News Summary
Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Ryan Quarles has proposed 27 goals aimed at enhancing the state’s community college framework. This plan, influenced by recent studies and legislative resolutions, focuses on improving financial stability and enrollment across KCTCS’ 16 colleges, which serve over 110,000 students. Key initiatives include the development of a performance management tool, a systemwide enrollment strategy, and various budgetary adjustments to prioritize student success.
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Ryan Quarles has outlined an ambitious vision for the upcoming year, introducing 27 key goals aimed at significantly enhancing Kentucky’s community college framework. This initiative follows a recent period focused on stabilizing the system and addressing notable compliance issues.
Quarles’ plan, which draws insights from the Huron study and legislative resolutions SJR 179 and SJR 98, places a strong emphasis on impactful changes designed to improve both financial stability and enrollment metrics across KCTCS’ 16 colleges, which currently serve more than 110,000 students.
A highlight of Quarles’ vision is the development of a comprehensive management tool intended to track essential performance indicators such as enrollment growth, financial health, accreditation status, and space utilization. This tool will utilize a three-year rolling average to assess these metrics and may expand to include additional indicators over time.
In response to potential funding cuts and declining enrollment trends, KCTCS is set to implement a systemwide enrollment strategy. This strategy aims to maintain student numbers and ensure sustainable funding for the institutions within the system. The launch of KCTCS for Kentucky will also help bolster partnerships with businesses and government entities, enhancing the alignment of the academic programs with the needs of Kentucky’s industries.
The KCTCS Board of Regents is scheduled to meet in September to discuss updates on the progress of these goals and initiatives. During a recent meeting, Board Chair Barry Martin recognized the transformational leadership of Quarles in his first year and commended the changes being made within KCTCS.
In a move to support these goals, several key actions were approved at the regents’ meeting, including:
- A $6 per credit hour tuition increase for in-state students, bringing the tuition rate to $195 per credit hour, while out-of-state tuition will rise to $270.
- A 2% salary increase for all full-time faculty and staff, along with an additional 1% increase aimed at addressing salary compression.
- Adoption of a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year that prioritizes student success and efficient resource utilization.
- A one-year contract extension for internal auditing services with Dean Dorton.
- Approval for major improvement projects, including funding up to $950,000 for the Jefferson Education Center.
- Implementation of a viewpoint neutrality policy to promote intellectual diversity within the system.
- Compliance updates with state legislation noted in House Bill 4.
- Retention of 12,774 unduplicated candidates for various academic credentials.
- Approval of two new degree programs in additive technology and automation.
- Election of new officers, with Keith Hamilton as chair, James Lee Stevens as vice chair, and Brianna S. Whitten as secretary.
In a related move, Michelle Trawick has been appointed as the new president of Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, effective July 31, 2025. A Logan County native and former WKU administrator, Trawick brings extensive higher education experience and a commitment to fostering student success in her new role.
KCTCS plays a vital role in Kentucky’s educational landscape, focusing on workforce training and education to prepare students for the demands of the job market. As the system moves forward with these initiatives, the goal is to provide greater support and opportunities for students, ultimately contributing to the economic development of Kentucky.
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Additional Resources
- Hunt Scanlon: Myers McRae Recruits President for Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Community and Technical College System
- Franklin Favorite: Article on Community College News
- Google Search: Kentucky Community College System latest news
- NKY Tribune: Major Changes in Community College System
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Community and Technical College System
- Kentucky Lantern: Recommendations for Community College System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Community Colleges
- Spectrum News 1: CPE Approves Tuition Hike
- Google News: Tuition Hike Kentucky
