Howerton named ACTC Nursing Program Administrator

Published on Sep 2, 2025

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) is excited to announce Deena Howerton as the nursing program administrator for the Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs.

As the program’s administrator, Howerton will ensure compliance with Kentucky Board of Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing standards while overseeing accreditation, faculty and staff supervision, curriculum, and student support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Deena into the role of nursing program administrator,” said Sara Brown, associate dean of health science education. “Her years of experience as a nurse educator have shaped her into a deeply thoughtful leader with a strong sense of purpose and desire to create successful future nurses.”

Howerton leads strategic planning, fosters teamwork with faculty, and emphasizes wanting to promote a positive culture among the ACTC nursing community. 

“My focus is on meeting students where they are in their learning journey,” said Howerton. “I want to support faculty through mentoring and professional development, and drive continuous improvement to strengthen our teaching effectiveness, student success, and program outcomes.”

Howerton’s top priority in her new role is to support students by ensuring they receive a high-quality nursing education that prepares them for success.

Howerton began her nursing career in 1987 and earned her AND in 1990. She went on to receive her BSN from Bellarmine University in 2002 and her MSN in nursing education from Northern Kentucky University in 2022.

With more than two decades of experience at UK King’s Daughters Medical Center, her clinical background includes pediatrics and medical-surgical nursing. In 2012, she joined ACTC’s Practical Nursing program, where she has taught for 13 years. She has instructed maternity nursing, pharmacology, and most recently served as the nursing student retention specialist, supporting students facing academic challenges.

 “In our program, every student, faculty, and staff member matters equally as we work together toward our motto of One Team, One Goal,” said Howerton.

Brown added that she is confident that with Howerton’s compassionate approach to students and her dedication to the quality of ACTC’s nursing program that she will continue to support the mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.