I'm a Pathfinder: Carol June Franks
Published on Dec 17, 2024
Carol June Franks, a proud graduate of Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC), is an example of how determination, education, and hard work can transform a life.
Growing up in Westwood, Franks’ path was shaped by her family's unwavering support and a strong belief in the power of education.
Franks graduated from Fairview Independent High School in 1979, where she says her parents instilled in her the belief that "where there's a will, there's a way." She says this message became her guiding principle as she navigated her career aspirations.
When it came time to choose a path for further education, Franks decided on Ashland Community College (now ACTC), not only for its affordability but also because of its local accessibility.
In 1981, she graduated with an associate’s degree in accounting, having participated in the college’s co-op program at Hinton Hatcheries, Inc. in Ashland. The co-op led directly to a full-time position at the company, marking the beginning of Franks’ professional career.
Franks met her husband at Hinton Hatcheries and the two were married in September of 1984.
She says they moved with the company to Ohio but missed the hills of Kentucky. After staying only nine months in Ohio, the couple returned to Kentucky and soon moved to Lexington, where she worked for eight years before her desire to continue her education led her to the University of Kentucky.
In 1997, Franks earned her teaching degree, a reflection of her growth and commitment to lifelong learning.
Over the course of her 25 years as of service as an educator, Franks worked as a middle school science and language arts teacher, middle school literacy coach, literacy consultant at the Kentucky Department of Education, and middle school reading interventionist.
Upon retiring, Franks began writing children’s books, and has since published three: Sled Ride Down Unrue Street, The Silent Tree Remembers: Conversation from a Tree’s Perspective, and Potatoes, Papaw, and Me.
Looking back on her time at ACTC, she credits the college with providing the tools she needed to succeed.
“Your education is what you make of it,” she says. “Learn the programs offered at ACTC and which might be a good fit for you. Then take it seriously and learn all you can to be good at your trade.”
She says ACTC provides a solid foundation for students to build successful careers and achieve their goals.
“Attending ACC and completing my program of choice helped me become independent and self-sufficient as we all hope to be,” Franks said. “ACTC is a perfect first step toward that independence.”
Written by: Megan Smedley
