| |
Changing
Lives in the Commonwealth
A five-year update on the progress of KCTCS
By
Dr. Michael B. McCall
President
Kentucky Community and Technical College System
The
Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 represented
an ambitious agenda to provide businesses and industries with the competitive
edge they need to succeed in the global economy and to assist citizens
in attaining a standard of living that exceeds the national average.
A
major step toward achieving those goals was taken when the General Assembly
created the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
Combining the state’s public two-year colleges into a comprehensive,
flexible and responsive system, KCTCS is a catalyst for economic development
and enhanced educational attainment. 
Although the General Assembly approved higher education reform in 1997,
the community colleges and technical colleges technically remained separate
until July 1998. This article summarizes the five-year progress of KCTCS
toward fulfilling the mandates of the Kentucky Postsecondary Education
Improvement Act of 1997.
By
all measures, KCTCS is exceeding expectations and changing the lives
of Kentuckians. KCTCS has achieved remarkable growth over five years,
increasing enrollment about 50 percent to more than 67,000 students
in credit programs by fall 2002. Distance learning has helped to fuel
the expansion -- nearly 10,000 KCTCS students took such courses in the
fall of 2002. Also, enrollment of secondary students in college courses
is growing rapidly, approaching 9,000 students.
Here
is how KCTCS is further responding to the goals established in the Postsecondary
Education Improvement Act of 1997:
Creating
a comprehensive system
KCTCS colleges are improving service to students, employers and
communities by consolidating neighboring community and technical colleges
and pursuing single accreditation of consolidated colleges under the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Through the process
of consolidation and single accreditation, KCTCS is providing comprehensive
community and technical college education in each of its 16 districts.
KCTCS is expanding physical access to postsecondary education in Kentucky.
The 1998 and 2000 legislative sessions authorized 32 new construction
projects. When those expansions are complete, KCTCS will serve the Commonwealth
through 62 locations.
Providing
liberal arts education
Among the thousands of program options available on KCTCS campuses,
the single most popular area of study is liberal arts/baccalaureate
transfer, which allows a student to earn an associate in arts degree
or associate in science degree at a KCTCS college and transfer those
credits to any public university in Kentucky. In the 2001-02 academic
year, 22 percent of all KCTCS credit-seeking students enrolled in these
programs.
The KCTCS focus on liberal arts is reinforced through the Global Studies
program, which features the British Experience in Learning and Living
(BELL). This partnership with Georgetown College offers students and
faculty the opportunity to study at some of England’s finest higher
education institutions. The seamless nature of KCTCS creates linkages
with high schools as well. Through advanced placement and dual credit
opportunities, high school students can get a head start on their college
education by earning credits early at KCTCS colleges.
Training
the workforce of the Commonwealth
KCTCS views postsecondary education as a crucial resource for economic
development and workforce training. KCTCS forges partnerships between
colleges and businesses to provide Kentucky workers with the skills
they need today, and to help industries and individuals develop the
capabilities they will need tomorrow.
Since KCTCS was created, the Board of Regents has approved more than
700 new programs that culminate in certificates, diplomas or associate
degrees (students may choose from more than 2,600 program options).
All of the new programs are occupational/technical in nature and are
increasing the skill levels of Kentucky workers.
KCTCS colleges delivered some 3,600 courses in the 2001-02 academic
year to more than 44,000 individuals and 1,500 businesses through economic
development programs.
The centerpiece of KCTCS economic development efforts is the Kentucky
WINS (Workforce Investment Network System) program. Through KY WINS,
colleges in KCTCS provide training for employees of new and expanding
businesses, and assist communities in coordinating the delivery of economic
development services.
Promoting
community development
KCTCS provides lifelong learning. Thousands of non-credit courses --
ranging from culinary arts to computer skills -- help Kentuckians meet
their personal and professional goals. In 2001-02, more than 25,000
Kentuckians benefited from non-credit continuing education courses.
Kentucky's two-year colleges serve as cultural centers, enriching daily
life through fine arts performances and lecture series. More than 500,000
citizens enjoy music, theater, traveling exhibitions and art shows in
KCTCS fine arts centers and cultural facilities each year.
Courses at KCTCS colleges teach adults to read and write, and help them
prepare for the GED exam. Statewide, KCTCS colleges serve about 20,000
students a year in adult education programs.
The role of KCTCS colleges in their communities is much more than academic.
KCTCS improves and enriches everyday life for Kentuckians of all ages.
--
end --
|
|
|
