Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College honors Carmen Gaskins who retires after 29 years of service
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Carmen Gaskins is retiring from Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation, mentorship, and student success.
For more than 29 years, Gaskins served as a Computer & Information Technologies professor and program coordinator, impacting the lives of more than 11,000 students during her career. Her leadership and commitment to education helped transform the college’s technology programs while expanding opportunities for students across the region.
Among her many accomplishments, Gaskins played a critical role in the planning and implementation of the Women in Computing Conference, coordinating statewide conferences both virtually and in person. Through the event, she connected students and professionals with presenters from across the country who highlighted emerging technologies and innovations while encouraging women to pursue careers in technology-related fields.
Gaskins also created and led the annual CyberSafe Summit at the college, a community-focused cybersecurity awareness event held each October. The summit helped educate participants on safe online practices and earned recognition from the National Cybersecurity Alliance as a cybersecurity champion initiative.
As Computer & Information Technologies Program Coordinator, Gaskins increased program enrollment by 35 percent while mentoring additional adjunct and dual credit faculty. She also worked to increase the number of female students in the program and led efforts to pursue designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity through the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Under her leadership, the program began offering Microsoft Office Specialist certifications to business, CIT, MIT, and dual credit students. During the last three years alone, students earned 851 certifications in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
A lifelong learner, Gaskins earned an Associate in Arts in Secretarial Administration, Bachelor of Science in Business Education, and Master of Arts in Business Education from Western Kentucky University. She also completed graduate coursework at Morehead State University, Indiana University, and WKU in computer information systems, library media services, leadership, and communication.
Throughout her retirement celebration, Gaskins expressed gratitude to her family, colleagues, mentors, students, and friends who supported her throughout her career.
“Standing here today, I feel both gratitude and a quiet sense of wonder at how quickly the years have passed,” Gaskins said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done together and thankful for the relationships I’ve built. While I may be leaving this role, the memories and connections will always stay with me.”
She also reflected on the many students she taught during her career, many of whom have gone on to earn advanced degrees, become educators themselves, serve on advisory committees, hire SKYCTC graduates, and work in professional technology positions throughout the region and beyond.
Dr. Chris Royse, Gaskins’ supervisor and colleague, praised her dedication and impact on the college.
“Carmen’s passion for teaching and commitment to student success have left an incredible mark on our institution,” Royse said. “Her leadership, innovation, and mentorship helped shape our CIT programs into what they are today. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her the very best in retirement.”
As she begins retirement, Gaskins leaves behind a legacy defined by service, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to helping students succeed.
