Three finalists in the running for president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
Published on May 2, 2025
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has announced the three finalists for the next president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College following a national search.
The finalists are:
- Samuel Todd Brand, Ph.D., interim president and CEO of Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg.
- Lisa Blair-Cox, DBA, undergraduate department chair and assistant professor of business at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn.
- Andrea Lee Harrison, Ed.D., chief advancement officer and dean of advancement and public relations at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College in Cumberland.
“We are excited to bring forward three outstanding finalists, each bringing leadership experience and a deep commitment to the mission of community colleges — providing high-quality, accessible and affordable education through academic, transfer, and career and technical education pathways,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “The search committee looks forward to engaging the campus and community in this important decision.”
Interviews will be conducted in early May. As part of the process, a public community forum will be held Tuesday, May 6 from 5-7:30 p.m. EDT on the Cumberland campus.
Brand earlier served as chief academic officer at Ashland Community and Technical College and for nearly two decades in various positions at Meridian Community College in Meridian, Mississippi.
Brand holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College.
Blair-Cox has served in various roles at Lincoln Memorial University, including assistant professor of business and vice president for administration.
She holds a doctorate in business administration with a concentration in human resource management from Northcentral University and a master’s degree from Golden Gate University and a bachelor’s from Lincoln Memorial University.
Blair-Cox is also a graduate of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Prior to joining Southeast, Harrison spent more than two decades at Milligan University in a range of roles, including vice president for enrollment and marketing and associate professor of communications. Earlier, she served as vice president for partner services at Clark Higher Ed.
Harrison holds a doctorate in higher education leadership and a master’s degree from Regent University and a bachelor’s degree from Milligan University.
KCTCS expects to announce the new president in May with a summer start date that will be determined at a later date.
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is handling the search. More information on the candidates is available on the website.
