Brett Goes West

I was fortunate to attend the recent Land-Grant Engagement Bus Tour through Western Kentucky. The trip focused on community and economic development, as well as the initiatives, successes, challenges, and opportunities shaping the region. Here are the places we visited:

• Grayson County Cooperative Extension Office — Leitchfield
• UK Research and Education Center — Princeton
• UK Pigman College of Engineering Paducah Campus — Paducah
• Emerging Technology Center — Paducah
• Downtown Paducah
• Paducah School of Art and Design
• Fulton County
• Murray State University Hopkinsville Regional Campus — Hopkinsville
• Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall — Greenville
• Greater Muhlenberg Parks and Recreation System — Greenville

A few major highlights for me were touring the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering campus in Paducah, visiting Fulton County and learning about ongoing projects there, and seeing the impressive work of the Felix Martin Jr. Foundation in Muhlenberg County.

The Paducah engineering campus is impressive on its own, but what stood out most to me was the interest, attitude, and enthusiasm of the students. I had the chance to talk with one student who shared that a family member had worked in the uranium enrichment industry in Paducah. Because of that connection, he was studying engineering with the goal of working in that same field. When I asked what he did for fun, he casually said, “I do deep space astrophotography.” He then showed me several photos he had taken with his self-made camera, including images of Andromeda and the moons of several planets in our solar system.

A few minutes later, another student gave me a clear and approachable overview of how they use computer modeling to explore alternate uses for depleted uranium. People who know me know that talking with someone about their passion, while learning something new, is one of my favorite things to do.

Again and again, the students emphasized the importance of geographic access. They valued being able to stay close to home while studying engineering, and they also noted the affordability of their experience. I am a bit embarrassed to admit that before this trip, I did not even know the Paducah engineering campus existed.

Fulton County was also meaningful for me. It was on the short list of Kentucky counties I had not yet visited during my Extension road trips. If the map of Kentucky is shaped like a foot, Fulton County is the very tip of the toe.

During our visit, we learned about the county’s history, including the effects that NAFTA, automation, and long-term industrial change have had on the local economy. We also heard about how the community is working to build a path forward.

One of the most unique things I learned is that bananas hold a special place in Fulton’s history and identity. Because Fulton was once a hub for river, rail, and later air commerce, community leaders explained that in the early 20th century, a large share of the bananas eaten in the United States passed through Fulton County. The banana is still part of the town’s logo today. I also learned that the musician SG Goodman is from Fulton County!

We learned that Fulton County has much in common with many Eastern Kentucky counties, especially in terms of industrial history, economic transition, and current challenges. Visiting Fulton affirmed my belief that our work in public service and Extension is to walk alongside them, and sometimes just behind them, as they chart their own path forward.

Finally, we had a memorable visit with the Felix Martin Jr. Foundation in Muhlenberg County. We met on the stage of their beautiful performing arts center and learned about how a major gift from Felix Martin has been used to support the community in many ways. The foundation’s work touches literacy, physical activity, food, the arts, and other areas that improve quality of life in Muhlenberg County.

It was a privilege to visit with the people who are living and working in these communities. I am grateful to the Office of Land-Grant Engagement for planning the trip and inviting me to attend. The tour was a strong reminder that meaningful engagement begins with listening, learning, and showing up.