McCreary educator Gilreath earns SCC's Pathfinder Award
Published on Apr 10, 2026
Russell Gilreath of McCreary Central High School has been nominated for and awarded
the prestigious KCTCS-SCC Pathfinder Award in recognition of his outstanding service
in promoting community college education and supporting student success as they prepare
for higher education.
Established by the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), the Pathfinder Award recognizes high school teachers and counselors for their outstanding efforts in assisting students with their college-going plans.
KCTCS students, faculty, and staff made nominations for the SCC High School Teacher/Counselor Pathfinder Award. Winners were selected based on the following criteria:
- Encouraged student(s) to attend a KCTCS college.
- Assisted students in identifying a career and postsecondary path.
- Provided mentorship.
- Maintained contact with students.
His nominators spoke highly of Gilreath, noting:
“An SCC alumnus and passionate advocate for education, Russell consistently helps students navigate their next steps by connecting them with the programs, people, and opportunities Somerset Community College offers,” the nomination shared. “Through individual guidance, campus tours, and close collaboration with admissions counselors, he helps Kentuckians understand their options, identify career pathways, and gain access to an affordable education that strengthens both their futures and their communities.”
"Gilreath began his academic journey at SCC in the 1980s before pursuing both his
bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Gilreath became a teacher of Math and Science at
McCreary Central High School, eventually specializing in Calculus. In this role, he
helped high-achieving students transition to college. Today, his mission has expanded
to guiding all students, especially those who might not be interested in traditional
general education, toward rewarding technical careers that offer strong salaries and
promising futures with minimal years of training."
“When I was a high school student, choosing a career often meant simply finding a way to make a living—and staying local usually meant a job in education,” Gilreath said. “Today, community colleges give students the chance to pursue their passions and still build successful lives right here in McCreary County. This is my home, a place I chose to stay because of my love for people and I want our students to know they can build meaningful futures here, too, without the heavy weight of debt.”
Gilreath’s dedication to SCC is deeply personal and rooted in his family’s experience with community education. He witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of opportunity and perseverance through the women who shaped his life.
His grandmother earned her GED and proudly wore her class ring for nearly 30 years, a symbol of accomplishment and determination that left a lasting impression on her family, even though she did not attend college. Inspired by that example, Gilreath’s mother also earned her GED and went on to complete her associate degree at Somerset Community College. She later worked for the college, further strengthening the family’s connection to SCC.
Gilreath continues to champion the cause his mother began in McCreary, in which she
signed up students for college in their home before McCreary even had a building,
and spreading awareness of the value a community college education brings to Kentuckians.
His story is a testament to the transformative power of education on lives and communities.
McCreary Central High School Principal Charlotte Barnett praised Gilreath’s influence
on their community over his 36 years in education.
“Russell is our 'Great Historian.’ He knows every crack and crevice in this building and can tell a story of how it got there and who was president when it happened. Many of us teachers, counselors and administrators are his former students and he takes great pride in that, and he is just as cherished by us. He was a student in the 80's, a teacher, a guidance counselor, and now serves as our Eduational Talent Search (ETS). This place would not be our Raider home without him.”
Gilreath thanked his community for his recognition."I am very humbled and honored
to have received the SCC Pathfinder Award," Gilreath said.
SCC’s president recognized Gilreath’s commitment to sharing the opportunity SCC has
for local communities in our region.
“Russell Gilreath truly represents the heart of the Pathfinder Award,” said Dr. Carey Castle, president and CEO of Somerset Community College. “As an SCC alumnus and dedicated advocate for students, he has helped countless individuals discover the opportunities a community college education can provide. His impact on students and communities across our region is both meaningful and lasting.”
