BSCTC PRESIDENT DR. DEVIN STEPHENSON ADDRESSES SOAR EXECUTIVE BOARD
Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Big Sandy Community and Technical College, addressed
the SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) Executive Board during a meeting on the
Prestonsburg campus on Monday, October 5.
Dr. Stephenson thanked Congressman Hal Rogers, Governor Steve Beshear, SOAR Executive
Director Jared Arnett and the executive board for their vision in working towards
a better Eastern Kentucky.
Were fulfilling the promise you have laid out through the development of the human
capital of the region, said Dr. Stephenson. You are the visionaries, and we stand
ready and willing to be on the frontlines as the doers, the difference makers, the
pathfinders and the dreamcatchers.
What is possible, Dr. Stephenson asked the Executive board?
Anything, he responded. Through a spirit of teamwork, innovation and regionalism,
SOAR and Eastern Kentucky will shine as a national best practice of rural economic
development and diversification.
BSCTC was the first college in the region to offer fiber optics training. Sanctioned
by the Fiber Optics Association and facilitated by BDI DataLync, an internationally
recognized leader in fiber technology, the college is attracting national attention
for its course. Students from as far away as Texas, Ohio, Alabama and Virginia have
enrolled.
Last week, BSCTC was awarded more than $2.2 million from the Economic Development
Agency for the construction of the states first Broadband Technology Center. The $4.5
million facility will also be supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission and
a Community Development Block Grant. Dr. Stephenson also highlighted the colleges
Fast-Track IT program, a partnership with the East Kentucky Concentrated Employment
Program (EKCEP), which targets displaced workers. This program is unique because it
offers a 12-week paid internship.
Dr. Stephenson highlighted the colleges Early College Academies, which has an enrollment
of over 100 students from Floyd County, Johnson County, Martin County, Paintsville
Independent and Pike County school districts. Over the course of two years, 28 students
have graduated high school with an associate degree. Those students have earned more
than $2.5 million in scholarships.
Tate Greene, 17, was highlighted by Dr. Stephenson. A senior and kicker on the Prestonsburg
High School football team, Greene scored a 31 on his ACT as a freshman. Hell graduate
in May with an associate in science degree.
In a tweet to Dr. Stephenson, Greene said Im thrilled to see how our college will
help lead the revolution occurring in our region. The future is bright.
Dr. Stephenson concluded his remarks by saying, For us, it is about changing the region,
one person, one opportunity, one possibility and one challenge at a time.