WKCTC Honors Faculty, Staff at Friday Reception

West Kentucky Community and Technical College faculty members Tina Ragsdale and Kate Senn were among six employees recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception April 28.

Tina Ragsdale, transitions math program coordinator, received the Phelps Award, named in memory of Finis Sargent Phelps and Florence Grubbs Phelps and was established at the college in 1991. The purpose of this award is to emphasize quality, promote academic excellence, and reward competence in teaching in the liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Ragsdale, a Paducah resident, joined the college faculty in 2012. She earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Murray State University and a master's degree in math from Southern Illinois University.

Kate Senn of Paducah received the Paducah Junior College Faculty Award, which was established in 1999 and recognizes quality, competence and excellence in teaching in a technical field. Senn has served as WKCTC's Computer Information Technology program coordinator, but more recently has been managing the grant for the college's online Enhancing Programs for Information Technology Certification. She earned a bachelor's degree in math and a master's degree in library science from the University of Kentucky, followed by a master's degree in telecommunications from John Hopkins University.

A Cadiz resident Lisa Bromley received WKCTC's Adjunct Faculty Award, recognizing the outstanding contributions and achievements of a dedicated adjunct faculty member who provides exemplary service to WKCTC students. A certified registered medical technologist with 16 years of experience, Bromley teaches phlebotomy in the Allied Health and Personal Services division at the college and also works at Murray Calloway County Hospital.

In addition, Jessica Puffenbarger and Amy Smith, both of Paducah, and Sanci Teague of Benton were recognized as recipients of the 2017 WKCTC Awards of Excellence.

Sanci Teague, dean of the Transition Education division, received the faculty award. She joined the college in 2011 as the transitional English program coordinator. Teague has developed WKCTC's First Year Experience course and program, serves as the chair of the KCTCS Senate Curriculum Review Committee, and is currently writing the WKCTC Quality Enhancement Plan and will serve as the director of the project. She earned a bachelor's and master's degree in English from Murray State University.

Jess Puffenbargr, who was hired as the assistant registrar in 2012, received the administrative staff award. Puffenbarger earned a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in management from Austin Peay University. Due to her continued growth in knowledge and her ease with technology and data, Puffenbarger became the registrar in 2013. She continually assists the Kentucky Community and Technical System with processes and leads many initiatives, and she continues to assure WKCTC students receive the credentials they earn and helps to assure student completion.

Amy Smith, the division assistant in Allied Health and Personal Services division, received the support staff award. Smith graduated of the college's physical therapist assistant program, and after working and raising a family, she decided to return to WKCTC. She works with numerous clinical agencies, tracks students among 11 accredited programs and takes on many tasks to assure students' needs are met.

Four administrative and faculty retirees, who represent over 100 years of dedication to the college and its students, were also recognized during the April 28 ceremony.

John Carrico, vice president of administrative services and Dr. Tena Payne, vice president of academic affairs retire after 33 and 32 years, respectively. Physical therapist assistant program coordinator Peggy retires after 27 years and associate professor of welding technology leaves the college with 17 years of service.