The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) comprises 16 community and technical colleges in Kentucky with over 70 campuses. Programs offered include associate degrees, pre-baccalaureate education to transfer to a public 4-year institution; adult education, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning. KCTCS was founded as part of the Postsecondary Improvement Act of 1997 (House Bill 1), signed by former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton, to create a new institution to replace the University of Kentucky's Community College System and the Kentucky Department of Education's network of technical schools. The Kentucky Fire Commission, a separate state entity responsible for training emergency responders, also became part of KCTCS at that time.The system is headquartered in Versailles, Kentucky and its president is Paul Czarapata. Lisa V. Desmarais is the chair of the Board of Regents.
This case study underscores both the need for and the feasibility of ethical planning in environmental health research, particularly when using wastewater-based epidemiology in vulnerable communities.
