BCTC Hosts First Veterans Day Luncheon to Honor Student, Faculty, and Staff Veterans | BCTC
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BCTC Hosts First Veterans Day Luncheon to Honor Student, Faculty, and Staff Veterans

Published on Nov 6, 2025

Dina ParrottLexington, KY – Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC) will host its first Veterans Day Luncheon on Tuesday, November 11, at the Leestown Campus Conference Center, Building C, Room 136, to honor and celebrate the contributions of veteran students, faculty, and staff.

BCTC President/CEO Dr. Greg Feeney shared his appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve:

“We are proud to honor the veterans who are part of our BCTC family. This luncheon is a meaningful way to recognize their service and sacrifices, and to let them know that their contributions—both in and out of uniform—are deeply valued by our entire campus community.”

The luncheon will feature a keynote address by Dina M. Parrott, a distinguished U.S. Air Force veteran who served on active duty for 25 years. Parrott’s assignments included high-profile posts at the Pentagon, NATO CAOC (Combined Air Operations Centre) in Uedem, Germany, and deployments to Kandahar, Afghanistan and Camp Asayliah, Qatar, in support of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) and joint special operations missions. She retired in 2019 as Senior Master Sergeant, Flight Chief of the 27th Special Operations Communications Flight.

Andrea Simpson, BCTC’s Designated School Certifying Official for Veterans Education Benefits, was instrumental in securing Parrott as the keynote speaker. “Dina Parrott represents the courage, leadership, and commitment that define our veterans. We’re honored to welcome her to share her journey. I also want to recognize and thank the families and community members whose unwavering support uplifts our veterans every day. At BCTC, we are proud to foster a welcoming and supportive environment, a true family for our veteran students.”

Through the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS), BCTC provides specialized support services to help veterans transition successfully into college life and beyond. Over the life of the CEVSS grant, BCTC has served 292 veteran students, with 138 currently enrolled this semester.

The college offers a wide range of support services tailored specifically for veterans, including:

  • Academic advising
  • Academic coaching
  • Assistance navigating VA benefits
  • Certify enrollment

“Veterans Day gives us a moment to pause and appreciate those who’ve stepped up for our country,” said Steven Black, Director of the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success. “This luncheon is just one way we show our thanks and let our veterans at BCTC know they’re part of a supportive and proud community.”

The Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) grant is a federally funded initiative supporting institutions of higher education in developing comprehensive support programs that improve veteran student success.

For more information about Veteran Services at BCTC, visit the Military and Veterans Webpage or contact Steven Blackburn, Director of Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success at Steven.blackburn@kctcs.edu.