Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College holds grand opening for new campus in Knox County

After a facelift, the previously empty Barbourville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will now be the new home for Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College as the school expands to Knox County. 

The recent grand opening ceremony of the new Knox Campus served as a beacon of hope for a new generation of knowledge seekers who will be entering the workforce in the next few years, as well as those who desire additional job training without having to leave Knox County to obtain it.

The Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity Council Community Action Partnership teamed up with Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College to transform the old nursing home building into a facility fit to be the new Southeast Knox Campus. More than $6 million in grant money was spent on the renovation.

Just under $2 million of that grant money was acquired from the Work Ready Skills Initiative at KCEOC under the leadership of Matt Bevin. 

Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity Council Community Action Partnership and Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College also won grants from the Economic Development Administration to the tune of $3 million, and the Appalachian Regional Commission at $1.5 million. 

Another $2.25 million was acquired by SKCTC  through the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for equipment purchases. KCEOC was also able to obtain $400,000 from the Kentucky State budget for additional equipment purchases, as well as covering some budget overages.

Many classes will be offered at the new Knox Campus including phlebotomy, plumbing, welding, education, criminal justice, computer technology, business, medical coding, medical assisting, and nursing assisting. More programs are in the works for the future such as telehealth, CNC machining, industrial maintenance, and more as the college receives more equipment.

Vic Adams, who serves as the President and CEO of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, is quoted in the Times-Tribune as he thanked those responsible for the new campus at the grand opening: “This would not be possible without so many people. There is no way I could list everyone who has had a hand in this project.”

Adams talked about initially seeing the property with Becky Miller, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Coordinator, and Paul Dole of the Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity council Community Action Partnership, saying, “This facility is what we hoped for.”

Adams noted that the campus is not entirely finished due to some supply chain issues, but that the campus would be entirely ready shortly.

Senator Mitch McConnell’s Field Representative Donna Moor was in attendance at the grand opening to read a letter of congratulations from him. “Education has the power to foster home-grown talent right here in Kentucky, giving our communities the tools to provide new development and economic opportunity with the facility you opened today,” she read. “Southeast Technical and Community College will only expand its role as one of the key educational institutions,” she said.

Congressman Hal Rogers was in attendance and also offered his thanks and congratulations, saying, “This campus is a great example of federal, state, and local government signing on for the same purpose.” He also praised the school for providing opportunities for Knox County residents to get higher education without having to leave home, no doubt leading to a stronger economy in the area.

Students in Knox County wishing to attend school at the new campus can sign up for spring classes now. More information about Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College can be found on the school’s website.