Hopkinsville Community College announces opening of Thomas SMART Lab

The renovated lab is named for a Hopkinsville couple who made the largest individual contribution in the college's history earlier this year.

Hopkinsville Community College has announced the opening of its newly renovated Steve and Diane Thomas SMART Lab, a two-story, technical lab for students in high-demand fields.

people gathered at HCC's S.M.A.R.T. Lab
Industrial Maintenance Program Coordinator Joey Slaton gives a tour of the newly renovated Steve and Diane Thomas SMART Lab. (Photo provided)

The lab is named for Steve and Diane Thomas, whose $400,000 — the largest individual gift in the college’s history — was announced in April.

The $97,000 renovation was paid for with the college’s general project funds, while the Thomas gift will support ongoing technical program enhancements, the college said in a press release.

The lab, located in the Technology Center, will house cutting-edge equipment, supplies and tools that allow students to gain real-world experience with the latest industry technology. It will support programs including HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, and Electrical Technology, among others, the release states,

“This transformative gift allows us to create a dynamic learning environment that will prepare students for successful careers while meeting the technical training needs of our industry partners,” HCC President and CEO Dr. Alissa Young said.

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