ECTC celebrates groundbreaking of Leitchfield Campus expansion

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College celebrated the $9 million expansion of its Leitchfield Campus on Friday with a ceremonial groundbreaking. ECTC faculty, staff and students and community leaders gathered to mark the historic milestone for college and workforce development.  

The new building will include advanced manufacturing and healthcare classrooms and labs, allowing the college to offer technical programming that leads to high-demand careers in the region.

“This groundbreaking symbolizes our collective commitment to work together to give our students new pathways to better lives and to develop a skilled workforce that fuels economic opportunity for our region and beyond,” said ECTC President and CEO Dr. Juston Pate. “Offering world-class technical education in Leitchfield means more of our friends, family and neighbors – whether new high school graduates or adult learners – are prepared to succeed in their classrooms, their careers and their communities.”

Construction is already underway for the campus’ second building, which is expected to open for Fall 2026 classes. Connected by a covered walkway to the existing Walter T. Kelley Building, the 16,735-square-foot expansion also includes a student center and additional classrooms that will position the campus to better serve all students.

At the ceremony, officials noted the power of investing in education and workforce development.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. This facility is going to open doors for students across Grayson County and beyond,” said State Rep. Samara Heavrin. “With cutting-edge labs in advanced manufacturing and allied health, students will get hands-on experience preparing for some of the fastest-growing careers in our region. This isn’t just a building. It is a launchpad for the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and leaders. By investing in education and workforce development, we’re helping students turn their goals into careers and giving local businesses the talent they need to thrive. The opportunities this facility will provide are enormous, and I’m proud to see our community leading the way in preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

“The greatest personal investment a person can make is in themselves through education and obtaining marketable skills,” said State Sen. Steve Meredith. “With this investment to expand the existing Leitchfield Campus of ECTC, young people and adults alike will now be able to take advantage of the expanded opportunities locally to obtain skills and training in advanced manufacturing and allied health careers. This will prepare them for some of the most in-demand careers within our region of Grayson and surrounding counties.”

Employers also were on hand to celebrate the campus expansion.  

“The partnership between our hospital and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has always been a vital connection for our organization,” said Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center CEO Ashley Herrington. “The Leitchfield campus expansion project helps ensure that healthcare in Grayson County remains strong and vibrant for future generations.”