The James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation has given the college a $2 million gift for the development of its new workforce and healthcare education facility.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College has received the largest single-donor gift in its history from the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation. The $2 million gift will support the development of the college’s new workforce and healthcare education facility, which will be named the James A. and Martha R. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center.
According to an article on Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s website, Dr. Greg Feeney, who serves as the college’s Chancellor, was quoted as saying of the gift, “This extraordinary gift represents a defining moment in the history of Bluegrass Community and Technical College. The James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation’s investment will strengthen workforce development across Central Kentucky, expand access to high-demand healthcare programs, and directly impact thousands of students, employers, and communities for generations to come. The Brown Foundation’s leadership gift demonstrates what is possible when visionary philanthropy meets a critical community need. This investment will help prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals, nurses and allied health providers, and workforce leaders who will power Kentucky’s economy and improve the quality of life across our region.”
The new facility will be located in Winchester at a former Amazon Call Center facility and will become a regional hub for workforce training, nursing education, and allied health instruction. It will house the first Regional Workforce Training Center in the state, BCTC Workforce Solutions, nursing and allied health laboratories, an ambulance simulator, and flexible learning spaces. The new space will allow the college to double its nursing program capacity and will help fill critical workforce shortages.
Gavin Colton, who is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement for the BCTC Foundation, said, “The legacy of Jim and Martha Brown is rooted in entrepreneurship, community service, advancing healthcare, and a deep commitment to strengthening Kentucky communities. The Brown Foundation’s investment reflects a shared vision for expanding educational opportunity and building a stronger workforce throughout the Commonwealth. We are honored by their partnership and confidence in BCTC’s mission.”
Harry Richart of the Brown Foundation said, “The James and Martha Brown Foundation is proud to be a partner in the formation of the BCTC Regional Workforce Training Center. Supporting educational projects in Kentucky was always important to the Browns and we are delighted to perpetuate their priorities.”
For more information about Bluegrass Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.