Union County Career and Technology Center

We’d love to connect with you!
Join us at Elle Bell Cafe on September 24, 2 pm. to 4 pm for casual conversation and community connection. This is a great opportunity for parents and community members to meet our faculty and staff, ask questions, and learn more about the exciting things happening at our school.

Come share a cup of coffee with us—we look forward to seeing you there!

#BetterToday #CommunityStrong #CoffeeAndConversation #DoingGreatThingsUCSD

A big thank you to our Chamber of Commerce and Development Board for visiting our students today for the CTE Roundtable Lunch & Learn Session!
They shared valuable insight into local career opportunities and the importance of preparing for the future workforce.
#CommunityPartners #DoingGreatThingsUCSD #CTE #BetterToday

Let's get to know Mrs. Gregory!

How long have you been teaching?
This is my 9th year teaching.

What are you currently teaching?
I am currently teaching Accounting I, Advanced Personal Finance, and Business Finance.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
I’ve wanted to teach since I was a little girl. After working in banking and insurance, I realized I could bring real-world experiences into the classroom. I also wanted to show students that it’s okay to start over and pursue a career that makes you happy.

What are some skills that students learn in your class?
Students learn financial skills like writing checks, balancing accounts, paying bills, saving, investing, and creating financial reports. They also build employability skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

What is your favorite book, movie, or quote – Why?
“Talent might make you good, but it’s your attitude and work ethic that will make you great.” – Allistar McCain. This quote reminds me—and I hope inspires my students—that talent alone isn’t enough. With hard work and the right mindset, you can achieve great things.

Share a fun fact about yourself.
I have two sons and five nephews—four of them are twins! One set is 12 years old, and the other set is 21.

#DoingGreatThingsUCSD #BetterTogether #CTE

Upcoming Events
Stay tuned! We have several exciting events coming up. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us as we continue to celebrate learning, growth, and community.

#DoingGreatThingsUCSD #BetterToday #SchoolEvents #CommunityStrong

Let's get to know Mr. Gardner!

How long have you been teaching?
I'm currently in my 4th year.

What classes are you currently teaching?
I am teaching Ag. Science & Technology, Ag. Mechanics, Equipment Operations & Maintenance, and Ag. Business.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired by my high school Ag teacher, Mike Haynes. Growing up on a small farm and being active in FFA, I developed a deep connection with the lessons and discovered a passion for agriculture and leadership.

What are some skills that students learn in your class?
Students gain hands-on experience with tools, plant identification, and agricultural math. They also develop communication and public speaking skills, all while learning how to become the best version of themselves.

What is your favorite book, movie, or quote – Why?
“Some folks are just luckier than others.” – The Old Man and the Boy by Robert Ruark. This book highlights outdoor adventures between a boy and his grandfather. The quote reminds me that not everything comes easily—some things must be earned through hard work.

Share a fun fact about yourself.
I’m a self-proclaimed “bird nerd.” Since becoming a father, I’ve developed a passion for listening to and identifying wild birds while enjoying the outdoors.

#DoingGreatThingsUCSD #BetterToday #CTE

Hands-On Learning in Auto Collision 🚗🔧
Our Auto Collision students have been hard at work gaining real-world skills in the shop. Recently, they’ve been learning about steering and suspension systems while installing a small lift kit. Additionally, students practiced techniques for restoring headlights, a crucial skill for both safety and aesthetics.

Through hands-on projects like these, students are building the knowledge and experience they’ll need for successful careers in the automotive industry.

#DoingGreatThingsUCSD #BetterToday #CTE #UCCC

Let's get to know Mrs. Floyd-Parks.

How long have you been teaching?
I am currently in my 18th year of teaching.

What classes are you currently teaching?
I'm currently teaching Digital Literacy, Discovering Computer Science, and Jacket Pathways.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
While tutoring local students at Winthrop University, I witnessed firsthand how education can build confidence and open doors. That experience showed me the impact teachers can have on their communities, and I knew I wanted to be part of that transformation.

