HCTC Student Ambassador Appointed to KCTCS Board of Regents, Advocating for Nontraditional Learners in Kentucky

Hazard, Kentucky – A leader from Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) has been appointed to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s (KCTCS) Board of Regents. Robert Higdon, a current student ambassador at HCTC, will represent 85,000 students across the Commonwealth in his new role as a student regent.

Higdon’s selection comes after his experience serving on the local board of directors for HCTC, highlighting his commitment to student representation and educational advocacy. His appointment to the KCTCS Board of Regents marks a significant milestone for nontraditional learners in Kentucky, as he brings a unique perspective shaped by his own journey.

Having returned to school as a nontraditional learner, Higdon’s academic pursuits were influenced by his desire to enhance his family’s future. After spending several years in the workforce while starting a family, he recognized the importance of completing his education. “I wanted to finish my education to give my kids a better life,” Higdon stated. He aims to carry this fatherly and nontraditional perspective into his work with the Board of Regents.

The KCTCS Board of Regents plays a crucial role in overseeing community and technical colleges across the state, making decisions that affect students’ educational experiences and opportunities. As a student regent, Higdon is tasked with voicing the concerns and needs of fellow students, particularly those who share similar backgrounds as nontraditional learners.

Higdon expressed his commitment to advocating for accessibility and support for adult learners, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive educational environment. “I want to bring attention to the challenges faced by students like myself,” he emphasized. His insights are expected to contribute to more targeted initiatives aimed at improving student success across the KCTCS system.

This appointment reflects a broader movement within educational systems to incorporate diverse student voices into governance structures, ultimately shaping policies that are responsive to the needs of all learners. Higdon’s presence on the Board of Regents signals a commitment to fostering an educational landscape that supports a diverse array of student experiences.

Higdon will begin his term on the Board of Regents immediately, adding to the collective effort of KCTCS to enhance educational pathways and bolster outcomes for students throughout Kentucky.