President’s News
DR. PHILLIP MARKSBERRY Named OCTC’s distinguished alumnus!
June 2018
NSF GRANT SUPPORTING MANUFACTURING Grant supports women and underrepresented minorities in manufacturing.
ASHTON’S INVESTMENT PAYS DIVIDENS GO FAME Alumnus
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PROGRAM HONORS HALL EARNS SCHOLARSHIP ROVER RECAP ASH-FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR FACULTY AUTHOR TEXTBOOK SUMMER ABROAD TRIP SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PHI THETA KAPPA ALUM DIANE HIDENRITE MASTER ADVISORS DIGITAL DIVAS FACULTY PROMOTIONS DOMTAR SUPPORTS FLL SURG TECH EXCELS NURSING ACCREDITATION
From the Desk of
Scott Williams OCTC President
High student debt! Is a college degree needed in today’s global economy? Is the high cost of a college degree worth the investment? Unfortunately these are headlines commonly seen today. While this is an important national conversation, worthy of a national dialogue, we must be keep in mind that there is not a one size fits all answer. The breadth and scope of educational and career opportunities that are available today make it nearly impossible to make broad, generalized statements regarding the value of higher education. Before we can enter into such a conversation we must first define the term value because it has many meanings. Webster’s Dictionary defines value in both monetary and personal terms. For instance, one definition of value is monetary or material worth, while Webster’s also defines value as worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor. While postsecondary education value has traditionally been defined by the latter definition, it is becoming increasingly more common to try and define it in a monetary or material context. Higher education has traditionally avoided placing the value of postsecondary education in the context of monetary worth because of the many intangible benefits it provides. However, there is clear evidence that postsecondary educa-
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tion, in many cases, does provide a true financial return to students who complete a credential. Addressing the value proposition of postsecondary education in all its forms and outcomes is nearly impossible in one article. Therefore, I will focus on a community college education, and specifically the value proposition of Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) to its students and constituency. First, depending on the study, research tells us that 70% - 80% of the jobs in the employment market require some postsecondary education or training. Additionally, due to continuous technological advancements most jobs will require lifetime skills enhancement. It is clear that postsecondary education and lifelong learning are imperative to a successful and fulfilling career. But does the monetary investment in postsecondary education pay-off? In a recent, independent economic impact study conducted in our local 4 county region (Daviess, Hancock, McLean and Ohio counties) showed that the average earnings of an individual earning an associate degree is $10,100 more than those with only a high school diploma. That equates to more than $300,000 in additional lifetime
earnings when one obtains a 2 year associate degree. The economic impact study also demonstrated that the cost of a degree was well worth the investment. This additional value benefit, return on investment (ROI), showed that for every $1 spent on their education (tuition, fees, supplies, etc.) the return in increased wages was $6.50, equating to a return on investment of 23%. This figure included opportunity costs, which are those lost wages while a student is in school and not earning wages. Clearly, the cost of attending OCTC is well worth the investment paying huge dividends for graduates. In fact, the 23% ROI is higher than almost any other investment a student could make. Looking at return on investment another way is most telling. At OCTC the current tuition, fees, books, and supplies a student would pay, averages about $14,500 for a 2-year associate degree. In the high wage, high demand, high skilled sectors of healthcare, computer technology, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, the local average starting salaries are around $43,000. A graduate can recoup their post-secondary education investment at OCTC in less than one year.
OCTC President’s Newsletter Summer 2018
PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bernie Toye-Hale bernie.hale@kctcs.edu COPY EDITORS Kevin Beardmore Scott Williams Ceary Thomas CONTRIBUTORS Bernie Hale Ceary Thomas Scott Williams Monty Helm Kaye Brown Andrea Borregard Joy Bowlds Sheri Plain Vickie Hohiemer Zara Basham PHOTO CREDITS Ceary Thomas Chris Witzke Allen Lake Monty Helm Bernie Hale DISTRIBUTION Kitt Midkiff PRINTING KCTCS Xerox CONTACT INFORMATION OCTC President’s Office 4800 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 bernie.hale@kctcs.edu
From the Desk of
Scott Williams
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From the Desk of Scott Williams Graduation/Program Honors Hall Earns Scholarship Distinguished Alumni Phillip Marksberry Alumni Hall of Fame NSF Grant Announcement OCTC Employees Earning New Credentials OCTC Rover Update Scholarship Awards Faculty Co-Author Textbook Ash Selected as Fulbright Scholar Master Advisors Retirements Digital Divas Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Feature - Diane Hidenrite Promotions Summer Study, Nursing Accreditation Surg Tech Excels, Domtar Donation Alumni Feature - Tyler Ashton
OCTC President Continued
An education at OCTC is an outstanding value proposition. For a minimal investment in time and money, one can significantly increase their lifetime earnings, achieve a very high return on their investment, and recoup that investment in less than a year. Truly, a community college education is not only a positive monetary value proposition, but it also provides individuals with the skills to enhance their life and that of their family.
We at OCTC are committed to serving this region and its citizens. We are proud of the fact that we are a beacon of hope for many that dream of creating a better career and a better life for themselves and their families. Attending OCTC is an investment in one’s self that is just as economically sound as it is personally. There is little doubt to the fact that “It’s Smart 2 Start @OCTC”.
It’s
SMART2 START @ Enroalyl ! Tod owensboro.kctcs.edu
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GraduationMay 2018
Program Honors Annie Beth Miller Dustin A. Millay KCTCS All Academic Team
The KCTCS All-Academic Team is a statewide honor based on academic excellence. Students from each of the 16 KCTCS colleges were chosen based on a rigorous selection process that focuses on academic performance and community service. The 2018 KCTCS All-Academic Team members from OCTC are Dustin A. Millay and Annie Beth Miller.
Kimberly Burks Admin Office Technology
The honor student from the Administrative Office Technology program is Kimberly Burks. She graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Administrative Office Technology and a Certificate in Administrative Office Technology.
1,103 Credentials 380 Graduates
Kori Madison Szabo-Smith Philosophy
The Philosophy faculty designated Kori Madison Szabo-Smith as the honor student. He graduated with a Business Communications Certificate, an Associate in Arts degree and an Associate in Science degree. He also earned the designation of High Distinction, earning a 3.6 grade point average or higher on all work attempted.
