I'm a Pathfinder: Kayleana Cross

Published on Jul 22, 2025

Growing up in Elliott County, Kayleana Cross never imagined how far her educational path would take her. 

When it came time to choose a college, she said she didn’t have to look far. Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC), with its affordability and proximity to home, became the launchpad for her academic and professional journey.

“Because of scholarships, I was able to graduate from ACTC debt-free,” Cross said. “The small class sizes and affordability is unbeatable.”

Cross and her sister, who was also attending ACTC, commuted to campus daily. The two also worked alongside one another in the Student Support Services office.

In 2019, Cross graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Information Technology and was named to the KCTCS All-Academic team that year. This distinction reflected both her academic excellence and her commitment to her future.

“I am forever thankful for ACTC and having the one-on-one relationships with professors and the positive learning environment,” Cross said.

With the help of a transfer scholarship, Cross continued her education at Morehead State University, earning a second associate degree in Imaging Sciences. 

That momentum carried her into the workforce, where she currently serves as a Radiographer at Toyota in Georgetown. 

In her role, she performs occupational and personal x-rays, which she says blends technical skill with compassionate care.

Cross is currently furthering her education with the University of the Cumberlands to pursue a degree in Public Health. She says her hope is to teach in a health-related field.

“ACTC set a great foundation for my education and career,” she said. “I met many fantastic people and professors that I will never forget and still hold a special place in my heart today.”

Written by: Megan Smedley, ACTC Strategic Communications Administrator