Workman joins ACTC as SRO
February 24, 2026
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community & Technical College (ACTC) announces that Boyd County Deputy Joel Workman will be serving as the school resource officer (SRO), working closely with students, faculty, and staff to support safety initiatives and strengthen partnerships between the college and local law enforcement.
Deputy Workman brings decades of law enforcement experience, leadership, and service to the ACTC community.
His presence reflects the college’s continued commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment across all campus locations.
“This is a completely new direction in my law enforcement career, and I am excited to learn more about the relationships between local law enforcement and the school systems,” said Workman.
Born in Daytona, Florida, Deputy Workman grew up in a law enforcement family. His father served in law enforcement and later as Acting Chief of the South Daytona Police Department.
His family relocated to Wayne, West Virginia in the 1970s, where Workman graduated from Wayne High School in 1988. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving several years before returning to Daytona Beach, Florida, where he followed in his father’s footsteps into law enforcement.
Workman completed the police academy and state certification in 2004 and served approximately eight years with the South Daytona Police Department.
In 2012, he joined the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of Sheriff Terry Keelin.
Throughout his career, he has served in numerous specialized roles, including patrol officer, shift supervisor, K-9 handler, narcotics investigator, and member of the DEA Task Force in the Tri-State area.
At ACTC, Workman says he will focus on building positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff while maintaining a secure campus environment.
He says he hopes to use his experience to engage students in meaningful conversations that may benefit them in their future careers and personal lives.
“Ashland Community and Technical College campuses are a controlled environment, however students should always be vigilant in their surroundings,” says Workman as an example. “Students should also be aware most small crimes are committed when given opportunity. With that said, students should secure their vehicles and personal effects, lowering that option.”
For more information about campus safety at ACTC, please visit https://ashland.kctcs.edu/about/student-life/campus-security/index.aspx or contact Workman by phone at (606) 326-2483 or (606) 922-8389.
Written by Malaya McKinney
