Advertisement

Big Crowd at Veazey Retirement Ceremony

Big Crowd at Veazey Retirement Ceremony
Advertisement
By Tim Brockwell
May. 03, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY
By Tim Brockwell May. 03, 2016 | 08:07 PM | PADUCAH, KY
A large group of friends, family, faculty and dignitaries celebrated Tuesday evening at a retirement ceremony honoring WKCTC President Barbara Veazey.

The Clemens Fine Arts Center was abuzz with laughter and live music, and folks enjoyed a generous spread of food at a reception before sitting down to listen to several speakers recount stories and praise of Veazey's work throughout the years. 

Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Dr. Jay Box spoke at length about the qualities that KCTCS looks for in a college president, saying that Veazey has displayed all of these traits over the years. He said what he has valued most though over the years, has been her friendship.

"Most of all, what I appreciate about Barbara is that she is my friend. We started as college presidents the same year. We have bounced ideas off of each other, and have shared our dreams about the future. We've even enjoyed a few glasses of wine together over the years. Barbara, I thank you for all that you have done for West Community and Technical College, for KCTCS, and for higher education as a whole."

Kentucky District 2 State Senator Danny Carroll (R) praised Veazey's leadership over the years, saying she has been instrumental in the school's success.

"Over the last couple of years I've really had the opportunity to get to know [Dr. Veazey]. I'm very proud of her and the leadership she's provided this college and this community. When I brag about our community, the thing that's always on the top of the list is this college. That's because of the great faculty and staff that are here, and the great leadership they've had under Dr. Veazey." Carroll said.

Veazey was named President of Paducah Community College in 2002. When PCC consolidated with West Kentucky Technical College to become West Kentucky Community and Technical College in 2003, Dr. Veazey became its founding president. Before that she had been a nurse, nursing instructor, college department chair, and dean of academic affairs.

During her tenure, WKCTC was named to the top 10 in the nation during the three times the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence has been awarded.   

A Marshall County native, Dr. Veazey earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Murray State University, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Evansville, and a doctorate in higher education administration from Southern Illinois University. 

"I am so very grateful for the opportunity that I have had," Veazey said. "43 Glorious years, and I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to touch the lives of others. Thank you so much for being here with me tonight."

Veazey announced her plans to leave the college on March 11, after 14 years of serving as president. Her last day in office will be June 30. 
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT