PRESIDENT
BIG SANDY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
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Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC), in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, seeks an exceptional leader and experienced candidate for President of the College. BSCTC is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
ABOUT KCTCS
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is the largest provider of public higher education in Kentucky. Established in 1998, KCTCS has 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses across the Commonwealth and is committed to providing affordable, accessible education and workforce training to students and citizens of the state from all backgrounds. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1 million students to date, KCTCS is the number one provider of workforce training in Kentucky and the state’s primary source for college and workforce readiness, transfer education, and workforce education.
Dr. Ryan Quarles is the fourth president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the first native Kentuckian to lead the system. He was named president by the KCTCS Board of Regents September 29, 2023, following a national search. Quarles began his position January 1, 2024.
Quarles comes to KCTCS with a long history in statewide public service. He served in the Kentucky House of Representatives and as Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner. He holds seven college degrees including a doctorate in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University; a master’s degree in higher education from Harvard University; and a juris doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Quarles attended Lexington Community College, the forerunner of Bluegrass Community and Technical College and is a ninth-generation Kentucky farmer at Quarles Farms in Scott County.
ABOUT BSCTC
Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) offers more than 25 academic and technical programs on four campuses (Prestonsburg, Pikeville, Paintsville, and Hager Hill) conveniently located throughout its service area. Big Sandy Community and Technical College is one of 16 two-year colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
BSCTC offers more than 200 credentials: Associate degrees (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science in various programs), diplomas, and certificates. From student clubs, parks, walking trails, and the East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium, the BSCTC campuses are as much a part of the community as they are a part of the educational landscape in eastern Kentucky.
BSCTC, however, is much more than buildings and programs: it’s a community where students find confidence, collaboration, compassion and success. After graduation, students are well-prepared to go into the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. For students throughout the area, BSCTC is a smart, flexible, student-centered, affordable choice for college.
BSCTC Mission
Big Sandy Community and Technical College provides accessible quality educational opportunities for student success, promotes economic growth, and enhances the quality of life of its constituents. Big Sandy Community and Technical College is a public associate degree granting institution serving Eastern Kentucky.
BSCTC Vision
As the region’s premier community and technical college, Big Sandy Community and Technical College will continue to be recognized as the first choice for higher education; academic achievement; cultural enrichment; student success; and community, workforce and economic development.
BSCTC Values
- Continuous Improvement
- Intellectual Pursuit
- Relevance
- Respect
- Responsiveness
- Sustainable Use of Resources
- Transparency
BSCTC Commitments
- Add value to the region through excellence in teaching and learning.
- Promote regional growth through community, workforce and economic development.
- Provide innovative and affordable learning opportunities for academic scholarship and professional success.
- Support civic and cultural vitality to promote quality of place.
BSCTC College Focus
- Innovative Teaching and Learning
- Academic Support and Resources
- Student Development Services
- Partnerships, Support, and Relationships
THE OPPORTUNITY/DUTIES
The president of the college, under the general direction of the KCTCS President, is charged with the general responsibility of the overall administration of the college. It is the president’s function to see that the policies and procedures of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the Rules of the Senate are enforced.
Along with the college faculty, the president is responsible for the development and implementation of an instructional program commensurate with the purposes of a comprehensive community and technical college including but not limited to the curricula of the college, for the quality of instruction, and the assignment of duties to all persons.
- The president of the college shall review and finalize the performance evaluations recommended by the chief academic officer or other administrative personnel of the college.
- The president shall be responsible for all personnel actions including but not limited to: salary changes, search and appointments, reappointments, terminal appointments, decisions not to reappoint, post-retirement appointments, and promotions.
- Regarding students, the president is charged with administering the requirements and procedures of the college concerning the admission, probation, and dismissal of students.
- The president shall be responsible for the business and financial operation of the college and for the maintenance and operation of the physical plant of the college.
- It is the president’s responsibility to promote the college and its programs and students to the community through relationships with the Board of Directors, appropriate use of public information media, and by appropriate relationships with community groups and leaders, elected officials, and business and industry and K-12 partners. The president shall always endeavor to further constructive relations between the college and community.
- The president has ultimate control of the institution’s fund-raising activities.
Minimum Qualifications and Credentials
- An earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Experience in higher education to include a sufficient number of years that would provide time to learn and improve upon the leadership skills necessary to lead a college providing general education, technical training, and workforce education to their community
- Proven experience providing quality educational experiences for students at varying levels of college readiness
PRESTONSBURG, KENTUCKY
Prestonsburg, Kentucky, home of the main campus of BSCTC, is located in the valley of Big Sandy River. The region’s rich heritage of country music runs through Prestonsburg and includes country stars including Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gale, Wynona Judd, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Skaggs, Dwight Yoakam, and Patty Loveless, all from the Big Sandy Valley on the “Country Music Highway.”
With a population of 3,000, Prestonsburg offers beautiful views of Appalachian nature and history. The Prestonsburg Passage is an 8.6 miles paved trail that runs from Prestonsburg to the coal camp community of David, Ky. Scenic, incredible parks include Archer Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Star City Park, and Levisa Fork River Park. The town also offers hiking, biking, paddling, elk watching, trail riding, and two Civil War battlefields as well as shopping and restaurants. Residents and visitors alike also enjoy the Mountain Arts Center, Jenny Wiley Amphitheater, the Samuel Way House, and, of course, the East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium on the BSCTC campus.
Schools include a public elementary, middle school, and high school as well as several private schools nearby. Medical facilities in Prestonsburg include ARH Medical and Special Associates Archer Clinic, the Prestonsburg Health Care Center, and King’s Daughters Medical Specialties as well as a plethora of private physicians.
APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS
Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.
Applications
1) All application packets must include the following:
a) A letter of application that includes the candidate’s (1) interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) leadership philosophy, and (3) vision for the academic areas housed in Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.
b) Current curriculum vitae
c) Unofficial transcripts of all degrees and certificates earned. (Official transcripts will be required of finalists).
d) At least four references with full contact information including e-mail (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)
2) Submit application materials (preferably as PDFs) online. Additional information is requested with the submission of materials. For best consideration, complete applications should be received before March 31, 2025.
Nominations
Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.
Consultant
Kentucky Community Technical College System has retained Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting to assist the Big Sandy KCTCS Search Committee for the President in its identification and review of candidates. Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is the lead consultant for this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at KennyDaugherty@myersmcrae.com.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of; race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, gender presentation, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor.