Presidential search narrows to 3 finalists for Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Published on May 7, 2025

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has announced three finalists for the position of president at Big Sandy Community and Technical College following a nationwide search.

The finalists include:

--Larry Bailey, Ph.D., an accreditation committee peer reviewer and advisor for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

--Patsy Jackson, Ed.D., DNP, interim president and CEO of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College in Cumberland.

--James Walter Ross, Ed.D., most recently served as the president of Pamlico Community College, in Grantsboro, North Carolina.

“We are pleased to present this accomplished group of finalists to the community,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “Each finalist brings a unique perspective that supports our mission to empower students and strengthen Kentucky’s workforce—ensuring opportunity and prosperity for communities across the commonwealth.”

A public reception will be held on the Prestonsburg campus on Wed., May 14, from 4:30-6 p.m. EDT.

Candidate backgrounds:

Larry Bailey has previously served as the SACSCOC liaison and director of special projects, as well as vice president for academic affairs at Jackson State Community College in Jackson, Tennessee. He holds a doctorate in business administration from the University of Mississippi, along with an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Patsy Jackson formerly served as the dean of healthcare programs and program administrator for the associate degree nursing program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. She holds two doctorates — one in educational leadership and policy studies from Eastern Kentucky University and another in nursing practice from the University of Kentucky.

James Ross previously held roles as vice president for institutional advancement and development and as executive director for the Educational Foundation at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville. He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, and a master’s and a bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is assisting with the presidential search. More information about each finalist is available on the college’s website.