(Photo provided by Hopkins County Schools)
Officials from Hopkins County Schools have announced that Alaina Lancaster has been selected as principal of Hopkins County Career and Technology Center.
She has served as the Hopkins County Schools director of secondary education since July 2020 and will begin her principal role with the 2025-2026 school year.
In a written statement, Lancaster said she is excited to accept the position as principal of the Hopkins County Career and Technology Center. She said this allows her to return to working directly with students, which has always been her greatest passion. Lancaster said she looks forward to the opportunity to sharpen their focus on enhancing future-ready learning and career readiness for every student who walks through the doors of the Hopkins County Career and Technology Center.
Lancaster further stated that the Hopkins County Career and Technology Center has a long-standing legacy of excellence in career and technical education, and she is honored to be chosen to lead a team dedicated to continuing that tradition.
According to school officials, Lancaster formerly served as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Madisonville North Hopkins High School, principal of Kentucky Tech Webster County Area Technology Center, and adjunct professor at Murray State University Racer Academy.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business, a master’s degree in agriculture science, and a master’s degree in education administration, all from Murray State University.
Lancaster is a member of the boards of directors for the Regional Education Partnership at Madisonville Community College, Junior Achievement of West Kentucky, and Hopkins County Education Foundation.
She took part in Leadership Hopkins County in 2023-2024. Lancaster’s accolades include being named to the MSU Alumni Association’s Top 22 Under 40 Class of 2025. She was also recognized when Hopkins County Schools received the Kevin C. Brown Strategic Priority Award from the Kentucky Board of Education for integrating Future Ready characteristics into district learning. Additionally, she was honored as an Outstanding Administrator for Access to Algebra by AdvanceKentucky.
Superintendent Amy Smith said that Lancaster possesses a genuine passion and vision for ensuring future-ready success for all students in Hopkins County Schools. She noted that this mindset will motivate and inspire the youth at Hopkins County Career and Technical College. Smith stated that Lancaster’s drive, determination, and leadership skills will be valuable assets in her new role. She added that they are eager to see the innovative ideas and relationships Lancaster will cultivate as the principal of the Career and Technical Center.