30 Early College Graduates
Congratulations to all the Program Honors Students!
The Agriculture Studies program honor student for 2018 is Camille Warren Brown. She graduated with a Diploma in Agriculture Studies and an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Agriculture Studies.
The Air Conditioning Technology program selected Austin Grogan as the honor student for 2018. In addition he graduated with a Certificate, a Diploma, and earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning Technology. He is also recognized with gold cords representing High Distinction graduates, earning a 3.6 or higher grade point average on all work attempted. The Biology department honors Naomi Annese Belcher for the 2018 award. She is also a graduate recognized for high distinction, earning a grade point average of 3.6 or higher on all work attempted. Belcher participated in the
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OCTC Early College program earning an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science degree, and a diploma from Apollo High School.
The Communication faculty chose Sharon Grace Richling as the honor student this year. She graduated earning an Associate in Arts and and Associate in Science with Distinction, earning a 3.4-3.59 grade point average on all work attempted. Shannon R. Shoulder was selected as the honor student for Computer & Information Technologies. She earned both a Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science in Computer and Information Technologies. The Computerized Manufacturing & Machining faculty designated Steven George Dulsky as the honor student. He earned a Certificate, a Diploma and
an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computerized Manufacturing and Machining. He was recognized with Distinction honors, earning a 3.43.59 grade point average on all work attempted. The honor student for the Education program for 2018 is Brynn Eckstein. The Electrical Technology faculty selected Dustin Aaron Millay as the honor student. He earned a Certificate, a Diploma, and an Associate in Applied Science degree in MIT: Electrical Technology. He also earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Engineering & Electronics Technology. In addition, Millay earned the High Distinction designation, earning a 3.6 or higher grade point average on all work attempted. Millay is also named as one of the OCTC students on the statewide KCTCS All-Academic Team.
Congratulations Hall Earns Scholarship for Portfolio
Chloe "Link" Hall has completed her final semester at OCTC. Hall has been a Discover College-Early College student at OCTC for the past two years while finishing her diploma at Daviess County High School (DCHS). She has been accepted and is transferring to the University of Kentucky's (UK) Visual Arts Program. Hall was awarded a Provost Scholarship and a Visual Arts Portfolio Scholarship from UK. Her portfolio consisted of artwork that Hall completed while studying at OCTC. Hall is just two studio courses shy in earning an Associate in Fine Art-Visual Arts degree from OCTC, she plans to transfer those classes back to OCTC from the University of Kentucky. Hall plans are to complete the bachelor in fine arts degree at UK and later pursue a master in fine arts credential. For graduate study, Hall is particularly interested in the Art Institute of Chicago where she visited this past year. Her ambition is to teach on the college level and continue her artistic endeavors after the completion of her academic studies.
Above: Chloe “Link” Hall working on her Swan sculpture. Below: Hall’s work Hall has received two purchase awards that are part of the permanent art collection “Chase Me”
at OCTC, and one merit award from OCTC Student Exhibitions. She is a member of the National Honors Society at DCHS and is the president of the DCHS Art Club. She has travelled within the United States as well as abroad to London and Paris. Her favorite artists are the British illustrator, Jamie Hewlett, and the German Expressionist painter, Franz Marc. Her main disciplines are painting and printmaking. Hall stated, "OCTC has offered me many opportunities. The professors care about their students and I have learned a lot. I have made good connections in this welcoming environment. I am grateful because, in coming here as a high school student, I receive the same treatment as the other college students, both from the faculty and peers."
Congratulations to all the Program Honors Students! Hunter Sparks was chosen by the History faculty as exemplary. The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program nominated Heather Herring. Krina Jayesh Patel was selected by the Mathematics faculty for the award. Patel participated in the Early College program from Apollo High School. She graduated with a diploma from Apollo High School, and an Associate in Science degree with High Distinction, earning a 3.6 grade point average or higher on all work attempted. The Medical Information Technology program chose Stacey Kaye Miller as the honor recipient. She graduated with a Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Information Technology with Distiction, earning a 3.4-3.59 grade point average on all work attempted.
Carly Skelton is the recipient of the award from the Radiography program. She graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiography.
The Surgical Technology program selected Alyssa Nowak as the honor student. She graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology. Jessica F. Smith is the student nominated by the Veterinary Technology program. She graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. She also was recognized for earning the High Distinction desingnation, earning a 3.6 grade point average or higher on all work attempted. The Welding faculty selected Kelsey Erin Lyons as the honor student. She graduated with a Certificate in Welding Technology.
The Other Discipline Awards were selected based on individual criteria developed by specific program areas.
The Bracco Radiography Award was given to Kelsey R. Leslie. She graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiography. The GO FAME AMT student of the year was Colby Ford Jarboe. He graduated with a Certificate, Diploma, and earned an Associate in Applied Science in MIT: Industrial Maintenance Technology. In addition he also earned the designation of High Distinction, earning a 3.6 grade point average or higher on all work attempted. TheTRiO Award was given to Annie Htoo Phan. She graduated with and Associate in Arts degree with High Distinction, earning a 3.6 grade point average or higher on all work attempted.
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Distinguish Dr. Phillip W. Mark OCTC Alumnus
The Modern Theory of the Toyota Production System: A Systems Inquiry of the World’s Most Emulated and Profitable Management System, authored by Dr. Marksberry.
Phillip W. Marksberry began his academic career at Owensboro Community College, earning his Associate in Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in December of 1996 with Distinction. He won the Mathematics Award in 1994, and was teaching AutoCAD part time at both Henderson Community College and Owensboro Community College in 1995. After transferring to the University of Kentucky and earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering, he went on to earn an MS in Business Management from Brescia University. In 2001 he became a board certified Professional Engineer for the state of Kentucky and in 2002 he returned to UK to complete his
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PhD in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on Near Dry Machining. His professional career began with internships at Ashland Pipe Line and Alcoa, and later hired by Alcoa Automotive as a Tooling Design Engineer. He then moved to Frankfort to be close to a larger school to continue his education while working as a Product Realization Manager for a Japanese automotive OEM, Topy Corporation. In 2007 he was asked by University of Kentucky to lead the lean manufacturing group as the Executive Director of Toyota’s Production System Training and Implementation Office. In this role he was responsible for managing, directing and developing
“The AS degree was a huge stepping stone for me back in those years. The education at Owensboro Community College allowed me to satisfy much of the core classes of a 4-year degree while staying close to home. I stayed a third year to complete the electrical technology degree option, and then transferred to the University of Kentucky.” Phillip W. Marskberry, Ph.D., P.E. the international Lean Program established jointly through Toyota Motor Manufacturing and UK. From there he went to American LaFrance as VP of Engineering and Quality in the design and construction of fire trucks and McLaughlin Body Company where he was the Senior VP of Sales, Engineering and Quality developing operator protector systems for heavy-duty work equipment and armored vehicles.
