College is Cisco Academy regional site
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College has long been a leader in cutting-edge technology, and during the autumn of 2000 the institution began an information technology program to usher students into the 21st Century know how.
Over the past 5 years, the program has flourished under the direction of faculty member and program coordinator Michael Epling, expanding to offer two entry points for students. Those enrolling in the program can choose to study either the Cisco or Microsoft training which leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
In addition, SKCTC offers a number of certificates in information technology such as A+, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Networking Associate and Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA).
According to Epling, on some occasions, and determined by student demand, the college offers Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) courses. He also maintains the status of being the Cisco Regional Academy coordinator, and earlier this year, Southeast was named as the site for the academy.
“Students who enroll in the Cisco program offered by Southeast are taught skills that are important in taking businesses, schools, institutions of higher learning and home networks and linking, and, in turn, connecting them to the greater network—the Internet,” said Epling.
The college and Epling stepped in to fill a void when the regional academy became non-operational due to the resignation of its administrator. Epling assumed the leadership role and promptly went about the task of getting Southeast designated as the Regional Cisco Academy. That regional status was transferred to SKCTC earlier this year.
He now heads the Regional Cisco Academy and is responsible for training and servicing the needs of numerous local academies throughout Southeast Kentucky. Epling was judged to have the credentials to become the coordinator; he seized the opportunity by receiving instructor level training for the Cisco Certified Networking Professional Program (CCNP).
A “rare opportunity” developed, and he went to Louisville for extensive training where he obtained the necessary training to be named the regional Cisco Academy Coordinator. Working with state IT committee members, Epling received instruction at Jefferson Community & Technical College, attending classes for a total of 8 weeks. In the fall of 2004 Epling became certified; he is the only person in Southeast Kentucky to hold CCNP teaching credentials.
“The college is the driving force behind all the various academies within our section of the state,” noted SKCTC President Dr. W. Bruce Ayers. “We are happy to have achieved this status and commend the hard work done by Mr. Epling and other faculty.”
Epling provides training at the regional center for all the instructors affiliated with the various local academies and he is also available to assist them with problems dealing with equipment and repairs. Instructors at any of the local academies can now come to Southeast for refresher training. According to Epling, the services provided focus on training for personnel from the local academies of which SKCTC oversees, chiefly, high school faculty who teach Cisco related courses.
Epling has been on the faculty of SKCTC since 1999. He is a native of Pike County and is a graduate of Virgie High School. He holds 2 degrees in business administration from Morehead State University.
Moreover, he has numerous industry certification, including Novel (CNA), CNE, Microsoft MCP+I, MCSE, Cisco CCNA, CCAI and A+.
To receive details about enrolling in the information technology program at Southeast or to get news of the Cisco Regional Academy and services it provides, contact Mr. Epling at 606-589-3046.
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