Robert “Bob” T. Green, former Senior Vice President of Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (now BE NKY Growth Partnership) dedicated much of his life to helping Northern Kentucky’s youth succeed in their education and careers.
Now, even two years after his death in 2024 at age 79, his advocacy for education and workforce development lives on in a scholarship at Gateway Community and Technical College.
After graduating from Morehead State University in 1967 with a degree in economics and political science, Green started his career in education working as a teacher and guidance counselor at Boone County High School where he taught Government, Economics and U.S. History.
In 1972, he became a guidance and admissions counselor for Northern Kentucky Technical College (now Gateway) and transitioned in 1995 into the role of Principal Assistant to the Kentucky Governor’s Cabinet Secretary for Workforce Development.
Throughout his career, he also served on many boards and committees, was the recipient of numerous community service awards and was deeply involved in economic and community development efforts across the region.
In 1999, he joined NKY Tri-ED, where Green help established the company’s business retention and expansion program, and played a role in the new location or expansion of dozens of companies in Northern Kentucky, including German automotive parts manufacturer Mubea, which announced the creation of 145 new jobs with a $35 million investment in 2002.
Other company announcements during this time included Givaudan Flavors Corporation, the United States Playing Card Company and L’Oreal USA.
Green remained at Tri-ED until his retirement in 2012. Soon after, NKY Tri-ED’s executive committee and leaders endowed the Robert T. Green Scholarship Fund at Gateway to honor Green’s commitment to Northern Kentucky, allocating $2,500 and aiming to raise at least $25,000 initially from businesses, organizations, and business leaders in the community.
Since 2012, nineteen Gateway students have received this scholarship, totaling about $18,000 in financial assistance. Eligible students must be enrolled in a workforce development program and live in Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties. Preference is given to those who have served in the military.
Benjamin March, a 2024 graduate of Gateway, received the scholarship two years in a row. He is a first-generation college graduate and U.S. Army veteran. The most recent recipient of this scholarship is Collin Potter, a U.S. Marine pursuing a degree in Computer and Information Technology.
Serving in the Army Reserves helped pay for some of his tuition, but the scholarship covered further expenses, making a big difference in his life and enabling him to dedicate himself to his courses without stressing about finances.
“Many students are working full or part-time jobs while going to school and juggling other responsibilities, including children,” said Tess Burns, Vice President of Advancement at Gateway. “They have multi-faceted lives and a lot going on.”
“Since 2019, I have received many thank you letters from scholarship recipients detailing the positive impact this scholarship has made on their education and career journeys,” said BE NKY President and CEO Lee Crume. “BE NKY is proud to play this critical role in building up the workforce of Northern Kentucky’s future.”
Those interested in contributing to the scholarship fund can do so at https://giving.kctcs.edu/campaigns/gateway-student-scholarship-fund and note that the gift is being made in honor of the Bob Green Scholarship.
“We are just so grateful to donors that invest in students and help them cross the finish line,” said Burns. “This is ultimately an investment in the entire Northern Kentucky region.”
About BE NKY Growth Partnership
BE NKY Growth Partnership, the economic development company for Northern Kentucky, provides businesses with the expertise they need to build opportunity in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. We attract new business and elevate what’s already here to create innovative, forward-thinking, and attractive environments for companies and community success. We serve Northern Kentucky so that our community thrives through the creation of good jobs and a growing and diverse economy. We believe in Opportunity and Prosperity for All Northern Kentuckians. Visit www.BE-NKY.com for more information.