Alumni Hall of Fame
Currently he is the CEO of M-B Companies in New Holstein, Wisconsin overseeing four divisions specializing in specialty vehicle design for snow removal, road clearing, and pavement marking. He has helped to transform this business into a $100M company with 350 employees in five locations and three states. Marksberry has authored / co-authored more than 20 publications, has three patents on record. In 2011 he published “The Modern Theory of the Toyota Production System: A Systems Inquiry of the World’s Most Emulated and Profitable Management System”.
72,853
Owensboro native begins at OCTC, earns AAS, BS, MS, MBA, PE and Ph.D.
•• MATT CASTLEN
•• CHIEF ART EALUM •• CHAD GREGORY •• GEORGE HENDERSON •• PAMELA LAVERNE SMITH-WRIGHT •• PHILLIP W. MARKSBERRY
The distinguished alumni awards are announced during May Commencement Cermonies. Nominations are taken year round,
please contact cadie.underwood@kctcs.edu for an application
Your Community. Your College. Individual Lives Touched since 1986 —
hed Alumnus ksberry
packet. / 7
OCTC Awarded NSF Supporting Females in Manufacturing Fields
OCTC was recently awarded a $523,171 grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. The ATE program focuses on promoting the improvement of education of science and engineering technicians at the undergraduate and secondary school levels in support of hightechnology fields that drive our nation’s economy. OCTC’s project entitled, Advancing Female Incumbent Workers in the Manufacturing Industry (NSF Award Number: 1800489) will address this focus by increasing partnerships between academia, industry, and others to advance the participation of women in the manufacturing industry, thus promoting a diverse, globally competitive workforce in Kentucky and the nation. The three-year grant project will officially begin on July 1, 2018.
The ultimate goal of OCTC’s project is to increase the number of females participating in manufacturing training programs and careers in the greater Owensboro region. Currently females make Sheri Plain OCTC’s Workforce Solutions up only about 44% in the Project Director number of technical students enrolled at OCTC. This percentage drops lower, to about 7.4%, when you remove the healthcare students. The grant hopes to increase our percentage of females in manufacturing programs to 50% of the current enrollment.” Added Sheri Plain, Project Director. The project will capitalize on
the success of the GO FAME model and work to increase the number of female students in an apprenticeship-like training model. Students in the program will attend college classes two days per week and work at a sponsoring manufacturing company three days per week. To do this, OCTC will partner with many local manufacturers, who are highly involved in the Greater Owensboro chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (GO FAME), the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, and the Greater Owensboro Alliance for Education are also key partners for this project. The next step in the project will be increasing the number of females in GO FAME’s Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program. Participants will be recruited from incumbent workers
Dr. Angela Ash Associate Professor, History Dr. Ash earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Kentucky University.
OCTC Alum F. Martin Higdon Associate Professor, Manufacturing F. Martin “Marty” Higdon earned a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Management from Western Kentucky University.
OCTC Alum 8 /
Grant
College Assembly
$523,171 in production positions from within GO FAME member companies, as well as women who may or may not currently be working in the manufacturing field, but who have some previous work experience in a production capacity. It is anticipated that selecting women more familiar with the culture and manufacturing environment will enhance retention and program success. Coursework is accelerated due to a year-round schedule (without fall, spring, and summer breaks) allowing students to complete a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in a 20-month period. Students will be assisted in securing potential financial resources to assist them in participating in postsecondary education, including those available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, Title IV Financial Aid, and other scholarship programs. Project strategies will include implementing proven recruitment and retention tactics, such as intensive advising, support services, and mentoring. The project also seeks to create dialogue between schools, colleges, organizations, and employers through hosting facilitated discussions that promote increased awareness, perceptions, and communication leading to greater
2017-18 Officers
gender diversity in our local manufacturing industry. The grant project will be implemented by OCTC’s Dean Autry Manufacturing OCTC Associate Dean & Skilled Trades division with the Workforce Solutions team. Sheri Plain, grant PI, Dean Autry, grant co-PI, and Associate Dean of Manufacturing and Skilled Trades, Shawn Payne, OCTC Advanced Manufacturing Faculty, and Katie Vincent, Employer Liasion & Student Navigator, will all serve in key roles. For more information, please contact Sheri Plain at (270) 686-4436 or by email at sheri.plain@kctcs.edu.
Shawn Payne OCTC Faculty
OCTC Alum
Chair Dr. Court Lewis Vice Chair Casey Hamilton Secretary Matt Alschbach Parlimentarian Dr. Micah Perkins Senate Rules Misty Gish Senators At Large Kaye Brown Donna DePasquale
2018-19 Officers Chair Casey Hamilton Vice Chair Jacqueline Howard Secretary Matt Alschbach Parlimentarian Susan Swanson Curriculum Review Dr. Angela Ash State Council Zara Basham
Katie Vincent Employer Liasion & Student Navigator ďťż/ 9
OCTC Rover Student Finishes 9th Success
OCTC By the Numbers Students 3,789 40% Full-time 60% Part-time 52.5% Female 48.5% Male
300-400
As one of two community colleges competing in the 2018 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge, OCTC earned 9th place in the college division April 13-14 in Huntsville, Alabama. The OCTC Rover Team completed a round of the challenging course in 6:43, under the 7-minute barrier. OCTC also had the second fastest “assembly” time, the time taken for the drivers to enter and secure themselves into their Rover. Traditionally, a team would complete their first round, make adjustments and return for the second day of the competition. Threatening weather for day two caused race officials to cancel the second round of the competition. This year’s project was funded through a grant from NASA Kentucky in the amount of $10,000 to help support OCTC’s participation in the 2018 competition. OCTC Faculty and Rover Team faculty advisor Shawn Payne submitted the grant and led the team through the project. He credits the teamwork among
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the student and faculty across many disciplines for their continued success. “We couldn’t have made it without the help from Computerized Manufacturing & Machining (CMM) and Industrial Maintenance Technology (IMT) faculty and students” added Payne. This year’s OCTC Rover Team Committee included Payne, Randy Crowe-OCTC CMM Faculty, Danny Moseley-OCTC CMM Faculty, Dr. Meredith Skaggs-OCTC Communications Faculty, and Mary Kinney-OCTC’s Retention Coordinator and Adjunct Psychology Faculty. The OCTC Rover Team students include: Gage Camron, Elijah Christian, Nick Clouse, Steven Dulsky, Sam Ebelhar, Isaac Fuqua, Katrina Gamble, Jeremy Hamilton, Heather Harris, Sky Jarboe, Elizabeth Krampe, Luke Ramsey, Christy Taylor, and Courtney Wright. Stay tuned to facebook.com/ octcroverteam for the latest updates!
