Brooke Brown of Wickliffe was recently named WKCTC's Student of the Month for October

2017 Nov 8

Brooke Brown, a student at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, was recently named the college's Student of the Month for October.

"I am very thankful to be selected as Student of the Month. It is an honor to even be considered," said the 31-year-old Ballad County native who is the first in her family to go to college.

Set to graduate from WKCTC on December 11, Brown will earn an associate in applied science degree in business administration with an emphasis on human resources. She plans to continue her business administration studies at Murray State University in this spring.

"I am a 'people person', and enjoy interacting with others. Business administration is a broad field that can provide the opportunity to work with others on a daily basis," said Brown. "I love that."

Brown and her husband, Michael, who is also a student at WKCTC studying electrical technology (set to graduate in May 2018), were both laid off from the former Wickliffe Paper Mill in November 2015 before they decided to go back to college.

"It was a tough time for us, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now knowing we will each have a new career. "We're showing our daughters, Bailey and MaKenna, just how important an education can be," she said.

In addition to being a mother and full-time student, Brown also works part time in the college's Accessibility office and has made a lasting impression the program's director, Shelia Highfil.

"Brooke exemplifies what successful students do while pursuing an education at WKCTC. I have been impressed with her passion to learn and interpersonal skills with faculty, staff and fellow students," said Highfil. "Committed, diligent and always willing to help is what makes Brooke an ideal candidate for Student of the Month."

Brown is grateful to Highfil and others for the encouragement she has received on campus. "WKCTC is a great college. The support you feel as a student is amazing. With the uplifting and energetic atmosphere, plus the dedicated faculty and staff, it makes the educational experience here enjoyable and positive."

The Student of the Month program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students on campus. Individuals selected must be currently enrolled at WKCTC and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and are nominated on the basis of exceptional performance, personal attributes, academic excellence and active participation in various student organizational activities.

Student of the Month recipients receive $100, a certificate of excellence, recognition on the WKCTC Facebook page, campus announcements and Web site. Recipients are also recognized by Pepsi MidAmerica and receive one free month's supply of their favorite Pepsi product.