What are some skills that students learn in your class?
Students develop communication and networking skills, learn to use computers for research, gain hands-on experience with Microsoft applications, and explore the basics of drag-and-drop coding.

What is your favorite book, movie, or quote – Why?
“You are the most important person you know. It is up to you to define your success and go get it.” – I love this quote because it reminds students that they are the driving force in their own journey.

Share a fun fact about yourself.
My birthday is November 10th, which I share with Ellen Pompeo, Neil Gaiman, Miranda Lambert, Sinbad, and Tracy Morgan—so depending on the day, I might be dramatic, creative, musical, or funny!

#DoingGreatThingsUCSD #BetterToday #UCCTE #UCCC

Guest Speaker Spotlight

The Jacket Pathways students had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Ivey, who shared her inspiring journey to the guidance office and gave insight into her current responsibilities. She also connected her work to the Human Services and Education Clusters, helping students see real-world career pathways.

Together, we explored the value of networking—building connections, meeting new people, and discovering how relationships can open doors both personally and professionally.

We’re grateful to Dr. Ivey for investing in our students and showing them the power of relationships in shaping their future! 🌟

#DoingGreatThingsUCSD #BetterToday

We are proud to highlight Timken - Tyger River Plant, a company that has been a true cornerstone in Union County for many years. As one of our community’s largest employers, Timken not only provides valuable career opportunities for local residents but also invests deeply in the future of our students.

Their support has made a lasting impact on our school through:
✅ Student Facility Tours – giving our students the chance to see real-world applications of their classroom learning.
✅ Grants for Equipment – ensuring our programs have the tools needed to provide hands-on, industry-relevant training.
✅ Support for Student Organizations – including past grants that have helped our students grow as leaders.

We are grateful for Timken’s commitment to education, workforce development, and the future of Union County. Partnerships like this make a difference every day in preparing our students for successful careers.

Thank you, Timken, for being an outstanding partner in education!

We are excited to announce an upcoming interest meeting for our newest Career & Technology Education course — Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This innovative class will introduce students to the fundamentals of AI, including real-world applications, problem-solving, and future career pathways in one of the fastest-growing fields.

📅 Date: September 10, 2025

🕒 Time: 6:00 pm

📍 Location: Union County Career Center Room 600

Parents and students are invited to attend this session to learn more about the curriculum, expectations, and opportunities this course will offer.

By launching AI, we are preparing our students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in tomorrow’s workforce.

We hope you will join us to discover more about this exciting new opportunity!

Let's get to know Mrs. Dill!

How long have you been teaching? This is my 15th year.

What courses do you teach? This year, I'm teaching Agricultural Science & Technology, Animal Science, Small Animal Care, Equine Science, and Veterinary Science.

What inspired you to become a teacher? I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a young age. After taking my first agriculture class in 9th grade, I realized teaching Ag would let me combine my love for animals, agriculture, and helping students grow into future leaders.

What are some skills that students learn in your class? Students gain confidence, leadership, and stewardship skills. While not all will pursue production agriculture, many explore careers in veterinary science, horticulture, animal science, or natural resources.

What is your favorite book, movie, or quote – Why? “God is within her, she will not fall.” – Psalm 46:5. This verse reminds me that even in difficult times, God is always with me.

Could you share a fun fact about yourself? I’m a big Ohio sports fan! My classroom is decorated with memorabilia from The Ohio State University, the Bengals, and the Reds—my favorites are my Woody Hayes and Pete Rose pieces.

#DointGreatThingsUCSD #BetterToday

Students in our Machine Tool program are gaining hands-on experience with the cutting torch as they learn the fundamentals of working with metal. They are practicing how to cut straight lines with accuracy and control, as well as mastering the proper speed—critical skills that will prepare them for arc welding.

By developing these foundational techniques, students are building the confidence and precision needed for future success in advanced welding and machining.

#DoingGreatThingsUCSD #UCCTE #BetterToday