Students Transfer Each Year
50-65% WKU 10-15% U of L
Top Transfer Programs 25% Business 23% Health Careers 11% Education OCTC Transfer Students typically earn a higher GPA than the students who started there.
87 SCHOLARSHIPS $117,095
Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) and the OCTC Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit established in support of the college, have awarded 87 scholarships for the 2017-18 year, valued at $117,095. Community members wishing to contribute may send donations to the OCTC Foundation, Inc. at 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303. The following scholarships have been offered to the subsequent students.
The J. Rogers Badgett, Sr. Foundation Scholarship is available to graduates of Hancock County High School who plan to attend OCTC and then transfer to WKU-O to complete a bachelor’s degree. Congratulations to: Crystal Corley of Lewisport, Justin Estes of Hawesville, Raven Gillians of Hawesville, Kaylah Hall of Lewisport, Wesley Nevitt of Lewisport, Chyenne Patterson of Hawesville, Shaunika Sandefur of Hawesville, Tavarus Starks- McCarty of Lewisport, and Kalley Wheatley of Hawesville. The Burmese Heritage and ELL Scholarship is available to students of Burmese nationality and/or students whose primary language is non-English. Students must be enrolled in a certificate or degree program. This scholarship was offered to Skye Benidayta of Daviess County. The Champion Ford – Brian D. Foster Scholarship is for full-time students enrolled in the Diesel Technology program pursuing an associate degree, this scholarship was offered to Dalton Snyder of Tell City, Indiana. The Commonwealth Scholarship is a KCTCS scholarship for Kentucky residents, for students in top 25% of their high school class and must be enrolled in six (6) credit hours or more at a KCTCS college. This scholarship has been offered to: Hope Boue of Philpot, Ciara Clark of Owensboro, Sydney DeWitt of Owensboro, Jaclyn Emery of Cloverport, Blair Emmick of Owensboro, Jamison Hepner of Beaver Dam, Lillian Lester of Hardinsburg, Landon Roberts of Owensboro, Morgan Roberts of Hawesville, and Callie Whitsell of Whitesville. The Dr. Bruce Beck Memorial Scholarship named in honor of the late Dr. Bruce Beck for an Ohio County resident, enrolled full-time in an degree program at OCTC. This scholarship has been offered to John Lambert of Whitesville. The John T. Smith Scholarship is designated for African-American Kentucky residents enrolled in six or more credit hours at a KCTCS institution. This scholarship has been offered to: Kelvin Anderson of Owensboro, Madison Carr of Lewisport, Kaitlin Gregory of Owensboro, Lauren Miller of Beaver Dam, Ariel Walker of Owensboro, Trevor Washington of Owensboro, and Ahmad Wilson of Owensboro. The Workforce Development/Transfer Scholarship is for a degree-seeking student enrolled in the STEM disciplines, health professions, career pathway programs, teacher shortage areas or must declare intention to pursue an associate degree in an area of workforce need at a KCTCS institution with the intention of transferring to a university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. This scholarship has been offered to Grace Sallee of Calhoun, and Samuel Tapp of Morganfield. The KY Corngrowers Scholarship is in support of students studying ethanol and alternative fuels in the Automotive Technology program, this scholarship has been offered to Wibur Galvez Perez, of Owensboro and Christopher Shadwick of Owensboro. The Lester E. Yeager Scholarship is designated for students from Daviess County and/ or surrounding areas and has been awarded to: Nicholas Russell of Owensboro, and Panwa Sho of Owensboro. The Lion’s Club Scholarship is an external scholarship and has been offered to Logan Lake of Owensboro. The Master Gardener Scholarship is an external scholarship through the Green River Area Master Gardener’s Association supporting students in the Agriculture Technology program, this scholarship has been offered to Lyndsey McKinley, of Whitesville.
