OCTC Celebrates "Going Pro" Graduates Entering Local Workforce
Owensboro, KY (04/16/2025) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) celebrated the next generation of local professionals at its "Going Pro" events on April 15, 2025. The ceremonies honored graduates launching careers with regional employers and transfer institutions, highlighting the vital connection between education and workforce development in our community.
The morning session highlighted eight students from seven academic programs pursuing higher education through OCTC's transfer partnerships with Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and Western Kentucky University.
The afternoon session recognized 26 Healthcare graduates from four academic programs, partnering with nine regional healthcare providers: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Hospice of Western Kentucky, Med Center Health, Perry County Memorial Hospital, Deaconess Health System, Ohio County Healthcare, Audubon Animal Hospital, Bluegrass Veterinary Services, and Eastside Animal Hospital.
The evening session celebrated nine Manufacturing and Skilled Trades graduates from five academic programs, partnering with seven employer partners from across the region.
TRANSFER SUCCESS
A single mother of four children under six years old returned to OCTC as a non-traditional student. After graduating, she is taking the transfer path to WKU to pursue Social Work, driven by her passion for helping others. Her journey demonstrates that determination, resilience, and time management can make any goal achievable despite significant challenges.
HEALTHCARE HEROS
After being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years with two boys, this graduate returned to school following her husband's military retirement. When her son experienced a traumatic brain injury, she discovered her passion for radiography. That experience inspired her to become a positive light for others facing difficult circumstances, just as radiologic technologists had been for her family. Despite the challenges of balancing life, classes, clinical hours, and family responsibilities, she persevered through one of the toughest challenges of her life. She credits her success to supportive instructors who formed personal connections, along with her husband and children's unwavering support. She is now Going Pro with Ohio County Healthcare in Radiology.
MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE
At just 20 years old, this exceptional student is completing dual degrees while participating in both the GO FAME Industrial Maintenance program and the Electrical Technology program-often taking 16 or more credit hours each semester. Maintaining a stellar GPA while demonstrating leadership both in and out of the classroom, he credits his family, instructors, and employer for supporting his educational journey. He is now Going Pro at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari, ready to make the most of his opportunities.
"We plan to expand this event annually to celebrate all our students and employer partners. This is a great way to demonstrate that OCTC is worth investing a student's time and resources. Working hand in hand with our employers allows us to align the skills we teach with local business and industry," commented OCTC President Dr. Scott Williams.
According to a recent economic impact study conducted by Lightcast:
- 90% of our students graduate with $0 educational debt
- The average associate degree from OCTC increases earnings by $9,400 annually compared to a high school diploma in Kentucky
- 1 in 32 jobs in the OCTC service region is supported by the activities of OCTC and its students
Ready to launch your high-demand career? Begin your journey at www.owensboro.kctcs.edu by selecting APPLY.
Businesses interested in internship/externship partnerships should contact Ceary.Crisp@kctcs.edu.
For information about future GOING PRO events, contact Bernie.Hale@kctcs.edu.
##
Owensboro Community & Technical College is one of the sixteen community and technical colleges that make up the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. OCTC serves the KY counties of Daviess, Hancock, Ohio and McLean. OCTC has three campuses in Daviess County and a Center and Annex in Hancock County. OCTC strives to serve the communities in the service area by providing associate degree education for transfer, state of the art technical education for students focusing on entering the workforce, customized business and industry solutions through the Workforce Solutions division, and adult education and business and industry testing through the SkillTrain unit.
#
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the Commonwealth's largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses. We also are Kentucky's largest provider of workforce training and online education. Through partnerships with business and industry, we align our programs to meet the needs of local employers. We help students fulfill their dreams of creating a better life through programs that lead directly to jobs or help them transfer to one of our four-year partners.
Connect with OCTC: Owensboro.kctcs | Facebook.com/owensboroctc | Twitter@OCTC_Tweets | Instagram OwensboroCTC
Media Attachments
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Bernie Hale (270) 686-4506, Bernie.hale@kctcs.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- OCTC TRADE WARS 2025: REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
- OCTC/Cargill Motus Wildlife Tracking System - Student Symposium
- OCTC Art Auction
- OCTC'S ITEC PROGRAM HOSTING INFORMATION SESSIONS
- OCTC Foundation Receives $25,000 Gift from Domtar for Student and Program Support
- AMTEC Offering AI3 Professional Development Sessions
- OCTC Surgical Technology Program Hosting Pre Admission Conferences
- HealthForce Kentucky Appoints Bruce Williams as New CEO/COO to Lead Healthcare Workforce Development Initiative
- HEALTHFORCE KENTUCKY AS A CHANGE AGENT FOR KENTUCKY
- OCTC Experience Nursing Day 2025