HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – After dedicating over 30 years to Hopkinsville Community College, Dr. Alissa Young, the President of Hopkinsville Community College, still has a passion to serve her community and people.

“For me, a life of service is the greatest life you could ever live,” Young told Christian County Now. “This has been modeled by my mom and grandmother and I believe that is why I am here.”

Young was born and raised in Hopkinsville and has always loved the area. She is able to thrive in a small town, and especially appreciates the family friendly feeling around the city. She aims to reflect this feeling on the college’s campus with their uplifting, team environment. Serving at a community college means being there for the community’s needs, explains Young.

“We all know why we are here, and that is for our students,” said Young. “We don’t work at Hopkinsville Community College, we serve at Hopkinsville Community College.”

Outside of serving as President of HCC, Young enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also likes to work on puzzles as she used to do them with her grandmother.

“I know that sounds dull but I do!” Young said.

Her legacy at Hopkinsville Community College

Young first began at HCC in 1991 as faculty, then moved into the role as a Communications instructor. After teaching for ten years, she moved into the administration where she served as a Dean and a Chief Academic Officer. In 2017, she assumed the role of President.

“It’s really what we call in education the traditional route to the presidency,” Young said. “It was never my intention to be president but that is where the doors opened.”

Recently, HCC has started a construction technology program because the need was so great. HCC also began an allied health program consisting of surgical technology, massage therapy, medical assisting, and a phlebotomy program. She said it’s their job to offer what the community needs most so students can train, work, and live in the same area.

Young and her administration put an emphasis on being there for students wherever they are in life. She hopes they continue to be a place that offers quality, affordable education. The majority of students that attend are able to do so without loans.

This year, Young is focusing her goals on growth. She hopes to expand programs, grow enrollment, and grow new programs. Her wheels are already turning for a plumbing program, additional allied health programs, and to expand their commercial driving, and welding programs.

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