2025 Distinguished Alumni Spotlight – Rosemary Howlett Vance

Our Distinguished Alumni Spotlight features recent award winners who’ve been recognized as part of ECTC’s annual Profiles of Excellence Dinner. Our winners are nominated for their notable influence and determination over time throughout their profession, family, and community. Nominations are reviewed and selected by the ECTC President’s Cabinet and Departmental Division Chairs. These individuals are the true embodiment of the many ways ECTC leads to better lives, and it’s an honor to share their stories.

Rosemary Howlett Vance was selected to receive this award posthumously for her role as Executive Director of Children of the Americas (COTA) from 2000 – 2023, where her work impacted thousands of people. COTA is a Kentucky-based non-profit organization involving a team of doctors in Lexington that does medical mission work for women and children of Guatemala. During this time, Vance made 2-3 working visits per year to Guatemala and even hosted children in her home who came to the US for extended surgeries.

Rosemary’s sister, Michelle Howlett, has this to say of her sister’s story:

Rosemary was raised on a dairy farm in Glendale, Kentucky. She graduated from East Hardin High School and earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Louisville and later a degree in law from the University of Kentucky. She worked as an Administrative Officer of the Circuit Court in Danville, Kentucky, retiring in 2020. In addition to raising her children, Rosemary's greatest joy was her involvement with Children of the Americas. When in college, ECC provided Rosemary with the opportunity to obtain a first-class education at a reasonable cost. The small class sizes and dedicated faculty provided Rosemary with the foundation she needed to continue her education, and advance both her career as an attorney and her unwavering cause for helping others. Rosemary was the most driven person I have ever known and inspired so many of us to follow our passions.

ECTC is honored to name Rosemary Howlett a 2025 Distinguished Alumni.

ECTC’s Distinguished Alumni Program recognizes graduates and former students for their successes and exemplary service to their professions and communities. Nominees must have completed a credential (degree, diploma and/or certificate) from ECTC, or have been enrolled as a student at ECC/ETC/ECTC, at least five years ago. Self-nomination is permitted. Active members of the ECTC faculty and staff are not eligible for consideration. To nominate someone, fill out the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form.