In 1960, the University of Kentucky, a public land grant institution, established the Northwest Center campus in Henderson, Kentucky. In 1962, the Kentucky General Assembly authorized the formation of a statewide system of community colleges to be operated by the University of Kentucky (UK). The University of Kentucky Community College System (UKCCS) was established in 1964, and the Northwest Center was renamed Henderson Community College (HCC) and became one of the seven charter institutions.

In 1997, the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act created the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). This new system combined the UK Community Colleges with Kentucky Technical Colleges under the direction of the KCTCS Board of Regents.

The mission of Henderson Community College is to:

• Provide general education curriculum for the first two years of a baccalaureate program (associate of arts and associate of science degrees).
• Offer technical programs to prepare students for immediate employment (certificates, diplomas, or associate in applied science degrees).
• Provide continuing education, adult education, cultural opportunities, and customized training for the general public, area employers and the local workforce.

 

The goals of HCC are as follows:

• Promote Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
• Increase Student Access and Success.
• Expand Diversity and Global Awareness.
• Enhance the Economic Development of Communities and the Commonwealth.