[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 73 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KAY ADKINS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity 
to congratulate Dr. Kay Adkins, the president and CEO of Ashland 
Community and Technical College, ACTC, on her upcoming retirement after 
more than 5 years of leadership to this Kentucky institution. A western 
Kentucky native, Dr. Adkins knew this would be her last post before a 
well-deserved retirement that will begin at the end of June.
  After earning her doctorate in educational administration from 
Illinois State University, Dr. Adkins held leadership positions at 
community colleges around the country. Just before coming back to the 
Commonwealth, she served as the president of Yuba College in 
Marysville, CA, where she found success in diversity, strategic 
planning, and the establishment of the Yuba College Foundation.
  During her time at ACTC, Dr. Adkins helped the organization fulfill 
its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and quality education to 
its students. A member of the school's board of directors said, ``She's 
the total package.'' A former chairman of the board credits her 
leadership with making ACTC a leader of Kentucky's community colleges.
  One of her many accomplishments in Ashland was the establishment of 
the Holy Family Community Collegiate High School, which helps students 
earn 2-year degrees while they pursue a high school diploma. Dr. Adkins 
also strengthened the relationship between ACTC and many of Kentucky's 
colleges and universities, so students could transfer their credits to 
a 4-year program. In the face of economic hardships in the region, she 
helped develop second-career retraining programs to help displaced or 
out-of-work Kentuckians.
  Dr. Adkins' efforts have already shown impressive results. Under her 
guidance, ACTC awarded a record number of credentials to its graduates 
each of the last 3 years. She has also built close ties with the 
employer community in an effort to increase the number of scholarships 
available to students and help them begin meaningful careers after 
graduation. Her leadership has benefited students and the community.
  Now, she plans to spend retirement in her native western Kentucky 
with her husband, playing golf and traveling. I would like to 
congratulate Dr. Adkins on her successful career and thank her for 
years of dedication to Kentucky's students, and I urge my colleagues to 
join me.

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