Authentic Identify Foundation

Our authentic identity comes to life through our promise statement. Our promise is our differentiated customer benefit. It is what we believe we can authentically and distinctively deliver to the world.

System Promise Statement: "The 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System are united in our commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky."

College Promise Statement: "(Name of the college) is committed to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky."

The centering identity idea is grounded in the essential truth of our organization. It is a simple and authentic idea that ignites identity on all levels. The centering idea drives the strategic and creative expression of our identity foundation elements. The centering idea is communicated through our ethos, strategic pillars and expression.

A Better Life

A Better Life can be used as a key message.

Never underestimate you. Believe in yourself and your potential. Look beyond today’s reality and imagine how much better tomorrow can be.

Get a better education. Get a better job. Get a better life.

The 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) are working independently and collectively to bring those possibilities to you. We’re here solely because you deserve the opportunity to earn a better life.

We’ve created a learning environment that is in tune with the unique needs and aspirations of every student and each of the communities we serve. And we offer programs and courses that are relevant to your world and are respected by others. Whether your goal is to graduate work ready or to prepare to complete a four-year degree, our instructors are here to put you on the right path with personal attention and a vested interest in your success.

Because your success is the only measure of ours.

And we will never underestimate you.

Our staff, faculty and leadership are very cognizant of the challenging circumstances many of our students face and we exhibit a strong commitment to helping our students succeed. Due to our small class sizes and caring staff and faculty, we can get to know our students personally and understand their individual situations. We are willing to give them a chance and the opportunity for a better life.

We provide a safe, comfortable environment for students to learn and be themselves without judgment, but we are also tough and challenge our students in order to build their confidence and push them beyond what they thought possible. Our students know it won’t be easy, but if they are willing to try and put in the work, we are willing to help them overcome their struggles and provide the support and encouragement they need to move forward.

We have a vested interest in our communities’ success, understand our local culture, and are responsive to social and educational needs in workforce training and personal enrichment that empowers our communities and economies to thrive (in some cases survive). We work together to provide the opportunities for young and adult students to better themselves and succeed professionally. Our flexibility and commitment allows us to offer customized training solutions for our local area business needs.

We offer challenging academics, small personable class sizes, and flexible learning options in order to teach our students the skills and training they need to be successful, whether that includes furthering their education or being sought after by employers to directly enter the workforce. Due to our relationships and strong connections to our communities, we understand the local industry training needs and can tailor our programs and classes to meet those needs.

Our character is the DNA that shapes and forms our distinctive authentic identity. The emotions we want to convey in our expression of the identity, however not necessarily the words we use in our authentic voice.

Hardworking
Hopeful
Accessible
Passionate
Driven
Encouraging
Responsive

System alignment around our Authentic Identity gives us a shared foundation for communicating our brand. The college’s unique character is expressed in their key insights and through their own people, stories and traditions.

Ashland
Building confidence and changing lives.

Elizabethtown
A place of optimism and opportunity.

Henderson
Preparing students for what comes next.

Madisonville
Moving people and our community forward.

Somerset
Providing access to education for all.

West Kentucky
Life changing opportunity for all.

Big Sandy
Purveyors of hope, possibility, and prosperity.

Gateway
Driving economic development and improved quality of life.

Hopkinsville
Celebrating diversity and investing in individual success.

Maysville
Creating opportunity for a better life.

Southcentral
A caring culture that prepares students for the next step.

Bluegrass
Providing access to education for all.

Hazard
Community connected and supportive change agent

Jefferson
Inclusive, purposeful education that creates well-prepared students.

Owensboro
Improving the quality of life for our students and community.

Southeast
A beacon of hope, opportunity and stability.