WKU News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 9, 2026

WKU/ECTC Expand Educational Opportunities with New B.S. in Management: Human Resources at WKU in Elizabethtown

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. —Western Kentucky University and the Robbins University Center at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College (ECTC) are expanding their partnership with the addition of a new B.S. in Management: Human Resource Management at WKU in Elizabethtown.

The program is offered through WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business, which holds accreditation from AACSB International—the highest standard of excellence for business education worldwide. Additionally, the program’s curriculum is aligned with the world-leading Human Resources Society’s (SHRM) standards.

The agreement was formalized on Tuesday, June 9, at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between ECTC Provost Dr. Telly Sellars and Dean of WKU's Gordon Ford College of Business Dr. Evelyn Thrasher.

“Together, we're creating a pathway where students can begin at ECTC, continue with WKU, and ultimately build careers that strengthen this entire region,” stated Thrasher. “We don't see a hard line between an ECTC student and a WKU student—we see one student, on one journey, who happens to pass through both of our institutions.”

Director of WKU Regional Campuses Dr. Derick Strode stated that the partnership between WKU and ECTC is about creating opportunities for students throughout the region to earn their degree and prepare for a meaningful career.

"This new degree reflects our shared commitment to creating flexible educational pathways that support students, align with workforce needs, and encourage economic growth in our region," said Strode. "Students can continue their education and complete a bachelor's degree where they live and work.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in human resources-related fields is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations in the coming years. Designed with working students in mind, WKU’s program combines online and face-to-face coursework, allowing students to complete their degrees close to home while gaining practical, career-ready skills that align with regional workforce needs.

“We know students will welcome this new offering which allows them to continue their education without leaving the community,” Sellars said. “The ECTC Robbins University Center helps keep local talent local. That not only supports individual student success, but it also helps our regional employers engage students and develop the world-class workforce they need to success and grow.”

The pathway begins at ECTC where students earn their associate degree before transferring to WKU where they graduate with a bachelor’s degree. ECTC students are encouraged to meet with a WKU advisor early in the process to develop a plan for a seamless and cost-effective transfer to WKU once they complete their associate degree. 

Registration for the Fall 2026 semester is now open. To learn about getting started at ECTC, visit elizabethtown.kctcs.edu. For more information about the bachelor’s degree in Management: Human Resource Management or other degrees and services at WKU in Elizabethtown, visit the WKU in Elizabethtown website.

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