Harrison accepts fellowship in diversity

Feb. 25, 2021

ASHLAND, Ky. – Since 2013, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has had the KCTCS Fellows Program, created in an effort to increase diversity throughout the system.  

Kevin Harrison is the latest to be selected for the fellowship program and has accepted the role of Senior Fellow for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC). 

Harrison previously worked at the college as the Assistant Dean for Campus Affairs as well as a faculty member.  His most recent college assignment has been through Workforce Solutions as the Apprenticeship Coordinator. 

 “Diversity is an area that is integral to the mission of the college and with the enhanced focus on the importance of diversity nationwide, the Cabinet and I felt that we needed to add some resources to this department,” Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC President/CEO, said in an internal announcement made Monday. 

Ferguson says Harrison will continue to work closely with Workforce Solutions to finalize several projects.

Harrison says he is looking forward to serving the college in his new role and working to bring cohesiveness and power to the underrepresented minorities at ACTC and in the community.

“It’s really exciting to see that the president is excited about doing this and wanting to see the types of initiatives this role will bring to our campus,” he said.

Ferguson said the role of Director of Cultural Diversity, served by Al Baker, will not change.

“Al will continue to do a great job of recruiting and retaining minority students, which includes working with our communities,” he said.

This new position will report to Chief Student Affairs Officer, Steve Woodburn, and will provide additional leadership in the current diversity department by assisting with diversity employment strategies, serving as a resource for faculty in diversity related issues, helping with community partnerships, developing diversity related trainings for employees and students, preparing the local diversity report and other diversity and inclusion projects. 

“This is not just for our college, but for the community at large and working to create a more tight-knit community,” Harrison said. 

Harrison says he believes this position is one of the things that has been missing at ACTC, and he looks forward to serving in that capacity. 

“I look forward to seeing what our new emphasis on diversity can accomplish,” said Ferguson.