KCTCS Regents approve SJR 179 recommendations to redefine system
Published on Dec 6, 2024
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents unanimously approved a sweeping reform package for greater student success and service to all Kentuckians, while remaining nimble and responsive to the changing workforce needs of the state.
Senate Joint Resolution 179, passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, required KCTCS to evaluate 11 key topics and report findings to ensure alignment with Kentucky’s current postsecondary education, economic and workforce needs.
“Today is a historic opportunity to redefine ourselves,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “Our system has been studied, and we have had multiple audits that have been useful. These transformational recommendations are based on those findings and have guided us to where we are today. This work is the starting point for many discussions that will help shape our roadmap for the future.”
The topics ranged from accreditation to the system’s geographic footprint, board governance, funding model, academic programs, student pathways, tuition, and its policies and procedures.
A few of the recommendations include:
- Preserving college-level accreditation and focusing on increasing shared services and seamless integration across the system.
- Developing a comprehensive statewide KCTCS workforce plan.
- Becoming the sole provider of dual credit courses for greater alignment since KCTCS already serves the majority of students.
- Moving to a 100% outcomes-based funding model if state appropriations are increased to the average of peer institutions.
- Common course numbering for 100- and 200-level courses for all public higher education institutions to ensure transferability.
The recommendations were developed by five work teams led by college presidents and comprised of college faculty and staff, and system office staff.
In addition to independent research, the teams incorporated the findings of the Huron Group study, Senate Joint Resolution 98 study from 2023, and audit findings. Subject matter experts, peer teams, employees and students from across the system and external stakeholders provided feedback during the transparent process.
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past year,” said Quarles, who began as president in January. “It’s a new day, and you can feel it in the culture,” he added.
The full recommendations and the report are available on the system website.
- KCTCS officials will present the recommendations to the Interim Joint Committee on Education Dec 10.
- In other action, the Board:
- Approved a new $1.2 million welding lab for Maysville Community and Technical College’s Montgomery Campus.
- Approved a $6.1 million scope increase for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s science building expansion project.
- Approved a $1.35 million scope increase for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s Leitchfield Campus expansion project.
- Ratified personnel actions.
- Ratified colleges’ candidates for credentials totaling 7,414 from July 13 through Sept. 27.
- Accepted the KPMG forensic audit.
- Approved the Forvis/Mazars audited financial statements for fiscal year 2023-24.
The board also heard a variety of reports.
Meeting materials can be viewed on the KCTCS website.
