KCTCS staff receive national awards

Versailles, Ky. – Several members of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) who work in the Versailles office have been named winners of national awards.

Kim Calebs, KCTCS online learning manager, received the Blackboard Exemplary Course Program (ECP) Award for the significant achievements that have been accomplished within the “KOOL Academy: Building an Excellent Online Course.” The academy has improved the quality of online learning for KCTCS students, according to Jim Brigadier, president of Blackboard global markets. KOOL stands for KCTCS Optimizing Online Learning. 

“Since KOOL Academy’s inception in 2019, we have worked with dozens of faculty to help them improve their online courses,” Calebs said. “As an educational developer, I believe it’s essential to model strong instructional practice. Many participants have received an ECP award as a result of the work they do through the course. It’s an honor to join them in this recognition and it's gratifying to receive confirmation that the KOOL Academy course truly is a model for success.”

Additionally, a team of five from the KCTCS Technology Solutions department has won the Digital Transformation Award by E&I Cooperative Services as part of the company’s annual Cloud Leadership Awards for higher ed institutions. The team was honored for using cloud-based technology to create MyPath, a web page that has been transformational for faculty, staff and students.

Team members are Jeremy Adkins, Amy Coleman, Garret Dutton and Matt Varney. The team is led by Jeremy Miller, director of enterprise architecture.

“The My Path project was a big undertaking and the team’s vision made this happen,” Miller said. “Before My Path was created, students and employees had to search multiple places for information. My Path brings it all together in one place in a customized, targeted audience experience. The name is based on the KCTCS mascot named Pathfinder.”

KCTCS is the only community college system ever to win this award.

“These awards are a testament to how talented and innovative our staff members are,” said KCTCS President Paul Czarapata. “I’m extremely proud of the work they’ve done and pleased they’ve been recognized by these organizations.”