The Morton J. Holbrook, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established by the Holbrook family & friends in honor of Morton J. Holbrook, Jr. and his dedication to education. Students must be enrolled in a Certificate, Diploma or Associate Degree program at OCTC. This scholarship has been offered to: Samantha Lanham of Lewisport, Austin Mayfield of Owensboro, and Kahlan Storm – Daviess County. The N.O. Kimbler Scholarship is designated for students in an Education major and has been offered to Tracy Haimes of Utica. The OCTC Community Healthcare Scholarship was established by Jean Wells for students enrolled in a nursing pathway program with a preference for students who plan to work with the aging population. This scholarship has been offered to Alexandra Evans of Sacramento. The OCTC Foundation Scholarship is designated for students with a 3.0 GPA after the first semester and has been offered to Nathaniel Cox of Owensboro, Sheridan Davis of Philpot, Robert Drane of Cloverport, Hannah Hopper of Sturgis, Keely Shocklee of Utica, Blanche Swift of Owensboro. The OMHS Workforce Scholarship is available to students enrolled full or part-time (6+ hours) in a Certificate, Diploma or Associate Degree program; preference is given to students majoring in healthcare fields that contribute to workforce development in high need areas and students who plan to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs in areas of strategic benefit to the Commonwealth. This scholarship has been offered to Cynthia Woods of Utica. The Haas Scholarship was established by the Haas company for students interested in Computerized Manufacturing and Machining at OCTC. This scholarship has been offered to Hunter Adler of Greenville. The President’s Scholarship is for OCTC students and has been offered to: Tesa Bell of Hawesville, Ashley Brown of Hawesville, Allie Butterworth of Owensboro, Megan Crawford of Owensboro, Kendra Fulkerson of Greenville, Veronica Garcia of Owensboro, Katrina Hatcher of Owensboro, Taylor Hines of Hardinsburg, Justin Kurz of Hawesville, Presley Lee of Owensboro, Kaylee Meador of Whitesville, Grace Pate of Lewisport, Hannah Perry of Morgantown, William Riney of Owensboro, Katie Taylor of Owensboro, William Vaden of Owensboro, Felicia Villareal of Owensboro, Madelyn Voyles of Owensboro, Kendall Weldon of Calhoun, and Erika Wertz of Richland, Indiana. The Ray and Alice Addington Family Scholarship was established by former OCTC President Dr. Jacqueline Addington in honor of her parents. Students must be enrolled in a Certificate, Diploma or Associate Degree program at OCTC. This scholarship has been offered to William Eans of Owensboro, Kristi Johnson of Owensboro, and Courtney Patrick of Tell City, Indiana. The Ray Gillaspie Scholarship is for an Ohio County resident, seeking a degree in a technical field. This award has been offered to Benjamen Carroll of Hartford, Trenton Shain of Bever Dam, and Sean Steele of Hartford. The Theresa Mills Scholarship is for students enrolled in a certificate, diploma or degree program in any OCTC major and has been offered to: Ashley Haynes of Whitesville, Susan Head of Owensboro, Kaela Howard of Calhoun, Arikah Newton of Lewisport, and Marlie Rowe of Beaver Dam. Women in Support of Education (WISE) Scholarship was established by OCTC faculty and staff for female students. This has been offered to Grace Sallee of Calhoun, Robyn Warren of Owensboro, and Kaylee Meador of Whitesville.
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OCTC Faculty Co- Author Textbook
OCTC Professors Dr. Court Lewis and Dr. Timothy Dick have published a Medical Ethics textbook with Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. “Medical Ethics: The 16 Week Case Consult” is an interactive workbook designed to teach students the basics of critical thinking and ethical reasoning and how both skills apply to the field of medicine. With a combined forty years of experience in teaching Medical Ethics, Lewis and Dick have crafted a text that not only promotes reading, thinking, and learning, but also recreates the atmosphere of a clinical ethics consult.
Dr. Tim Dick C o -A u t h o r
Students learn important conceptual tools, and also practice participating in ethical debates, as they occur in medical facilities around the world. The text combines the rigor of ethical analysis with the complexities of biology and medicine to create a rich examination of theoretical and practical issues that then must be applied to common situations that occur in healthcare facilities, court rooms, popular culture, and even around the “kitchen table.” “Medical Ethics: The 16 Week Case Consult” is a great resource for anyone interested the intersection of ethics and medicine, or in learning how to develop strategies to make ethical decisions. Court Lewis received his PhD from the University of Tennessee and is Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at OCTC. He authored “Repentance and the Right to Forgiveness”, from Lexington Books.He is the Series Editor of Vernon Press’s series on the “Philosophy of Forgiveness”, editor of two volumes in the series, and has contributed to several other journals and edited collections. He is the co-editor of “Doctor Who and Philosophy” and “More Doctor Who and Philosophy”, editor of “Futurama and Philosophy” and “Divergent and Philosophy”, and author of “Way of the Doctor”. Timothy Dick received his PhD from the University of Kentucky in Policy, Ethics, and Biology, a MA in Cellular Biology from the University of Evansville, and a MA in Behavioral Biology from the University of Evansville. He has been with OCTC since 1986, and serves on several ethics boards in the community.
Dr. Court Lewis C o -A u t h o r
Ash Selected for Fulbright Dr. Angela Ash, has been selected to participate in the Fulbright Hayes Seminar Abroad program that travels to Poland. Ash is an OCTC alumnus, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, teaches in the Department of History and is an Associate Professor. Ash earned her undergraduate degree in history from Brescia University, her master’s degree in History from the University of Louisville, and a doctoral degree from Western Kentucky University. The Fulbright international exchange of scholars provides opportunities for selected WKU and foreign university professors to teach and conduct research abroad for up to a
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full academic year. The four-week program will explore the relationship between the United States and Poland and delve into politics, national security, culture, and economics. The participants will have an opportunity to meet experts across different academic fields who will share their knowledge on international relations, specifically concentrating on the United States and Poland. Participants will also travel across Poland to see historical sites as well as fast-growing areas including, Warsaw, Cracow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk, to experience the richness of Polish culture and meet outstanding Polish scholars from academic
Master Advisors
Given the importance of academic advising to student success, a team of Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) faculty and staff created and developed an intensive six-part training plan: the Master Advisors program. It is designed to ensure advisors are knowledge and proficient in handling a variety of academic advising issues. Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC president commented, “Advising is critical to student success and retention. These efforts will benefit students and the college immediately. The development team worked hard to incorporate all the moving parts of advising and they did a fantastic job.” The purpose of the OCTC Master Advisors program is to improve student-advisor relationships, create a central repository for all advising information and updates, and ensure students have all the information they need to make the best decisions about their future. The goal is to create a group of dedicated advisors who can coach each other and make OCTC more effective in helping students achieve success. “The overall goal is to have 80% of our advisors certified as “Master Advisors” by 2020. The second group will begin in August,” added Dr. Court Lewis chair of the OCTC Advising Workgroup.
Dr. Andrea Borregard Master Advisor
David Martin Master Advisor
Jennfier McGee, RN is retiring after 15 years of service. She began teaching in 2003. We wish her all the best in her new adventures!
The initial group of advisors completed the course requirements and became Master Advisors in May. The first class of OCTC Master Advisors include: Matt Alschbach, Dr. Angela Ash, Katie Ballard, Kevin Beardmore, Dr. Andrea Borregard, Michael Boyd, Donna DePasquale, Dr. Stacy EddsEllis, Lindsey Greer, Casey Hamilton, Mary Kinney, Dr. Court Lewis, Dr. Marc Maltby, David Martin, Lauren McCrary, Dr. Kelly Morris, Shawn Payne, Dr. Micah Perkins, Debbie Ruth, Theresa Schmitt, Dr. Eunice Taylor, and Nikki Wimpelberg.
