Dr. Jay Box has officially took over the leadership of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Friday as the second president of the statewide system of 16 colleges.
Maysville Community and Technical College is a part of KCTCS.
As the former KCTCS chancellor, he announced his vision for the system as being the fulfillment of students’ dreams.
“My vision for KCTCS is to be the students’ Dreamcatcher,” said Box. "I envision a future where all of our students’ dreams translate into communities with a college-educated workforce, ready and able to fill the needs of local business and industry. “
In November, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents Chair P.G. Peeples Sr. announced Box had been named the preferred candidate in the search for the next KCTCS president.
Box takes over following the retirement of KCTCS founding president Dr. Michael B. McCall.
Since its founding, KCTCS has had a significant impact on both the state’s educational attainment rate and economy, according to a spokesperson for the system. In a recent National Center of Higher Education Management Systems report KCTCS is ranked fourth in the nation for total credentials awarded among the nation’s community and technical college systems, and fifth in enrollment growth.
“Jay Box has a strong background in and love of community college,” said Peeples. “Like me, he’s a community college graduate. His experience as a faculty member, college president and KCTCS chancellor uniquely qualify him to understand the system at all levels. I’m so energized by his vision for students and his emphasis on completion. There’s no one better to lead KCTCS into its second chapter.”
Additionally on Friday (Jan. 16) in a special meeting, the KCTCS Board of Regents approved a presidential contract that includes an annual salary of $345,000 and a $24,000 car allowance. The package does not include any deferred compensation, housing allowance or performance bonus.
“Both Dr. Box and the board have negotiated a contract we believe is fair and equitable given the current public higher education climate,” said Peeples.
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