Patton Leadership Institute Returns to Knott County for First Visit Since 2022 Flooding

KNOTT COUNTY, KY — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Patton Leadership Institute traveled to Knott County recently as part of its ongoing leadership development program, marking the first time the Institute has been able to return to the area since the historic flooding of July 2022, which deeply impacted the community.

The day began on the campus of Alice Lloyd College, where PLI participants were welcomed by Dr. James Stepp, President of Alice Lloyd College. During his remarks, President Stepp emphasized the college’s mission-driven approach to education and long-term student success.

“You hear all the time, ‘Oh, that’s a football school’ or ‘that’s a basketball school.’ I like to say Alice Lloyd is an opportunity school,” Stepp said. “We’re the only private college in the state to have a K-12 school on campus…We continue to support our students through advanced studies, beyond the education they can find here on campus. We’ve had students who we have supported essentially from the time they were babies all the way to becoming a doctor.”

Following a presentation of Miracle on Caney Creek, a video highlighting the history of Alice Lloyd College, participants were taken on a guided tour of campus. The tour showcased not only modern higher-education facilities, but also sites of deep cultural and historical significance, including the Founder’s Shack, where Mrs. Alice Lloyd first began educating the children of Caney Creek.

The group ended the tour in the McGraw Library and Learning Center, where Will Anderson, Executive Director of Hindman Settlement School, shared insights into the school’s long-standing commitment to literacy, cultural preservation, and educational access in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Participants also heard from Karen Kelly, Chief of Staff for Congressman Hal Rogers, who spoke about her nearly 30 years of service in the region, her personal connection to Eastern Kentucky, and the programs and initiatives she has helped advance during her tenure.

After enjoying lunch provided by Alice Lloyd College, the Patton Leadership Institute traveled to Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company. There, participants learned about the organization’s flood recovery efforts and its unique model that blends craftsmanship with addiction recovery. As the only nonprofit stringed instrument manufacturer in the world, Troublesome Creek provides second-chance career opportunities and workforce development for individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorders. The group toured the facility, observed the detailed process of crafting guitars and dulcimers, and enjoyed a live demonstration by Director and Master Luthier, David Naselroad, who brought the instruments to life through a quick jam session before the group’s next stop.

The day concluded with a visit to the Appalachian Artisan Center, where participants explored the important role the center plays in supporting artists, entrepreneurs, and creative education in the region. The stop served as a meaningful capstone to the day, reinforcing how art, culture, and recovery-focused initiatives intersect to strengthen communities and create pathways for both personal and economic growth across Eastern Kentucky.

Overall, the visit offered participants an opportunity to witness firsthand the region’s resilience, recovery, and continued investment in education, culture, and community development.