A reception was held at Hopkinsville Community College Friday afternoon to recognize three longtime faculty members who will be retiring after the upcoming commencement next week. The three faculty members honored were Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator Dr. Vernell Larkin, Dr. Kevin Felton, and Jeff Partney.
According to HCC officials, Dr. Larkin was the first African-American faculty member hired by the community college and is a past recipient of the Mayor’s Unity Award for 2010. She graduated from Hopkinsville High School and received her undergraduate and post-graduate education from the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Felton, who has the longest term of service in the history of the college, was hired by HCC in 1977 at the age of 23 and over the years, estimates he has taught 20,000 students.
HCC officials say the third retiree, Partney, had a background in industry and helped the college to build a world-class Machine Tool Technology and Computerized Manufacturing and Machining programs.
The three retirees, who have a combined 92-years of teaching experience, will begin new phases of their life following the Commencement of the 53rd class of HCC graduates on Friday, May 10.
