SKYCTC Retention & Resource Coordinator Heather LaRue elected Vice President of NEOCA

BOWLING GREEN, KY (September 18, 2025) – The National Educational Opportunity Centers Association (NEOCA) has elected Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College’s (SKYCTC) Retention & Resource Coordinator, Heather LaRue, as Vice President.

NEOCA supports Educational Opportunity Centers and similar programs dedicated to helping low-income and first-generation secondary and post-secondary students achieve their educational and career goals.

LaRue brings nearly two decades of leadership experience to her new role, championing student success and professional development. Before transitioning into higher education, she built an accomplished career across multiple industries, holding leadership positions at McDonald’s, AT&T, and Holley Performance Parts. In each role, she cultivated high-performing teams and delivered measurable results.

"I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve NEOCA,” says Heather. This role is more than a position—it’s a pathway to opening doors of access for others. I’ve always believed that my life is not my own; every step I take is rooted in the commitment to uplift and create opportunities for those around me."

Throughout her 19-year career, LaRue has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and operational excellence. At McDonald’s, her restaurant ranked in the top 15% nationally for quality, service, and friendliness. At Lowe’s, she led departments that achieved #1 regional rankings in sales and performance. While at Holley Performance Parts, she successfully maintained 100% employee retention during the COVID-19 pandemic by fostering a strong culture of support and community.

Now at SKYCTC, LaRue is dedicated to empowering the next generation of professionals. She leverages her diverse career experiences to mentor students, support career development, and create meaningful pathways for academic and lifelong success.