East Carter High School’s Bill Billman awarded ACTC Pathfinder Award

Published on Apr 9, 2025

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) is proud to announce this year’s ACTC Pathfinder Award winner is Bill Billman, counselor at East Carter High School.

The Pathfinder Award celebrates local high school teachers or counselors who support ACTC, assists students with identifying post-secondary pathways, and provides mentorship to their students.

“My partnership with ACTC is so wonderful,” Billman said. “We have built a program that has gone far beyond what I could have imagined for East Carter students. It’s a true partnership that’s immeasurable. That’s truly my legacy…connecting students with ACTC and for them to connect students to their future.”

Billman was a community and technical college student himself, and says he knows the benefits it can have for students and how it can launch their futures. 

“Mr. Billman has been a promoter of ACTC for many years, and we appreciate the collaboration,” said Steve Woodburn, ACTC chief student affairs officer. “He has welcomed us to campus to assist students with each step of the enrollment funnel so they can feel confident in their choice to attend ACTC. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Mr. Billman and feel he is extremely deserving of this award.” 

Billman was one of many nominees for the award, but his recommendation from Olive Hill Elementary School counselor, Jussie Minor, showed just how valuable he is to his students and the impact he has made.

“The greatest asset that Mr. Billman has is his willingness to find the best answers for students,” said Minor. “He believes in the importance of career and technical education. When students are not sure what they want to do, he will begin to question the student to learn more about what they are interested in to help narrow their focus to their interests.”

ACTC is grateful to have so many supportive educational partners and individuals who truly believe in the value of education.

Dr. Corey Gee, East Carter High School principal, says that Billman is an East Carter legend for everything he has done for the school and students. 

“It’s awesome anytime that someone from East Carter gets recognition for something, and it’s especially special that it’s Mr. Billman because of how much he does for our students.” 

Each of the 16 KCTCS college’s local winners will be considered for a statewide Pathfinder of the Year award.