BCTC’s Nathan Smith receives Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award

Published on Mar 18, 2024

Lexington, KY – Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) Associate Dean of Student Success, Nathan Smith, is recognized by the National Resource Center (NRC) for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina. 

Each year the partners at Penguin Random House Publishing recognize ten individuals with the Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate Award. This honor recognizes college faculty, administrators, staff members, and students for their work on behalf of first-year students and the impact their efforts made on the students and cultures of their institutions. 

Nathan Smith has been an employee at BCTC for over 14 years. His commitment to excellence and support of students’ transitions, campus experiences and academic success is to be commended. As the Associate Dean of Student Success, Nathan oversees the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success and the Student Success Hub, which encompasses a wide array of services from tutoring, student engagement, peer mentors, Welcome Week, to the HEART food pantry and first-year orientations. 

"I am honored to have been recognized by the NRC alongside others from across the nation," said Nathan Smith. "At BCTC, I always seek to improve the student experience by asking, "What can we do better?" I have only been successful due to my outstanding team, colleagues, and supervisors. By supporting each other, we can truly excel at putting students first," said Smith. 

"Nathan truly embodies the fabric of our mission by leading his area to serve students with excellence," said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC President/CEO. His role at the college is pivotal to student success. We are so proud of the great work he and his team are doing to support students along their educational journey. This is a well-deserved award which demonstrates his commitment and dedication to BCTC," said Feeney.

Visit the Student Success Hub to learn more about the services provided for students.