Education

Hopkins County Deputy Superintendent Linda Zellich will be the district's first female superintendent. The board of education selected Zellich yesterday to replace retiring superintendent James Lee Stevens. Zellich said she is ready to face the challenge of managing the 7,000 students and 1,000 employees. 

The University of Tennessee at Martin says it will offer a degree in nursing at its Decatur County location beginning next year.  The center will have openings for up to 30 students annually, with 20 slots designated for traditional students and 10 slots for licensed practical nurses. Program graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses. Initial funding for the program was included in this year's state budget.

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education estimates more than 61,000 students are receiving diplomas from the state's public and independent colleges and universities this academic year.

That's down slightly from last year's historic total, but it is well above the number of degrees conferred a decade ago in the Bluegrass State.

The Hopkins County School District is a step closer to hiring a new superintendent after the board ended a second round of interviews last night in Madisonville.

A screening committee recommended four finalists last week. Board members questioned the first two candidates Tuesday.