BSCTC INTERIM PRESIDENT/CEO SPEAKS TO PIKEVILLE ROTARY CLUB

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) Interim President/CEO Dr. Charles V. Chrestman was a guest speaker at the Pikeville Rotary Club meeting Wednesday, March 18, at The Landmark restaurant.

Its always an honor to share the wonderful things going on at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, said Dr. Chrestman. This is an exciting time to be in higher education in Eastern Kentucky.

Dr. Chrestman told those in attendance that he had a connection to Pikeville before he accepted the interim presidency at BSCTC. He worked closely with Joann Anderson, the former chief executive officer at Pikeville Medical Center, during his 10-year stint as president of Robeson Community College in Lumberton, N.C. Anderson is the president and chief executive officer of Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton.

The people of the Big Sandy region have been very welcoming, said Dr. Chrestman. Theres obviously something special here.

Dr. Chrestman highlighted the colleges Pikeville campus and talked about the spirit of collaboration in Pike County.

Weve had great conversations with the city, county, chamber and the University of Pikeville, he said. Were all working towards one common goal opportunities for the people of our region.

BSCTC is currently in the planning phase of an expansion that will add a 60,000 square-foot facility and a parking structure. The college has experienced tremendous enrollment growth in and around Pike County.

This building will help lay the groundwork for economic growth and workforce development for years to come, said Dr. Chrestman. We are working with our strategic partners to outline a vision that will correlate with the economic development efforts of the region.