Bryan Barger earned his associate degree from Hazard Community and Technical College, then earned a bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University. Now with a master’s degree from Wayne State College, he has joined the faculty at HCTC as the First Year Experience (FYE) 105 Instructor and Online & Assessment Coach.
Barger, who started Sept. 1, is responsible for teaching multiple FYE 105 courses each semester. Additionally, he supports faculty in instructional innovations/strategies, quality audits of course modes, and assessment strategies. His job also entails managing academic assessment processes including student learning outcomes and course evaluations, and assisting in digital technologies and trends for classroom deployment.
Dean of Innovation and Educational Technologies Dr. Ella Strong noted, “Bryan has a wealth of knowledge that allows him to better support students and faculty. He already knows some of the technology that we use, he understands the college environment, and is from this area. Bryan’s strengths are that he is very adaptable, he learns things very quickly, he is detailed-oriented, and he has been able to hit the ground running, sometimes sprinting, way ahead of me. This position is important because it supports our first-time students, support students and faculty who are in online environments, and provides support for assessment.”
“As a former student, I knew HCTC was a great place to work because the faculty and staff care about their students, co-workers, and community. They exhibit a dedication and professionalism, with a breadth and depth of passion for nurturing and leading the next generation, that is truly inspiring. I wanted to be part of a group that gives back to the region, promotes advancement through education, and deeply believes one can achieve anything. Here, people of all ages, races, nationalities, ethnicities, and orientations can receive the support they need to succeed in school and in life,” Barger said.
He believes HCTC’s impact to the region is immeasurable. “The Appalachian region is often overlooked, under-appreciated, and economically depressed, yet HCTC has been here for decades: transforming lives, building up the community, enabling the workforce, enhancing our natural advantages, and drastically improving the economy along the way. Without HCTC, there would be a grim outlook for our region. Instead, because of the tireless work of so many, a student can achieve his or her dreams, even unto a doctorate degree, without having to leave home, thanks to the partnerships of the University Center of the Mountains,” he noted.
Barger brings much experience to the position. He worked for PMA USA/Washington National insurance as a district manager, Central Payment as a business development manager, Big Daddy’s RV’s as a finance agent, Appalachian Regional Healthcare in accounting, First Trust Bank as assistant vice president, and Ikon Office Solutions as a service technician.
Besides all of his degrees mentioned, Barger also holds a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking, which is a specialized, graduate-level program designed for exceptional leaders in the banking and financial industry.
“HCTC a great place and a great place to work,” he said. “I know I will be very happy in this new role,” Barger said.