Joe Freer, who started with OCTC back in 2002, working in the M&O Department is retiring after 15 years of service! We wish him well!
Scholars Program
centers. The participants will take part in discussions and cultural events designed to connect specialists from different academic disciplines and allow them to experience the spirit of contemporary Poland. The program will allow the participants to pursue their individual academic interests, develop their respective curriculum projects that they will bring back to their classrooms, and share their broadened knowledge and experiences with students and colleagues in the United States.
Ash also serves Secretary of the Owensboro World Affairs Council, is the faculty advisor for the Hager Scholars program, and has been teaching at OCTC since 2011.
Dr. Angela Ash Fulbright Scholar
OCTC Alumna
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CODE LIKE A
Digital Divas Across the nation, young women are missing opportunities to secure high-paying jobs in the information technology (IT) field. More importantly, they are missing opportunities to be change-agents in their communities through creating technology that makes the world a better place.
GIRL
According to the non-profit group, Girls Who Code, by 2020 women will fill only 3% of the 1.4 million jobs available in computing related fields. Girls Who Code attributes this gender gap to decreasing interest of females in technology during childhood years. To help address this challenge in our local community, Theresa Schmitt, Computer & Information Technologies program coordinator and faculty at OCTC, implemented the Digital Divas! project. With funding support from the Yeager Charitable Trust, Schmitt’s goal for the project was to encourage girls to learn about and one day seek careers in the field of technology. To accomplish this goal, she helped students at College View Middle School to engage in technology through learning about programming and app development with MIT’s App Inventor. As a result of the project, participating females are now equipped to create their own community-impacting apps to address a need about which they are passionate. They also have a new understanding of the technology field and are empowered to pursue IT careers one day.
Phi Theta Kappa
OCTC’s Alpha Xi Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), earned multiple awards at the 2018 Kentucky Regional Phi Theta Kappa Convention held March 23 - 24, 2018 at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College. Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society for two-year colleges and OCTC’s chapter has been active since 1988. The OCTC Chapter was awarded the Outstanding Chapter in Kentucky Award, received third place in the Outstanding Officer Team Award and was runner up for the Honors in Action Project Award. They earned first place for the College Project, which was a project the team developed to increase diversity awareness on OCTC’s campuses.Individual Student Honors were Outstanding Officer first place-Jennifer Campbell and Outstanding Officer third place-Dustin Millay. Dr. Tim Dick, Science faculty and the faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, received the Outstanding Advisor award and Horizon Advisor award. The 2017-2018 team is made up of OCTC students Naomi Belcher, Jennifer Campbell, Savanna Canary, Elizabeth Krampe, Katarina Mayer, Dustin Millay, Annie Miller, Joseph McBride, and Alex Mindrup all of Owensboro. Faculty advisors are Dr. Tim Dick and Connie Johnson. The team also attended the PTK International Convention held in Orlando, Florida, on April 8-10. OCTC’s PTK welcomed 28 new students into the chapter as new members were inducted at a ceremony held on campus on Friday, May 4. OCTC’s new members included: Wondall Bates, Allie Butterworth, Ashley Cline, Steven Cusher, Martha Dick, Jesse Hagan, Heather Hart, Ashley Haynes, Dominic Jackson, Brittany Johnson, Elizabeth Krampe, Madison Magan, Kaylee Meador, Alexis Means, Mary Midkiff, Savanna Mills, Kerensa Pate, Katherine Payne, Shelley Pritchard, Dylan Purcell, Nicholas Russell, Keely Shocklee, Shannon Shoulder, Ty Smith, Halley Stewart, David Taylor, Kaitlin Taylor, and Maggie Wilhoite. Kaylee Meador is the new PTK President. In addition to recognizing the academic success of students, the local chapter works on community service projects, and has a longstanding research project to find a cure for polycystic kidney disease.Membership is offered to students enrolled in an accredited institution offering an associate degree program. Student’s must have completed at least 12 hours of coursework that may be applied to an associate degree, and parttime students are eligible. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or greater and be invited by their school of record to participate.
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Family Nurse Practitioner OCTC Alumna
“My advice to anyone considering OCTC is: Go for it! I had a great experience, learned a lot, and had some fun along the way. Furthermore, completing my first several years of college at OCTC, as opposed to a university, was costeffective without sacrificing the quality of my education. I am truly grateful for my experience at OCTC!” Diane Hidenrite
You really never know when you will run into an OCTC student or alumnus in the community. Visit Gateway Primary Care and you may see alumna Diane Hidenrite, a boardcertified Family Nurse Practitioner. We asked Hidenrite what she would say to someone that was considering coming back to college. She said, “My advice to anyone considering OCTC is: Go for it! I had a great experience, learned a lot, and had some fun along the way. Furthermore, completing my first several years of college at OCTC, as opposed to a university, was cost-effective without sacrificing the quality of my education. I am truly grateful for my experience at OCTC!” Hidenrite came to OCTC as a nontraditional student after working in sales for many years. As soon as she took a health science class, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. She graduated from OCTC with her Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing in 2012 and earned the faculty-appointed Nursing Discipline Award at the ADN pinning ceremony.
Soon thereafter she began working as a chemotherapy-certified registered nurse at Owensboro Health. During that time, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western Kentucky University and then a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Eastern Kentucky University in 2014 and 2017, respectively. In 2016, she was awarded the Owensboro Health Nursing Excellence Award. Subsequently, she was one of three students in the state recognized by the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners for excellence in academics and commitment to her field. After obtaining licensure as a boardcertified Family Nurse Practitioner, she transitioned her career to Gateway Primary Care, located just off Hwy 54 on Mount Moriah Avenue in Owensboro. In her practice, she takes a holistic approach to care, emphasizing a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness. It is her goal to always take the time to genuinely listen to patients’ needs and help them achieve their health goals.
