Owensboro Community and Technical College

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Wimpelberg Named OCTC Early College Coordinator

Over 90 Early College Students On Campus

Owensboro, KY (02/09/2018) — Owensboro Community & Technical College selected Nikki Wimpelberg as the new Early College program coordinator. She began her position in December of 2017, the previous coordinator Karen Miller has gone on to serve as the Financial Aid Director at Madisonville Community College. This Early College position is supported financially through the collaborative partnership of OCTC, Daviess County Public Schools, and Owensboro Public Schools. The position serves all the students enrolled through the Early College program, which is includes all regional high schools, and several home school students.

Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC President added, "We are very excited to have Nikki on board to lead this program. It can and should be an important stepping stone for local students to get a head start academically and financially. That is good for the students, parents, and the community. We want to reach more first generation students with this program. It could really increase the college going rate for the community."

Wimpelberg is originally from Illinois, and a graduate of Lincoln Trail Community College where she earned an Associate degree in Science before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Education at Greenville College. Her previous experience includes working with high school students in a Upward Bound program and over 10 years with KCTCS in tutoring, testing, the nursing program, and academic affairs. Wimpelberg started working at Henderson Community College in 2007 and came to OCTC in 2011 as an administrative assistant in the Nursing program prior to moving into academic affairs. She is excited to work with high school partners and students in the Early College program, "This opportunity aligns well with my background and with what I enjoy the most and that is working with students" commented Wimpelberg.

The program has experienced much growth since May of 2016 when four students graduated simultaneously with their associate degree and high school diploma. OCTC's Early College now has over 90 students, with 36 on track to graduate in May 2018. "Early College is the perfect combination of preparation and support for high school students to flourish in a college environment" commented Dr. Stacy Edds-Ellis, OCTC Dean of Academic Affairs.

Early College students attend classes on campus at OCTC full-time during their junior and senior years of high school. Students may still participate in extra curricular activities at their high school. The tuition is covered through scholarships, self-pay, or experimental Pell grants. Students are responsible for transportation, books and supplies. Students will select an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree plan based on their transfer interest or career choice. For more information contact Nikki Wimpelberg, at nikki.wimpelberg@kctcs.edu or call 270.686.4596.

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OCTC's Early College Program Coordinator, Nikki Wimpelberg

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