(PADUCAH, Ky.) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College marked a milestone Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the first anniversary of its Tech Hub, a facility that has transformed how students and faculty navigate technology challenges.
The ceremony, held in the Matheson Learning Resource Center, drew college leadership, faculty and students who gathered to recognize the impact of the hands-on technology support center that opened in 2024.
In its first year, the Tech Hub has recorded more than 3,000 student interactions, including 828 individual appointments where students received personalized help with everything from uploading assignments to downloading Microsoft Office 365.
“The Tech Hub is a place where students and faculty can come to learn how to use technology and get help with anything from uploading assignments to downloading Microsoft Office 365,” said Melissa Burgess, Tech Hub facilitator. “It’s hands-on support that meets people where they are.”
The numbers tell only part of the story. Burgess said students have reported tangible academic improvements after using the Hub’s services, particularly in gateway courses such as English, first-year experience and medical terminology—classes that often determine whether students continue their degree programs.
“We’ve seen real improvement in student success,” Burgess said. “Several students have come back to tell us their grades have improved, and they’ve been able to pass key courses.”
Allen Williford, a 45-year-old business student, exemplified that success during his remarks at the ceremony. Returning to college after years away, Williford said he struggled to balance work, family and academics until he discovered the Tech Hub.
“Balancing work, family and school isn’t easy, and I was struggling until I found the Tech Hub,” Williford said. “Melissa and Griff made me feel welcome from day one. They’re patient, they explain things in a way that just clicks—and we’ve had a lot of laughs along the way.”
Williford credited the Hub with helping him improve his grades and rediscover his enthusiasm for learning. “The helpers in life are the true champions, and that’s what the Tech Hub team is to me,” he said.
WKCTC President Dr. Anton Reece spoke at the event, highlighting the college’s commitment to supporting student learning through innovation and technology.
The facility features podcast booths, computers and collaborative workspaces available to students, faculty and staff. It also functions as a training center where instructors learn to integrate new technology into their teaching methods.
“Rather than feeling discouraged or dropping out, students who’ve used the Tech Hub are staying in school and succeeding,” Burgess said. “And faculty are moving beyond traditional lectures by learning new digital tools to engage students.”
The ribbon-cutting included recorded remarks from student Tina Dunkerson, followed by facility tours and light refreshments.
Burgess summarized the Hub’s first-year impact: “This first year has proven that when innovation meets support, transformation follows.”
The Tech Hub is located in Room A of the Matheson Learning Resource Center at WKCTC’s main campus, 4810 Alben Barkley Drive in Paducah.
