WKU in Somerset Celebrates First Elementary Education Graduates

Published on Apr 30, 2024

Two WKU in Somerset students were recognized Monday at an event celebrating completion of their bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

The WKU in Somerset Graduate Celebration was held at Somerset Community College in honor of the first two graduates from the campus program: Amber Whittemore from London and Whitney Reid from Burkesville.

Reid, who took Western Kentucky University classes at the Clinton Center, stated that she always wanted to be an elementary teacher, but she had to put that dream on hold. As a wife and a mother of two small children, she thought traveling nearly two hours to take classes, combined with coursework requirements, would put too much strain on her young family.

That changed when WKU began offering elementary education courses in Somerset in the fall of 2022.

Through a partnership with Somerset Community College (SCC) and the University Center of Southern Kentucky (UCSK), a collection of postsecondary educational institutions to bring higher education to the Lake Cumberland region, students can complete their associate degree through SCC and then seamlessly transfer to WKU in Somerset to complete their bachelor’s degree at one of six SCC locations.

Whittemore and Reid enrolled in the program in 2022 and will officially complete their Bachelor of Education in May.

“My dream is no longer in my back pocket. Now I’m living it,” said Reid.

Whitmore attended classes at the Laurel Campus. “WKU in Somerset allowed me to balance school and work, and I’m proud to be one of the first students to graduate from this program,” she said.

Demand for qualified instructors has left schools throughout Kentucky with significant classroom shortages. This program provides a pathway for local students to make a positive impact on community.

Dr. Korey Bruck, University Center of Southern Kentucky director, stated how important this milestone is to the entire region.

“This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it is a beacon of hope for our education system,” he said to the graduates. “As Dr. Derick Strode said to you a few moments ago, you are the pioneers of this program.”

Dr. Corinne Murphy, dean of WKU’s College of Education & Behavioral Sciences, presented students with their Big Red Teacher Bag and shared how the partnership with Somerset Community College allows WKU to prepare students to be effective teachers within the communities they call home.

“Education is best when it’s done in the spaces and places where students will teach,” she said. “We are so excited to celebrate these future educators and their success.”

Currently, 11 students are enrolled in the program, including the two graduates, and additional students will begin the program this fall.

Learn about WKU in Somerset programs, visit www.wku.edu/somerset.  For more information about Somerset Community College, visit somerset.kctcs.edu.