SOMERSET, Ky. – Two WKU Somerset students were recognized Monday at an event celebrating the completion of a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
WKU Somerset Graduation Celebration was held at Somerset Community College in honor of the campus program's first two graduates, Amber Whitmore of London and Whitney Reed of Burkesville.
Reed, who took WKU classes at the Clinton Center, said she had always wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but had to put that dream on hold. A wife and mother of her two young children, she travels nearly two hours to attend her classes, and in conjunction with her course requirements, she has to support her young family. I thought it would be too much of a burden.
That changed when WKU began offering elementary education courses in Somerset in the fall of 2022.
Through our partnership with Somerset Community College (SCC) and Southern Kentucky University Center (UCSK), a collection of higher education institutions that brings higher education to the Lake Cumberland region, students can earn an associate's degree through SCC and then seamlessly You can transfer. Her WKU in Somerset is one of SCC's six locations where he will earn his bachelor's degree.
“WKU at Somerset has allowed me to balance my studies and work, and I am proud to be one of the first students to graduate from this program.” Amber Whitmore
Whitmore and Reed will enroll in the program in 2022 and will officially receive their Bachelor of Education degrees in May.
“My dream is no longer in my back pocket. Now I'm living it,” Reid said.
Whitmore attended classes at the Laurel campus. She said, “Thanks to her WKU in Somerset, she was able to balance her studies and work. I am proud to be one of the first students to graduate from this program.” Told.
The demand for qualified teachers has resulted in significant classroom shortages in schools across Kentucky. This program provides an avenue for local students to positively impact their communities.
Southern Kentucky University Center Director Dr. Corey Brooke stated how important this milestone is for the entire region.
“This partnership is more than just a collaboration. It is a ray of hope for our education system,” he told the graduates. “As Dr. Derrick Strode said to you earlier, you are the pioneers of this program.”
Dr. Colin Murphy, dean of WKU's College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, presented students with Big Red Teacher Bags and how WKU's partnership with Somerset Community College will help students become more talented within the communities they call home. We shared how you can prepare yourself to become a better teacher.
“Education is most effective when it takes place in the spaces and places where students teach,” she said. “We are so excited to celebrate these future educators and their successes.”
There are currently 11 students enrolled in the program, including two fall graduates, and additional students are expected to start this fall.
For more information about the WKU in Somerset program, visit wku.edu/somerset. For more information about Somerset Community College, visit somerset.kctcs.edu.
