Murray State University, West Kentucky Community and Technical College expand partnership to create new engineering and technology degree pathways

By MSU Public Relations | Nov 3, 2026

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University and West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) are expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the regional workforce through a new partnership establishing two associate-to-bachelor's degree pathways. The agreement, signed Nov. 3 at Murray State University's Paducah Regional Campus, will help students build on their technical education as they pursue bachelor's degrees in high-demand engineering and technology fields. 

Through the following 2+2 pathways, students can begin their education at WKCTC, earning an associate degree before transferring to Murray State University to complete their bachelor's degree.

- Electrical Technology (WKCTC) to Applied Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Systems (Murray State University)
- Industrial Maintenance Technology (WKCTC) to Applied Engineering/Automation and Controls (Murray State University)

The 2+2 programs are an outcome of more than a year of collaboration among secondary and postsecondary education, workforce development and industry partners convened by the West Kentucky Workforce Board, with the shared goal of working through this and future partnerships to strengthen the region's talent pipeline in response to workforce needs associated with the Department of Energy's reindustrialization efforts in the Paducah area.

The collaboration includes the following:

McCracken County Public Schools
Murray State University
Paducah Independent School District / Innovation Hub
University of Kentucky – Paducah
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
West Kentucky Educational Cooperative
West Kentucky Workforce Board
Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce
General Matter

“As western Kentucky's nuclear sector continues to grow, some of the greatest workforce demands will be for highly skilled technicians in operations, maintenance, radiation protection, quality assurance and advanced manufacturing,” said Dr. Kate Senn, WKCTC Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. “Over the past five years, WKCTC has awarded associate degrees to 24 students in Industrial Maintenance Technology and 82 in Electrical Technology. By building on these programs and creating pathways to advanced degrees, we are strengthening the technical talent pipeline that will be critical to attracting new nuclear investment and supporting long-term economic growth across our region.”

“At WKCTC, we are committed to creating educational pathways that connect student success with the workforce needs of our region,” said Dr. Anton Reece, WKCTC Chancellor. “This partnership with Murray State University builds on the strong technical foundation our students receive at WKCTC and provides opportunities to continue their education while preparing for high-demand careers. As western Kentucky experiences new industrial investment and economic growth, partnerships like this are essential to ensuring our students and our communities are positioned to succeed.”

“Developing clear, accessible pathways from associate degrees to bachelor's degrees is an important step in helping students achieve their academic and professional goals,” said Murray State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Paul Twigg. “Through our partnership with West Kentucky Community and Technical College, we are building on the strong technical education students receive at WKCTC and creating opportunities for them to advance their knowledge and skills in engineering and technology.”

“This partnership represents the power of collaboration in advancing educational opportunities and strengthening the workforce across west Kentucky,” said Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. “By creating clear pathways, we are helping students build the skills and knowledge needed for in-demand careers while supporting the region’s growing industrial and economic development. Murray State is proud to work alongside West Kentucky Community and Technical College as well as our regional partners to expand access to higher education, respond to workforce needs and create new opportunities for the communities we serve.”