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Assisting an inclusive community of people with varied human characteristic, ideas and world views to create a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, which honors and respects differences of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, color, creed, age, disabilities and socio-economic status, Carolyn Mitchell Sundy is a professor and Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion/Special Programs at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC).

Promoted to vice president just two years ago, Sundy is also supervisor for the Upward Bound Math Science Program, Student Support Services Program, Southeast Scholars Program and the EXCEL Program.

“I’m always happy to speak with local, community and school organizations,” said Sundy. “This year will be our third year celebrating Super Sunday, which will be held in Harlan at 2 p.m. Feb. 24, on the Southeast Campus in the Helen and Cawood Smith Theater. Previously, we have held it in Lynch, at the Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church where Rev. Ronnie Hampton is Pastor and the second year it was held in Middlesboro at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with Rev. James Chesney.”

Sundy said to celebrate the “Super Sunday” event, several churches will join together, along with their congregation for this “grand event.”

“Stephen (Chuck) Sturgill, Campus Director, will be our host and Rev. Darryl Washington will be the host pastor,” said Sundy. “In addition to Rev. Washington’s church, the First Baptist Church, of Harlan, with Pastor Rev. Clarence Hall, Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Pastor Rev. Walter Garlington and Clover Street Church of God with Interim Pastor Rev. Terry Turner will participate. Prior to the program, dinner will be served at 1 p.m. and everyone is welcome. Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital CCO Dan Stone, who always assists with my diversity programs and the college, will also participate.”

Sundy was excited about the Hall of Fame Alumni, Mike Alexander and Lee Arthur Jackson, being honored during this year’s event.

The Hall of Fame highlights outstanding African-American alumni from each of the KCTCS colleges.

“I’d like the young people to remember you should take great pride in your heritage,” said Sundy. “Mike Alexander was raised in Lynch and is a Lynch High School graduate. He has held his present position as Deputy General Counsel for the Governor of Kentucky since 1993. He is always available to assist us and he likes for you to make recommendations for board appointments by the governor so eastern Kentucky will be represented. Lee Arthur Jackson is a graduate of Southeast and is presently retiring after spending 31 years in state government where he served as President of the Kentucky Association of State Employees (KASE), AFT-Kentucky and Vice President of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO. I’m proud of these inductees, along with the first year inductees Dr. William (Bill) Turner, Dr. Ronnie Ratchford and second year inductees Georgetta Riley Richardson and twin Dr. Georgenna Riley.”

Sundy added Chris Jones, of Harlan, is also a coordinator of Super Sunday handling all the public relation information and distribution. She said much of Chris’ work is behind the scenes and performed prior to the program, but “he has been involved from day one and has done an outstanding job.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com