Leitchfield Campus celebrates expansion with ribbon cutting

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

The new building includes advanced manufacturing and healthcare classrooms and labs, allowing the college to offer programming that leads to high-demand careers in the region. Specifically, ECTC’s Practical Nursing program and classes within the college’s Automation, Industrial and Robotics Technology program are housed in the 16,735-square-foot building.

“This expansion reflects how special this region is when it comes to working together to give students pathways to better lives and to develop the workforce our employers need to succeed and grow,” said ECTC Chancellor Dr. Juston Pate. “By bringing world-class technical and allied health education closer to home in Leitchfield, we’re giving countless students the opportunities they need to prepare for high-demand careers and make a positive impact in the community.”

The new building also includes a student center and additional classrooms that will position the campus to better serve all students.

"Facilities like the new Leitchfield Campus building give students the modern technology and learning spaces they need to thrive in today's workforce," said KCTCS President Dr. Ryan Quarles.

"Investments like this open doors for students, strengthen our communities and drive economic growth across the commonwealth. We appreciate the Kentucky General Assembly for recognizing the value of this work and for investing in the future of our students and our state."

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

“I’m proud to see this investment come to life, and I look forward to seeing the opportunities it creates for students, employers and our entire region,” said State Rep. Samara Heavrin. “With new labs in advanced manufacturing and allied health, students will get hands-on experience and the skills employers are looking for. This is what workforce development is all about: making sure students have a path to a good career while helping local businesses find the skilled workers they need.”

“The very future of our region and our beloved Kentucky is predicated upon successful job creation,” State Sen. Steve Meredith said. “Unfortunately, we are presently challenged in our efforts to do so by the shortage of a skilled workforce. The investment we are celebrating today is one step, but a monumental one, in addressing this challenge and advancing our community, our region and our commonwealth. I cannot think of a better way of welcoming the coming of a new year than by dedicating this new building, which will provide our citizens the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to a better and more rewarding way of life for them and their families.”

Industry representatives also were on hand to celebrate the campus expansion.

“The expansion of ECTC’s Leitchfield Campus is an important investment in the future of our community,” said Brittany Clemons, executive director of the Grayson County Health Foundation. “The addition of allied health labs creates local opportunities for students to pursue healthcare careers while addressing the growing need for a skilled healthcare workforce. This is exciting step toward building a healthier community.”