KCTCS heading in the right direction

Like me, you’ve probably seen polls asking if the country’s heading in the right direction. It’s a good question and one I ask myself about KCTCS on a regular basis. I believe it’s important to take stock of where we are and where we’re going. For me, the answer is YES, the system is heading in the right direction. That doesn’t mean we’ve completed the journey, but I believe we achieved a great deal in 2022 and that next year will be even better.

I’m pleased to report our enrollment is back on track after being down during the pandemic. For the 2021-22 academic year, more than 94,000 students attended a KCTCS college. That’s up nearly 2% from the previous year. In the 2022-23 fall semester, systemwide enrollment was up nearly 6%. This is significant because nationally, enrollment is still trending downward for most community colleges. 

Additionally, our underrepresented minority (URM) enrollment was up and has increased 7% over the last five years. I’m also proud to say that over the last five years, credentials awarded to our URM students is up 28% and the graduation rate is up 7%. Of course, there’s more work to do, but these numbers are definitely headed in the right direction.

A few other highlights from this year include:

• An increase in the number of credentials awarded in the state’s top five industry sectors. Eighty percent of KCTCS credentials awarded in 2021-22 were from programs aligned to occupations in advanced manufacturing, business/IT, construction/skilled trades, health care, and transportation/logistics.
• A record number of dual credit students. Nearly 25,000 high school students enrolled in KCTCS dual credit courses, which is an increase of 23%. KCTCS continues to be the number one provider of dual credit in Kentucky.
• A new four-year strategic plan that focuses on organization success, employment success and learner success.
• A record year for our Workforce and Economic Development team. We saw an increase in the number of projects, enrollment, repeat clients and new clients. For the first time since we began receiving TRAINS funds from the Kentucky legislature, we are going to run out before the end of this academic year. We are fortunate to work with great businesses all over Kentucky and look forward to training even more of their employees.
• A successful partnership with Family Scholar House. All 16 colleges have formed a partnership with this philanthropic organization based in Louisville that helps support our students with a number of issues including housing, food, gasoline, and finding childcare. And, they do all of this at no charge to us or our students.

Speaking of students, I’m encouraged and inspired by everything they achieved in 2022. I’m so proud they chose KCTCS to help them reach their dreams of a better life.

I’m thankful for the many blessings I’ve received and grateful to work with the best faculty and staff in the nation! Indeed, KCTCS is heading in the right direction, and it’s because of all the good people who work at the 16 colleges and Versailles office.

Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and a successful 2023!