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WKCTC Education Express Tour Makes Seventh Stop in Fulton/Hickman County

by Justin Jones

Paducah, KY (05/09/2025) — West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) held the seventh stop of its regional "Your Community, Your College, Your Future" Education Express tour on May 6 at the Pontotoc Civic Center in Fulton. The event brought together students, parents, and community leaders to engage with WKCTC faculty and staff, highlighting the value of education in the region.

The Education Express tour, launched by WKCTC President Anton Reece, is designed to celebrate the power of education while honoring local leaders, educators, students, businesses, and nonprofit organizations throughout western Kentucky.

"Student success is tied to our mission," said Reece. "We attract a diverse group of students-whether they're straight out of high school, veterans, or displaced homemakers. Regardless of their starting point, we are fully prepared to meet them halfway and guide them to success."

Throughout the event, WKCTC staff emphasized the vital role of education in workforce development and economic growth. The college presented Certificates of Recognition to Fulton County Schools Superintendent Patrice Chambers, Hickman County Schools Superintendent Heather Spillman, City of Fulton Mayor David Prater, Fulton County Judge-Executive Jim Martin, and Fulton Independent Schools Superintendent Terry Sullivan.

"Education is something that can never be taken away from you," said Fulton Mayor David Prater. "In a county like ours, having access to WKCTC and the quality education and programs it offers is a true blessing."

"We are in the early stages of an economic recovery in Fulton County," added Fulton County Judge-Executive Jim Martin. "To rebuild our economy, we need skilled people in our community, working in factories and trades. WKCTC plays a key role in preparing that workforce."

Fulton Independent Schools Superintendent Terry Sullivan, a WKCTC alumnus, shared his personal experience. "I was a non-traditional student. Neither of my parents graduated high school, so education wasn't prioritized for me. But when I came to WKCTC, I found mentors who helped me and encouraged me, and I've carried that with me to this day."

Ethan Allen, a Fulton native and WKCTC graduate, who now works as a success coach in the college's Student Success Center, spoke about the college's impact on his life. "I was born to two teenage parents. My mom always told me to go to college and build a stable life," said Allen. "My family, were painters in the area, and that had always been the path laid out for me. It was always the easiest choice to make with the least effort." I was at work one day and thought there has to be more than this," he continued "I went home and sat at the computer and filled out an application for WKCTC and I was accepted."

The Education Express tour will continue this spring with its final stop:

May 15 - Pope County High School Community Room, 125 State Highway 146 West, Golconda, Illinois, 4-6 p.m.

WKCTC encourages community members, educators, students, and business leaders to attend and engage in ongoing discussions about the future of education in the region.

About West Kentucky Community and Technical College

West Kentucky Community and Technical College, a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, offers accessible, high-quality education and workforce training. WKCTC is committed to regional economic development and fostering individual and community success.

Media Contact:

Whitney Walker

Director of Marketing and Communications

Cell: 270-519-3199

Email: whitney.walker@kctcs.edu

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