Celebrating Community College Month at OCTC: A Month of Opportunity, Connection, and Impact
April is Community College Month—a time to recognize the powerful role community colleges play in transforming lives, strengthening communities, and driving workforce success. At Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC), we’re proud to celebrate by showcasing the people, programs, and partnerships that make our college such a vital part of the region.
Throughout the month, OCTC is hosting a wide range of events that highlight student achievement, career pathways, community engagement, and creative expression.
Showcasing Talent and Creativity
Our celebration began in March with the Skylark 2026 Art & Literary Exhibition, on display through April 9 in the Dayman Art Gallery. This exhibit highlights the creativity and talent of our students, culminating in a closing reception on April 9.
Celebrating Careers and Workforce Pathways
April is also Welding Month, giving us an opportunity to recognize one of our high-demand programs and the students preparing for careers in advanced manufacturing.
Events like Going Pro on April 14 and the Public Service, Business, and Technology Career Fair on April 15 connect students directly with career opportunities and industry partners. Additionally, the AMTEC Institute’s virtual session on April 7 explores how education translates into real-world manufacturing innovation.
Hands-on experiences continue with Trade Wars Day Healthcare on April 17 and our Air Conditioning Technology alumni event on April 23—both reinforcing OCTC’s commitment to workforce readiness.
Engaging Students and the Community
Community College Month is also about connection. OCTC students and faculty are actively engaging with the community through events like the Dar-Nek Easter Egg Hunt, Nature Day at Deer Park Elementary, and the CLS Program Parent Open House.
On campus, Dual Credit Week (April 13–17) celebrates high school students getting a head start on their college journey, while Veterinary Technology Professionalism Day highlights the importance of career readiness in specialized fields.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
From a WWI and WWII presentation featuring a guest archivist to National School Library Week celebrations, OCTC continues to provide enriching educational experiences that extend beyond traditional coursework.
Support Student Success on KCTCS Giving Day
As we celebrate the impact of community colleges, we also invite you to be part of that impact. Show your support for OCTC on KCTCS Giving Day, April 22. Your generosity helps provide scholarships, resources, and opportunities that empower our students to succeed and strengthen our community.
A Month That Reflects Our Mission
Community College Month is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of who we are. At OCTC, we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality education while supporting our students every step of the way.
Whether through career training, transfer pathways, community partnerships, or student life experiences, OCTC is helping individuals build better futures—and strengthening our entire community in the process.
We invite you to join us this month as we celebrate the impact of community colleges and the opportunities they create every day.
Scott Williams is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Science degrees in Animal Science. He graduated from Colorado State University with a Ph.D. in Animal Science, majoring in Meat Science and Muscle Biology. Williams was appointed president of OCTC in June of 2015.
