JD
Jennifer Davis-Cooley
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Class of 2014
  • Union City, TN

Jennifer Davis-Cooley is One of Two Students Speaking at WKCTC's Fall Commencement December 15

2014 Dec 9

West Kentucky Community and Technical College student Jennifer Davis-Cooley of Union City, Tennessee will be one of two student speakers for the 2014 Fall Commencement at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center December 15.

Commencement begins at 7 p.m. The 2014 nursing pinning ceremony will precede commencement at 5 p.m., with 42 nursing students receiving nursing pins representing the completion of the college's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. The pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated nurses into the nursing profession.

Davis-Cooley and fellow student Gabriel Crider of Paducah are earning an Associate in Applied Science degree with Davis-Cooley graduating from the physical therapist assistant program and Crider graduating from the nursing program.

Each will share personal experiences with their fellow students, faculty and members of the audience that inspired them to continue their education at WKCTC and what brought them to the Carson Center stage as student commencement speakers.

Davis-Cooley earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and athletic training from Murray State University in 2011. She interned for ESPN'S Wide World of Sports at Disney World in Orlando, worked for an orthopedic surgeon, and also provided sports medicine coverage for Union City High School and Middle School.

But Davis-Cooley knew it was important to earn additional credentials in her field. After a diving accident paralyzed her husband in 2008, she researched colleges and a program that would be the best fit for her.

"Since I am already a certified/licensed athletic trainer, I knew that I wanted another healthcare certification/license ... because in today's world, you need as much education as you can possibly get in order to compete and succeed in the workforce," said 26-year-old Davis Cooley. "With my family situation and job, I knew whatever program I chose needed to be compatible and flexible... and I chose the WKCTC physical therapist assistant program."

Both Crider and Davis-Cooley said they are honored to be speaking at the WKCTC commencement. "I consider it a great honor to represent the ADN program, knowing what wonderfully talented students and dedicated staff we have at WKCTC," said Crider.

WKCTC's Dr. Kevin Gericke, professor of economics and statistics, will be the evening's keynote speaker. Dr. Gericke, a McCracken County resident, earned a master's degree and doctorate in resource economics from Virginia Tech.

Dr. Gericke has published articles in various education publications, made numerous presentations at regional and national conferences and serves as the chair of the WKCTC faculty. He has served as advisor for the college's Phi Theta Kappa chapter since 2002 and was selected by students as Teacher of the Year in 2009 and 2013.

"I am absolutely humbled to have been asked to speak to these graduates. Many of these students have overcome challenges that I cannot fully comprehend," said Dr. Gericke "I am so proud of our graduates and am honored they have trusted me to play a small role along their educational journey."