2025, Jones returned to HCC to earn her certified nursing assistant certification and is now pursuing an associate degree in nursing, with plans to begin working as a registered nurse while continuing toward a doctoral degree.
“My ultimate career goal is to become a nurse practitioner,” Jones said. “My decision to return to school was driven by a desire to care for others and bring comfort and joy to patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
A mother of three homeschooled children, she balances family, education, and leadership while serving as president of the student government association and treasurer of the Hopkinsville chapter of the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students. She is also actively engaged with the Kentucky Nurses Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
“I’m proud to welcome our newest student member to the Board of Regents,” said Ryan Quarles. “As a nursing student, a mother of three homeschooled children, and an active leader across multiple student and professional organizations, she represents the very heart of our mission. Her voice will bring both perspective and purpose to this board as she understands firsthand the balance, determination, and purpose it takes to pursue education while serving a family and community.”
Jones was elected to the Board of Regents by her peers during the annual KCTCS Student Leadership Academy. This event brings student leaders from the KCTCS colleges together to participate in leadership development and networking. The students engage in a series of seminars designed to refine their leadership philosophy and skillset so they can actively contribute to their college campus, local community, and the Commonwealth. Each college nominates two students to participate in the academy. In addition to the election of the student regent, the leadership academy participants also elect students to serve as representatives on the Faculty Senate and the Intellectual Properties Committee.
Enelesi Anyanwu from Bluegrass Community and Technical College was elected to serve on the Faculty Senate and Caitlin Delph from Hopkinsville Community College was elected to serve on the Intellectual Properties Committee.
