BOARD OF REGENTS APPROVES BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM AT BSCTC
The Kentucky Community and Technical College (KCTCS) Board of Regents approved a new
associate degree program in broadband technology the first in Kentucky and just the
third in the United States for Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC)
at its meeting on Friday, March 11.
BSCTC President Dr. Devin Stephenson, Dean of Academic Affairs Myra Elliott, and Kelli
Hall, interim dean of career education and workforce development, presented the proposal
to the board of regents. The broadband technology program will be divided into the
three tracks Broadband Technician, Broadband Telecommunications Equipment Installer
and Broadband Design and Applications.
This program correlates with the collaborative efforts of Congressman [Hal] Rogers,
SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region), ONE East Kentucky, our local chambers of commerce
and existing business and industry, said Dr. Stephenson. The installation and maintenance
of this expansive broadband network across eastern Kentucky will provide a wealth
of opportunity for gainful employment. Additionally, the network will position eastern
Kentucky for economic development opportunities.
The Broadband Technician track will prepare students for jobs in the installation
and splicing of Hybrid Fiber Cable (HFC), as well as basic telephony installation
and maintenance, outside pole climbing and construction safety. This will also include
components of electrical construction in areas of Fiber Optic and Data Cable installations.
Students who complete the Broadband Telecommunications Equipment Installer program
will learn skills associated with computer hardware and software, graphical information
systems, and functions and operations of public branch exchange systems.
The Broadband Design and Applications track prepares students to work in the areas
of GIS (Graphical Information Systems), security systems, HFC splicing and maintenance,
and the basic installation, alignment, testing and troubleshooting for satellite systems
and National Electric Code (NEC) for installation of communication cables and systems
according to the National Fire Protection Association.
This is an exciting new program that will provide innovative opportunities for students
to learn a globally competitive skill that will lead to gainful employment, said Elliott.
BSCTC will break ground later this year on a $4.5 million Advanced Technology Center,
also the first in Kentucky. This was made possible by a $2.3 grant by the Economic
Development Agency and $500,000 each from the Appalachian Regional Commission and
Community Development Block Grant. We must be adaptive and responsive to the needs
of business and industry as our economy changes.
Hall said the program will provide additional pathways beyond the certifications offered
in Fiber Optics through the colleges workforce solutions division.
The degree program is the latest addition to our stackable credentials for broadband
technology, she said. Our hope is to continue to provide pathways for baccalaureate
degrees with our four-year partners.
For more information on the Broadband Technology program, contact Joe Compton at (606)
218-1262 or email joseph.compton@kctcs.edu
