Hopkinsville Community College President & CEO Dr. Alissa Young brought a strong, positive update to the school’s programming during Monday’s quarterly board meeting.
And at the top of the list is currently an unnamed donor with a big gift to HCC’s CDL education wing.
This generosity, Dr. Young added, comes alongside two new CDL training trucks and trailers that were wrapped this past July.
As for the accelerated welding program, Dr. Young said that enrollment increased by 77% last year — from 154 to 272.
Another new program, targeting high school students, also seems to be on the rise.
Meanwhile, Dr. Young said the practical nursing program recently had 17 graduates — as they look to take their next challenging steps in the local and regional medical field.
In other HCC news:
— Dr. Dale Leatherman, HCC’s chief business affairs officer, noted that for the end of fiscal year 2022-23, tuition and charges collection came in at 91%. Furthermore, a budget of more than $5.7 million set aside for contingency, capital projects and strategic needs on campus didn’t fully get spent, though several aspects were addressed.
As for fiscal year 2024, only 11% of the school’s budget has been spent, with a large uptick in tuition and charges already accrued.
— Angel Prescott, HCC’s chief student affairs officer, noted that 2023 summer enrollment was down just slightly: from 737 in 2022 to 725 this June-August.
While in-house, credential-seeking students were on the rise, Prescott said there was one particular demographic that took a hit, and they will be seeking some answers next semester.
— Meeting dates for HCC’s board were set for this next fiscal year: November 20, 2023, February 26, 2024, and April 29, 2024.
— Former UHA graduate Abigail Love was introduced as the new student regent for the HCC board. As the current president for the Student Government Association, she plans to graduate and attend Murray State University, where she will pursue a degree in accounting.
— Dr. Young also made note several dates that should be on everyone’s calendar. This includes the 33rd Annual Mike Foster Golf Scramble, set for 8:30 AM September 29. She said little, if any room, is available. Fall Break is slated for October 9-14, while Fall Commencement is scheduled for noon and 3 PM, December 8.