Hidenrite credits her beginnings at OCTC for the educational foundation to excel in all her future endeavors. She added, “Under the leadership of several key faculty, I was inspired to be the best student I could be and learned the tools that paved the way for a successful career. I love being able to give back to the community every day.” When asked about her time at OCTC Hidenrite credits Peter Kobella, her Anatomy & Physiology I & II instructor, and Dr. Amy Higdon. “Mr. Kobella challenged students to learn more than we ever thought was possible. He was very organized and made learning fun! Years later, I still use some of the tricks he taught us to help us remember complicated anatomy terms!” Hidenrite recognized that Dr. Higdon inspired her to become the best nurse she could be. Higdon did this by example, and with lectures that were detailed, organized, and interesting. “Having experienced such strong leadership from these faculty members has shown me that I, too, would like to teach one day down the road” commented Hidenrite. / 15
Faculty Promotions
Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is proud to announce the following faculty promotions effective July 1, 2018.
Barry Bowlds has been promoted to Professor. He has been employed at OCTC (formerly KY Tech) as the Welding Program Coordinator since 1994. He has an Associate in Science Degree in Technical Education from Western Kentucky University and an Associate in Applied Science degree from OCTC. He graduated from the Welding program in 1984 and the Machine Tool program in 1992. He has 10 years of metalworking experience in the repair, fabrication, construction, and machining industries. Bowlds served as the Construction and Transportation Division Chair from 2004-2008, currently serves as the Welding Curriculum Chair for KCTCS, and serves on the Scholarship Committee and Administrative Council at OCTC. Bowlds is an American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder, AWS Certified Welding Educator, and an AWS Certified Welding Inspector. In addition to teaching an overload of classes each semester, he routinely does weld testing and training for several industries in the region. He has sponsored many community service welding projects over the years, including the OCTC tree at the holiday display at Panther Creek Park. He also hosted the Boy Scout Welding Merit Badge Academy for our region. Kathryn “Kaye” Brown has been promoted to Professor. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at El Paso and her Master of Arts in English from Western Kentucky University. She has taught English at OCTC since 1994, when she began as an adjunct faculty member. Brown has served as the Common Reading co-chair at OCTC since 2006. She was instrumental in helping to create the $1,000,000 National Endowment for the Humanities fund to support Humanities programming for OCTC and the community. Through her work with the Common Reading, the college and community has hosted authors such as: Pulitzer prize-winning author, Rick Bragg; acclaimed Native American author, Sherman Alexie; playwright Marsha Norman; Kentucky author, Bobbie Ann Mason and Kentucky treasure, Wendell Berry. Over the years, the campus has collectively read over twenty-five books and hosted authors and events each semester. She has worked with faculty and staff to engage students from across the campus in activities related to each semester’s themes, including arranging for visits from Native American and Civil War reenactors, organizing quilting and weaving demonstrations, and planning a Chinese gala for about 1,500 participants in association with the OCTC Common Reading receiving a National Endowment for the Arts “Big Read” grant. Brown has been invited to present at several national conferences, including the 2018 First-Year Experience Conference in San Antonio, Texas, to discuss OCTC’s nationally recognized Common Reading program. In addition, Brown has served as the College Assembly Chair, as well as Faculty Senator-at-Large. She is also the College Vice-President for the Kentucky Council of Teachers of English, a state-wide organization of English teachers from kindergarten through post-secondary. Most recently, Brown fulfilled a lifelong dream and led twenty-two students, faculty, staff, and community members on a Study Abroad trip to Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic in conjunction with her class, Humanities 160: Holocaust Literature and Film. She plans to continue encouraging students to join future trips and engage them in these life-changing experiences. Tonya Northenor has been promoted to Professor. She teaches Composition courses and a new class she developed, Introduction to Dystopian Literature & Film. Since 2006 she has served as co-chair of OCTC’s Common Reading program. The nationally recognized program features two books and authors each year, including Kentucky writers of note as well as nationally recognized authors. She was instrumental in helping to create the $1,000,000 National Endowment for the Humanities fund to support Humanities programming for OCTC and the community. Campus and community members are invited to read the books, of varying genres, and to participate in related events each semester. Northenor is also an active member of WISE: Women in Support of Education. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Memphis and is a published poet, with pieces in regional and national journals and anthologies. Her writing has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and was a finalist for the May Swenson award. 16 /
Matt Alschbach has been promoted to Associate Professor. He earned a master’s degree in history from San Diego State University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University San Marcos. He has presented his research at numerous conferences and events, discussing topics such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Muhammad Ali, the Salem witch trials, temperance and prohibition, the U.S. Constitution, and the historic role of women as legitimate practitioners of medicine. He is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as faculty advisor for Students Aligned for Equality at OCTC. Alschbach serves on a number of college committees dedicated to students’ success both in college, and in life. F. Martin “Marty” Higdon has been promoted to Associate Professor. He began teaching at OCTC in March of 2012 and was promoted to Assistant Professor in August of 2014. Higdon earned an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Technology with High Distinction honors from OCTC and a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Management from Western Kentucky University. He has certifications that include: Electrician Trainee Levels I & II, Residential Electricity I & II, holds a Master Electrician License, and a General Class Radiotelephone License. Higdon has more than 29 years of experience in the field working at Aleris and Commonwealth Aluminum as Safety Training Coordinator, Safety, Environmental and Health Manager, and prior to that as an Electrician. Dr. Court Lewis has been promoted to Associate Professor. