KCTCS names interim presidents for two colleges

Seasoned higher ed leaders selected in transitional roles at Big Sandy Community and Technical College and Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has named interim presidents to lead two of its 16 colleges. Todd Brand will serve as interim president of Big Sandy Community and Technical College, and Patsy Jackson will serve as interim president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. Combined, the selections bring more than 50 years of experience in higher education.

“Dr. Brand and Dr. Jackson have great histories with KCTCS. They bring energy and excitement to these interim offices and the willingness to work together for the betterment of the system,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “Both have deep roots in their communities and a respect for eastern Kentucky that will be invaluable to their colleges. I look forward to working with them in these new roles, and I am thankful for their willingness to serve in this time of transition.”

Brand has more than 20 years of experience with community colleges and currently serves as chief academic officer at Ashland Community and Technical College where he maintains the day-to-day operations of all academic programs across the college’s three campuses.

Previously, Brand served in several capacities at Meridian Community College in Mississippi, including arts and letters series director, division chair of fine arts and communication, and lead speech faculty of the Fine Arts/Communication Division. He earlier served as a high school teacher, and he has on-air experience in broadcast journalism.

Brand earned his doctorate from Mississippi State University in Community College Leadership and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications, both from Mississippi College.

Jackson brings 30 years of diverse experience in higher education to this role and a demonstrated history of strong leadership and fiscal and budgetary compliance proficiency. Jackson, a member of the KCTCS Board of Regents, will step down as regent to assume the interim position.

She has previously served in several roles at Big Sandy Community and Technical Collegeincluding dean of healthcare, program administrator for the associate degree in nursing, program coordinator of health science technology, associate dean of academic affairs, and program administrator for licensed practical nursing. Jackson has held faculty positions in nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University, University of Pikeville and Morehead State University. She was also a presidential fellow for the Tennessee Valley Corridor Consortium Council of Presidents.

Jackson earned a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Kentucky, a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Kentucky, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Kentucky and several post-master’s certifications in her field. She is also a community college graduate, earning her associate degree in applied science nursing from Prestonsburg Community College, the forerunner of Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

Both interim presidents will assume their roles on May 6.