Spring Term • Issue 1 • January 19, 2018
Return on Investment:
Making a $141.3 Million Mark Imagine going to a bank and opening a savings account that for every $1 you put into it, you could earn $6.60 in return. A savings account with a nearly 21 percent rate of return may sound hard to believe; however, a recent economic impact study of West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) shows investing in education from WKCTC can be like opening that dream savings account.
THE
NEWS LETTER
4180 Alben Barkley Drive Paducah, KY 42001
westkentucky.kctcs.edu (270) 554-9200
facebook.com/West.Kentucky
New I-CAR Curriculum Saves Students Money
According to a study by Economic Modeling Specialists International (Emsi), WKCTC students pay for tuition, fees, books and supplies, and spend time as an investment in their education to receive higher earnings later.
Paducah resident Brandon Gossett is the first student at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) to receive I-CAR Pro Level 1 certification in painting and refinishing.
For every $1 that students spend on education at WKCTC, they can expect $6.60 in return, making the average annual rate of return for students 20.7%. This is an impressive return, especially when compared to the 30-year average of 10.1 % return to the U.S. stock market, the analysis said.
WKCTC’s collision repair technology program has recently adopted the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair or I-CAR curriculum to ensure students are kept abreast of ongoing changes in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) technology, materials, manufacturing capabilities, and standards.
“We’ve known how important our college is to the region we serve, but it’s good to have tangible data that shows the exact value and impact we have,” said WKCTC President Anton Reece. “This report confirms that West Kentucky is a great investment not only for the students who attend but also for the community and our region.” Emsi, the Moscow, Idaho-based independent company, took into account the initial effect of WKCTC’s spending, as well as the ripple effect the spending has on the college’s supply chain and the spending of its employees. continued on Page 2
Craig Dickerson, collision repair technology program coordinator and parttime I-CAR instructor has qualified to teach each of the more than 30+ classes in the I-CAR curriculum by successfully completing an I-CAR technical evaluation. The addition of the I-CAR curriculum, at no additional cost to WKCTC collision repair students, offers students potential benefits they may not find at other institutions. In fact, before this curriculum was added at WKCTC getting the I-CAR training and certification would require students to travel outside their communities, Dickerson said. “We’re able to offer this curriculum to them here to help them in gaining employment, so it’s a cost saving for them. Realistically if they were receiving this training after they were employed, “Dickerson said, “their employer would probably be paying for the training themselves. It just makes them more marketable as a technician. It’s something really good to put on their resume- that they already have $4,000 - $5,000 worth of training.”
KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM
Economic Impact from Page 1
WKCTC Fast FACTS 2016 Fall Headcount: 6,146
The recent Emsi study showed that WKCTC added $141.3 million to the local economy in fiscal year 2015-16. The report noted that the biggest part of the college’s impact came from the accumulated contribution of WKCTC alumni currently employed in the regional workforce, equating the added value at $112.5 million, equal to 1,930 jobs. “Ultimately, I want the community to know the breadth of economic and education impact that WKCTC has on this region,” Dr. Reece said. “It is the reason we actively engage our business and industry partners to make the lives of our students better through workforce training, economic development and jobs.”
Frances Hamilton (left) reacts to the November 16, 2017, unveiling of a portrait of her late husband, B.A. Hamilton. WKCTC named its Collision Repair Technology Classroom in the Anderson Technical Building in memory of B.A. Hamilton, who founded the auto body program in 1962 and was a long-time supporter of the college. Hamilton, who died in January 2017 at 79, served on the WKCTC Board of Directors and the Paducah Junior College Board of Trustees.
Demographics of Credential-Seeking Fall 2016 WKCTC Students
“When you think of B.A. and (his wife) Frances, you start at the community level -- they have served on several boards and been so visible in the community for such a long time... B.A. was the gold standard of servant leadership,” said WKCTC President Anton Reece.
WKCTC Graduates: In Their Words
Matt Snow, Paducah
Executive Director of Facilities Baptist Health Paducah
“WKCTC is a great way to transition into the college environment and will help you accomplish the degree you want to achieve.
Caitlin Rudolph, Paducah Software Engineer Computer Services, Inc. (CSI)
“WKCTC connected me with excellent professors that not only equipped me with the education and skills I need for my career, but advocated for me in the local job market.”
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
January 23 - Opening reception at 5 p.m. WKCTC’s Paducah School of Art and Design will be hosting an art exhibition for McCracken County 21st Century students. The show will run in conjunction with a showing by Ruth Baggett starting on January 18 through February 22.
For more WKCTC news items visit
westkentucky.meritpages.com/news
Josh Geeding, Kevil
Marine Logistics Management graduate Ingram Barge Company
“Part of the genius of WKCTC is that it is nearly impossible to have just one mentor due to the willingness of everyone involved to lend a hand and some sound advice to a student who needs it.”
March 15- The first WKCTC Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program recognizing area secondary educators s who have gone beyond their daily responsibilities and played a tremendous role in the shaping of education in our region. Winners will be announced at this evening program at the Clemens Fine Arts Theatre. West Kentucky Community and Technical College, a proud member of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.