11 new students inducted into ACTC’s Tri-Alpha Honor Society

Published on May 7, 2025

Advisors of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) hosted their spring induction ceremony on May 1, welcoming 11 new student members.

Tri-Alpha is a national honor society dedicated to celebrating the academic accomplishments of first-generation college students.

“Being first can be hard; being first can be scary; being first can be exciting,” said Megan Smedley, ACTC strategic communications administrator. “As part of the first generation in your family to go to work toward a bachelor’s degree, or even go to college at all, you are a source of pride and guidance to others.”

ACTC is proud to be the first college in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) system, the tri-state, and the fourth in the state of Kentucky to host a chapter of Tri-Alpha. 

Susan Wurts, academic advisor, Tri-Alpha advisor and charter member, served as the keynote speaker. A first-generation college student herself, Wurts began her college journey in 2004 – the same year her son began first grade. She earned her associate degree in December 2006 and later completed a master’s degree in adult and higher education from Morehead State University.

“I didn’t want my son to struggle, I wanted him to be able to go straight to college after high school,” said Wurts. “And he did.” 

Kate Bryant, a graduating student in the Medical Information Technology program, also spoke during the ceremony.

“I came back to college because I needed to figure out who I was outside of being a wife and mother,” said Bryant. “My amazing support team encouraged me to reach for the stars when I was happy just to be lifting off the ground.” 

The following students were inducted during the spring ceremony: Kate Bryant, Emily Crabtree, Jaden Gillum, Angie Hinkle, Hunter Jackson, Jeremy Keeney, Jody-Mae Kinner, Maranda Morin, Jocelyn Smith, Aubrey Stevens, and Megan Wilburn.