Bernie Hale
Board of Contributors
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

An anniversary brings about a time for reflection, even more so for the college as we begin the search for a new president. The creation of the original colleges that make up Owensboro Community & Technical College plays an important role in the history of post-secondary education in our region -- one worth recalling as our community continues to realize the importance of education, which we know leads to a better quality of life for all.

Though two excellent private colleges were already established in Owensboro in the early 1980s, community leaders believed strongly that a public higher education institution was needed. The very process that created the college with much community input lends to the name and philosophy of OCTC as "the community's college."

In 1984, the idea for a college grew and was approved legislatively in 1986. The community then began discussions about a location for Owensboro Community College. The two sites under consideration were using a downtown hub or building the campus "out" U.S. 231. In retrospect, the community's choice to build on U.S. 231 has proven vital to the college's growth. A stroll around the 104-acre campus, which includes the Daviess County Extension Office and the Dar-Nek Family Development Center, through the nature center or around the present construction area will convince any skeptic.

Owensboro Technical College dates back to the late 1920s when it fell under the auspices of the Owensboro Board of Education. In 1931, it was located in the Owensboro Female College. That building was replaced in 1941, and in 1957, the technical program was operated by the Office of Vocational Education. In 1977, a third building was opened on the site. The second state technical program, the Daviess County Voc-Tech School, opened in 1971.

In 1997, Governor Patton and the legislature passed House Bill 1. It is significant in that it allowed for the consolidation of the state's community colleges under the University of Kentucky and the technical colleges under the Workforce Development Cabinet, to form the Kentucky Community & Technical College System. OCC consolidated with Owensboro Technical College in 2000 and was officially recognized as Owensboro Community & Technical College in 2002.

OCTC affects the community in many ways. The spring 2006 graduating class saw 682 students earning associate degrees and certificates. The good news for Owensboro is that these graduates will stay in the region, build careers and help keep our economy thriving and healthy. A recent study commissioned by the Citizens Committee on Higher Education determined that of the eight largest populated regions in Kentucky, our region leads in the number of residents holding associate degrees -- this, in only 20 years of public higher education access in the community.

Recognition of the need for a public higher education institution is indeed a tribute to the wisdom of the leaders in our community. The growth from the 1,095 students in the college's first semester for fall 1986 to the projected enrollment of approximately 5,100 students for fall 2006 speaks volumes. The college has grown to serve the community in many ways.

It is a vital link in the development of the local work force. In the past year, the college has served more than 415 businesses with either customized, on-site training or training at the college's downtown or southeastern campus sites. The college's Center for Community & Economic Development leads the state in work force training, serving as an important resource for our economy.

The rising cost of tuition and the static rate of grants and financial aid make education a greater financial burden for students, who can least afford these rising costs. To help address this need, the college is completing a major gifts campaign, a necessary and much needed source of funds, especially for student scholarships.

Of significant importance to our community's future is the higher cost of education borne by students. Revenue generated from tuition has increased from $2.8 million to $8.1 million, while state appropriations have remained at the same level -- $6.9 million since 1999. The college has generated additional revenues through grants and fundraising. For example, last year the college received more than 33 grants, but that is not enough to meet the ever increasing need.

Both to celebrate the 20th anniversary and stay focused on students, the production "Can't Stop Dancin'!" will generate revenue for scholarships and provide an evening of fun and fellowship. The show at 7 p.m. Saturday at the RiverPark Center will include OCTC faculty and staff in conjunction with JK Productions and features Barry Lanham & the Foot Stompin' Express and members of the Owensboro Ballroom Dancing Club. Tickets are available at the RiverPark Center box office.

Bernie Hale is public relations director for Owensboro Community & Technical College.