Alaina Lancaster has been selected as principal of Hopkins County Career and Technology Center, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. She has served as Hopkins County Schools director of secondary instruction since July 2020. 

“I am excited to accept the position as principal of the Hopkins County Career and Technology Center,” Lancaster said. “This allows me to return to working directly with students, which has always been my greatest passion. I look forward to the opportunity to sharpen our 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. 

“HCCTC has a long-standing legacy of excellence in career and technical education,” she said, “and I am honored to be chosen to lead a team dedicated to continuing that tradition.”

Lancaster formerly was 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, master’s degree in agriculture science, and 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 participated in Leadership Hopkins County in 2023-2024. Honors include being named to the MSU Alumni Association’s Top 22 Under 40 Class of 2025. She was also recognized as part of Hopkins County Schools receiving the Kevin C. Brown Strategic Priority Award from the Kentucky Board of Education for strategically implementing Future Ready characteristics into learning across the district. She was also named an Outstanding Administrator for Access to Algebra by AdvanceKentucky.

“Mrs. Lancaster truly has a passion and vision for Future Ready success for all students in Hopkins County Schools,” said HCS Superintendent Amy Smith. “This mindset will encourage and inspire our youth at HCCTC. Her drive, determination, and leadership skills will be an asset in her new role. We are looking forward to the innovative ideas and relationships she will foster as CTC principal.