New ACTC President Announced

Dr. Kay Adkins has been appointed President of Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC).

Dr. Adkins is currently president of Yuba College in California. She will succeed Dr. Greg Adkins who is retiring June 30, 2012. She will begin the position on September 1, 2012.

Her appointment was announced June 27 by Dr. Michael McCall, President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. The presidential search process engaged ACTC faculty, staff and the community through meetings and presentations with final candidates, and the ACTC Board of Directors unanimously recommended Dr. Adkins to Dr. McCall.

Dr. Adkins extensive experience and proven record of success as president of Yuba College will provide this college and community with the strong leadership needed to fulfill its mission of providing education and training to improve regional economic growth and increase opportunities for all local residents, said Dr. McCall.

Prior to her tenure at Yuba College, Dr. Adkins held positions in higher education in four states including: provost, Columbus State Community College; CEO, EpiCenter Campus, St. Petersburg College; associate vice president of educational and student services, St. Petersburg; director of business and industry training, Moraine Valley Community College; director of grants, Shawnee Community College; director of small business development center, Shawnee Community College; and training specialist, Shawnee Community College.

"I am honored to accept the position as President of Ashland Community and Technical College," said Dr. Adkins. "Yesterday's visit reaffirmed the impression that Barry and I have of the community. The people were honest and welcoming and we look forward to relocating to the tri-state area."

Dr. Adkins most recent accomplishments include leading the development of both the Yuba College Educational Master Plan (2011-2016) and the first Yuba College Diversity Plan. She is also responsible for leading the implementation for an $80 million facilities bond program, and establishing the Yuba College Foundation.

Dr. Adkins received her bachelors degree in elementary education at Southern Illinois University. She went on to receive her masters degree in education and vocational studies from Southern Illinois University, and a doctorate in educational administration from Illinois State University.

"Our board is pleased to make this announcement," said ACTC Board of Directors chair John Stewart, Jr. "Each of the four final candidates was very balanced in their qualifications but we agreed that Dr. Adkins was the best fit for the future direction of the college.