ACTC employee returns 16 years later to finish degree, inspiring others to never give up

Published on Jul 28, 2026

Sixteen years after first enrolling at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC), ACTC student records specialist, Betsy Kitts, crossed the commencement stage with an associate in arts degree.

For Kitts, this was a milestone that represented far more than a completion of coursework. It represented the fulfillment of a promise to herself, a brighter future for her family, and proof that it is never too late to finish what you start.

“I wanted to finish what I started nearly 16 years ago when I first attended ACTC right out of high school,” Kitts said. “Walking across the stage was more than just receiving a piece of paper for me. It was proof that my past mistakes don’t define my future, and it was validation for every late night and stressful morning I pushed through.”

Kitts says returning to college while working as a full-time employee presented challenges. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she balanced raising children and managing her own embroidery business, requiring close attention to detail and discipline.

“I had to manage my time extremely well and rely heavily on my planner to ensure I was staying on track,” she said. “There were a lot of late nights and early mornings, but I kept reminding myself that it was temporary and would be worth it once the semester was over.”

One of her favorite experiences came from her ART 100 course with Professor Fosterwelsh, where her passion for creativity was able to extend beyond the classroom.

“I love art and creating things,” Kitts said. “My kids would get involved and help me come up with ideas to create for my assignments. It was a great experience witnessing their little minds come up with suggestions and sharing that part of my journey with them.”

Experiencing ACTC from both the employee and student perspectives also gave her a deeper appreciation for the college community.

“On the staff side, I see how hard everyone works to support our campus. On the student side, I get to directly experience that support,” she said. “Walking the campus with both mindsets has made me appreciate the ACTC community so much more.”

Kitts says that earning her associates has strengthened her confidence and opened new possibilities for the future, as she is now working towards obtaining a degree in agriculture.
“Getting this degree made me realize how capable I am,” she said. “I’m more confident with myself and my ability to provide for my family.”

Kitts says she feels a sense of pride and accomplishment when she looks back on her academic journey. She chose to persevere through a hard season and was determined not to let it be the end of her journey.

For those considering returning to college, Kitts encourages them to not let time or circumstances get in their way.

“Just go for it,” she said. “It may be difficult, but you’ll be glad you did.”