I'm a Pathfinder: Jane Blankenship
Published on May 19, 2026
Long before she became a local leader in healthcare, Jane Blankenship was a student finding her path close to home.
A lifelong resident of Ashland and a 1987 graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School, Blankenship credits her upbringing for laying the foundation of her career.
Raised by her mother, a retired RN and nurse leader, she says she learned early on the value of hard work and dedication.
“I give her credit for instilling in me a strong work ethic,” Blankenship said.
As a student, she stayed active in school clubs and activities, while also gaining early work experience as a server at the Ashland Plaza Hotel during her senior year.
When it came time for college, Ashland Community and Technical College (then ACC) was a practical choice. But it quickly became something more.
“I initially chose ACC because financially, it was the best option for our family,” she said. “It did not require us to take out student loans, and I was able to live at home and continue working.”
She added, “Just a few months into the first semester, I knew I was where I belonged.”
Blankenship began her studies with the intention of becoming an elementary teacher, but her time at ACTC opened doors she hadn’t yet considered.
She says through involvement in student government, theater, and the ambassador program, she built valuable skills in leadership, communication, and organization, while also forming meaningful connections.
“These experiences helped me develop presentation and organizational skills,” she said, adding that they also introduced her to new career possibilities.
Looking back, Blankenship says she recognizes the importance of starting close to home.
“I don’t think I would have excelled at 17 or 18 years old if I had started my college career at a larger university or living away from home,” she said.
After completing her time at ACC, Blankenship transferred to Morehead State University, where she made a pivotal decision to change her major during her junior year.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991 and went on to build a successful career that began in hospitality, eventually serving as Director of Food Operations at the Ashland Plaza Hotel.
In 1994, her professional path took a new direction…one that would define her career.
Blankenship joined King’s Daughters Medical Center (now UK King’s Daughters), marking the beginning of her journey in healthcare.
Today, she serves as Executive Director of Kingsbrook Lifecare Center, where she continues to lead and serve her community.
Reflecting on her journey, Blankenship is clear about the role ACTC played in her success.
“What started as the affordable option turned into the best decision,” she said. “The education, the connections, the relationships helped build my confidence, exposed me to wonderful opportunities and develop skills that continue to help me to this day.”
Her connection to ACTC hasn’t faded over time. In fact, she says it has only grown stronger.
In her current role, she works alongside many ACTC alumni and sees firsthand the college’s impact on the regional workforce.
“ACTC continue to make a difference for me professionally,” Blankenship shared. “They have developed programs that have helped build a strong workforce in healthcare both at the bedside and behind the scenes. Many of the team members I work with are alumni of ACTC.”
She added, “I am proud of my roots with ACTC and extremely proud of their growth and impact on this region.”
Written by: Megan Smedley, ACTC strategic communications administrator
