MCC names Learning Resource Center in honor of Dr. Judith L. Rhoads

Published on Oct 13, 2025

Madisonville Community College (MCC) has officially renamed its Learning Resource Center in honor of longtime leader and President Emeritus Dr. Judith L. Rhoads. The newly named Judith L. Rhoads Learning Resource Center stands as a tribute to her decades of transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to the college and its surrounding communities. 

The naming ceremony, led by MCC Board Chair Rob Ramey, brought together faculty, staff, students, and community members to celebrate Dr. Rhoads’ enduring legacy. 

Dr. Rhoads began her journey at MCC as a psychology professor before rising to key academic and administrative roles. Appointed president in 1998, she spearheaded the historic merger of Madisonville Community College and Madisonville Technical College—the first of its kind in Kentucky. 

Her tenure saw the expansion of MCC’s footprint with the addition of several major facilities, including the P.A. and Pauline Shaver Education Center, the Joe C. Davis Building, and the Brown Badgett, Sr. Energy and Advanced Technology Center. 

Dr. Rhoads also championed fundraising efforts that generated millions in support of scholarships, infrastructure, and student success initiatives. Among her philanthropic legacies are several scholarship endowments, including: 

• Judith L. Rhoads Endowment of Academic and Work Ethics Engagement
• Judy Rhoads International Scholarship Endowment
• Jerry and Judy Rhoads 2+2 Scholarship Endowment

“Her impact on this college is immeasurable,” Ramey added. “By naming this center in her honor, we ensure that her influence will continue to inspire future generations.”