Lifelong learning: It's never too late

WKCTC professor who earned doctorate degree continues tradition of attending WKCTC commencement

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Paducah, KY (05/15/2019) — Bobby Ann Lee, a biology professor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, did not walk down the aisle at the University of Kentucky's May graduation.

Although she achieved her dream of receiving a doctorate degree in philosophy in the 2018-19 academic year and could have participated in UK's ceremonies in Lexington, Lee attended WKCTC's May 11 graduation, a tradition she has continued each May for the past 20 years as a member of the college's faculty.

"My hope is that students will be lifelong learners as it is never too late for an education," said Lee, a resident of Murray.

Her doctoral dissertation research focused on the implementation of sustainable development in higher education, and is being put to use within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

According to the 1987 United Nations Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, the most commonly accepted definition for sustainable development is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need."

Lee now has a dual role at WKCTC, teaching biology and serving as the sustainability project coordinator.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to conduct and use research to advance environmental, social and economic sustainability within our community," she said.

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