OCTC Welcomes Jennifer Eaves as New Career and Life Skills Coordinator

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (02/23/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Eaves as the new Career and Life Skills (CLS) Coordinator within the Counseling Center, following Krista Camp's transition into a full-time counseling role.

Barb Tipmore, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of the Counseling Center, commented, "I am thrilled to have Jennifer as a part of our team! Her expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for students are a recipe for success, and I look forward to watching her build upon the strong foundation that Krista has put in place for the program."

A proud Owensboro native and non-traditional student, Eaves brings a deeply rooted commitment to education, personal growth, and student empowerment. A graduate of Apollo High School, she returned to school after 20 years, beginning at OCTC before transferring to the University of the Cumberlands, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Education in December 2024. She is currently halfway through her program and is pursuing a Master's in Education degree. Online learning has played a significant role in her journey and remains her preferred method of study.

Before pursuing her degree, Eaves held various office roles and later joined Owensboro Public Schools as an Instructional Specialist supporting small groups of students in math and reading-an experience she found profoundly rewarding. Encouraged by her work and inspired by her mother-in-law, Janice Eaves, she pursued higher education with renewed purpose.

While completing her master's degree, Eaves discovered the CLS Coordinator opportunity-a role that aligned perfectly with her strengths and passion for helping others. The CLS certificate program serves a diverse group of learners, including highly functioning autistic students, individuals with intellectual disabilities seeking workplace readiness, and those who struggled within the traditional high school model. Mentors are a core part of the program, reflecting OCTC's mission to cultivate a culture of learning for all. Eaves now oversees two student cohorts and teaches three classes, a challenge she embraces with enthusiasm.

Eaves describes her late-in-life career path as a gift: "The stars lined up a little later in life allowing me to see more clearly where I can do the most good in this life. I believe in leading with love, teaching with patience, and helping every person find their value, their confidence, and their path forward."

She hopes to serve as a positive influence for the students she supports-something she feels she once needed herself. She credits her success due to the support of her husband, Ryen, and their five children.

For more information on the OCTC CLS program please contact Eaves at Jennifer.Eaves@kctcs.edu.

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Owensboro Community and Technical College

OCTC Welcomes Jennifer Eaves as New Career and Life Skills Coordinator

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Owensboro Community and Technical College

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