ECTC nursing students celebrate ‘Going Pro’

Published on Apr 16, 2025

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and Baptist Health Hardin recognized Class of 2025 nursing students who are beginning their professional careers at Going Pro Signing Day on Wednesday. Much like athletes are celebrated when joining a professional team, ECTC and its employer partners want to celebrate students’ decisions to join high-demand career fields in our region.

“As our region’s economy continues to grow, we need more Kentuckians equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in high-demand careers,” said ECTC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Telly Sellars. “ECTC plays a vital role in developing a strong workforce, and we are so proud to see these students ‘go pro’ with a partner as exceptional as Baptist Health Hardin.”

BHH Human Resources Executive Director Jake Druen attended the event to recognize 18 nursing students who will join the BHH team after graduation in May.

“These students have chosen more than just a career path—they’ve chosen to make a difference,” Druen said. “We’re proud to welcome them to our team. Investing in local talent through collaboration with ECTC ensures a stronger future for healthcare in our region.”

Lori Endicott, of Vine Grove, is among the students joining BHH.

“I've been well-prepared for the real world as a nursing student at ECTC, and I’m excited to start my career at BHH in the Critical Care Unit,” Endicott said. “It’s an in-demand nursing role, and I’m looking forward to learning more and being part of a team that helps people when they need it most.”

Nursing students planning to go pro with BHH after May graduation also include: Kara Bewley and Karlye Fortwengler, both of Brandenburg; Taylor Collins, Drew Millay, Rachel Murphy, Karie Pettus, Isabella Riggs, Faisal Saleem and Melissa Sizemore, all of Elizabethtown; Hannah Gibson of Glendale; Amanda Groce and Carrie Hodge of Loretto; Aaron Day of McDaniels; Alivia Bonet of Radcliff, Isabella Ballaro of Rineyville; Tiffany Srygler of Upton; and Morgan Johnson of Vine Grove.

Students interested in high-demand career fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction and trades, and information technology and business can take the first step by completing a free ECTC admissions application. Businesses interested in growing or upskilling their workforce can contact ECTC Workforce Solutions.