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and is Program Coordinator of Philosophy and Religious Studies at OCTC. He co-authored a medical ethics textbook with Dr. Tim Dick, OCTC Biology Professor, entitled “Medical Ethics: The 16 Week Case Consult”, an interactive workbook designed to teach students the basics of critical thinking and ethical reasoning, and how both skills apply to the field of medicine. Lewis is the Series Editor of Vernon Press’s series on the “Philosophy of Forgiveness”, editor of two volumes in the series, and has contributed to several other journals and edited collections. He is the co-editor of “Doctor Who and Philosophy” and “More Doctor Who and Philosophy”, editor of “Futurama and Philosophy” and “Divergent and Philosophy”, and author of “Way of the Doctor” and the forthcoming book from Lexington Books, “Repentance and the Right to Forgiveness”. Lauren McCrary has been promoted to Associate Professor. She earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising from the University of Kentucky. McCrary a native of Owensboro, has been at OCTC since 2012, and has been serving a program coordinator for the Medical Information Technology program. Her dissertation “Influences on the Development and Implementation of Work-Based Learning Opportunities in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System: A Faculty Perspective” focuses on the development of experiential learning opportunities. She is a doctoral candidate in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation (EPE) at the University of Kentucky and expects to have the study complete in December 2018. Matt Monsour has been promoted to Assistant Professor. He began teaching Computer and Information Technology classes at OCTC part time in 2009 while working as a technology coordinator in the non-profit sector. He began teaching full time at OCTC in 2016. Matt earned a Bachelor of Science in Math and Computer Science from Brescia University in 2002, a Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Meinrad School of Theology in 2010 and is currently working on a Master of Science in Telecommunications Management from Murray State University. He remains active in the student chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery and the Owensboro Area World Affairs council. Larry Stone has been promoted to Assistant Professor. He began teaching Air Conditioning Technology for OCTC as an adjunct in 2004, becoming program coordinator and teaching full-time in 2016. He earned a diploma in Air Conditioning Technology from OCTC (Owensboro Technical College). Stone has more than 16 years’ experience in the field and holds an ATD Master Trainer Certification, a Kentucky Master HVAC Journeyman License, and is an EPA Section 608 and Job Ready Certification Proctor. OCTC is currently enrolling for classes beginning in August. Interested students may apply online at www.owensboro. kctcs.edu and select Start Your Application or visit the START Center on the Main Campus, located at 4800 New Hartford Road, Mondays – Thursdays 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Summer Study Abroad The 2018 Summer Study Abroad trip was held May 15-25. The group traveled to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland in partnership with EF College Study Tours. The trip was led by OCTC faculty Kaye Brown, accompanied by Shawn Payne and Mary Kinney. The students included: Harlie McCarty, Alyssa Basham, Chance Pirtle, JT Travis, Chase Mattingly, Hunter Sparks, Andrea Payne, Adam Payne, Chandler Kinney, Denisse Vasquez, Nadya Vasquez, Kyle Allen, and Joseph McBride. Community members included: Olivia Brown, Lora Wimsatt, Tony McBride and Sharon Boling. The local group was joined by a student from Utah and several people from New York. Brown added, “It was a great trip. The community members were really impressed with our students. The students were very engaged at Auschwitz and learned a great deal from speakers who grew up behind the Iron Curtain.” The 2019 trip will feature a tour of Budapest, Krakow, Auschwitz, Prague and Vienna. For more information please contact kaye.brown@kctcs. edu or call 270.686.4587.
Nursing Accreditation
OCTC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program hosted a successful oncampus visit with the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) on April 18-19, 2018. The process began back in April 2016, when the college submitted an application and was accepted for pre-candidacy status. Programs must provide a detailed report with evidence demonstrating compliance to the five core standards. Three site evaluators assigned by the NLN CNEA visited OCTC as part of the year-long process, moving from preaccreditation status to full accreditation. OCTC was considered compliant in all five standards with no follow up reporting required to complete accreditation.The next step in the process is the NLN CNEA Program Review Committee review of the evaluator’s report in August. The NLN CNEA Board of Commissioners will take final action on the accreditation status in October. 18 /
Surg Tech Students Excel
OCTC is proud to announce that the 2017-2018 Surgical Technology Program graduates took the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) National Certification Exam and all passed on the first attempt! Students must pass this national exam to obtain certification. OCTC surgical technology students achieved a 100% first time pass rate for the fifth consecutive year. Congratulations to the faculty and students for all their hard work!
The Surgicial Technology students attended the 3rd Annual Kentucky State Assembly Workshop hosted at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College in April. About a dozen current surgical technology program students from Kentucky and Indiana competed in the Howard Cup Scrub Bowl, testing their knowledge in all aspects of the field. OCTC students prevailed as the winning team for the second year in a row. The students answered 59/60 questions correctly. The Howard Cup is named in honor of Margaret “Peggy” Howard. Howard was the OCTC Surgical Technology program coordinator for 15 years. For more information about the Surgical Technology program please contact zara.bashman@kctcs.edu.
Domtar Supports FLL
Domtar has renewed their commitment as champion sponsor of the 2018 First Lego League (FLL) Challenge to be hosted on December 1, 2018 at OCTC. The partnership provides opportunities to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning for youth in western Kentucky and southern Indiana. Over 20 local FLL teams, comprised of five to ten members, design, build, and program robots using Lego Mindstorm technology. The robots are put to the test in head-to-head timed competitions to determine which team designs will prevail. The teams research challenges facing today’s scientists and apply real-world math and science concepts. This develops critical thinking, team-building, and presentation skills. Domtar’s support of the FLL Challenge supports the innovation and creativity of the local youth who will become our future workforce. Featured in the photo are (l to r) Samantha Boles-Domtar, Dr. Scott Williams-OCTC, Grant Forrest-Domtar, Cadie Underwood-OCTC, and Mike Rodgers-OCTC. / 19
Education Investment Pays Well For Ashton OCTC Alum, Tyler Ashton, believes investing in himself at Owensboro Community & Technical College opened up world of possibilites.
“Without an education there’s a ceiling. With an education, you can do anything.”
Ashton commented, “Without an education there’s a ceiling. With an education, you can do anything.” Tyler graduated in May 2017 with an Associate in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology Tyler Ashton, OCTC Alum degree, and was awarded a high distinction designation, earning a 3.6 or higher grade point average on all work attempted. He was a part of the GO FAME program, a work and learn model where students earn a college degree while working at a sponsor company. Ashton was employed at OMICO Plastics of Owensboro, a sponsor company in the GO FAME program. Ashton credits his instructors, Katie Vincent of OCTC’s Workforce Solutions, and OMICO Plastics Vice President and former GO FAME President, William K. Mounts, for helping him succeed. He was working for a local construction company when he decided to apply for the GO FAME program and started his journey at OCTC. Ashton added “at the end of the day I thought an education would get me further than just working.” During his time at OCTC Ashton was part of the first OCTC Rover Team. The team competed in the NASA Rover Challenge in Huntsville, Alabama and he participated in the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars Program. Ashton also presented at the regional Space Grant Conference. Ashton graduated and was hired by OMICO full time. He was recruited away by Amazon in Shepherdsville, KY where he is a Shift Maintenance Supervisor. Investing in himself is continuing to pay dividends for Ashton. 20 /