Madisonville Community College honors one with distinguished award
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Madisonville Community College (MCC) has recognized someone as the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
MCC says Tanya Bowman received her award during the college's Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 9. A Hopkins County native, Bowman began her journey of service by volunteering at the Door of Hope Pregnancy Care Center, where she advanced to leadership roles and helped secure a $1 million federal grant. She eventually established the Plans 4U Youth Foundation in 2009, an organization she continues to lead to this day.
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MCC says after earning her degree in criminal justice, Bowman joined the Hopkins County Circuit Clerk's Office in 2011. In 2018, she made history by becoming the first African American elected to a countywide office in Hopkins County and the first in Kentucky elected as a Circuit Court Clerk. Her achievements have been recognized nationwide, earning honors such as the Whitney M. Young Community Improvement Award, the Harriet Tubman Icon Award, and the Madisonville Lions Club's 2023 Woman of the Year.
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'Tanya represents the best of MCC — grit, focus and a desire to be of service to others. We are honored to recognize her for her accomplishments and thank her for her continued support of the college,' said Dr. Cindy Kelley, President of Madisonville Community College.
Officials say beyond her professional work, Bowman has served the community as a Youth Pastor, jail chaplain and speaker at educational and civic events across Kentucky. She currently serves in leadership roles on multiple boards and committees. Bowman is the mother of six children, several godchildren and a grandmother to seven.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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