Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles has been chosen as the fourth president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Quarles, a native of Kentucky and former community college student, was selected following a national search. The college system said he brings proven statewide leadership and a strong educational background in higher education administration to the position.
Quarles holds seven college degrees, including a doctorate in higher education administration, and is expected to be a tireless advocate and strong communicator for KCTCS.
He fills the vacancy left by the resignation of Paul Czarapata in February.
The KCTCS Presidential Search Committee and AGB Search, a search firm, conducted an extensive search that yielded 43 applicants. The committee received input from various stakeholders and conducted outreach to potential candidates across the nation.
KCTCS Board of Regents Chair Barry Martin expressed gratitude to the search committee for their thorough and transparent process.
He will start the job on January 1, 2024, after completing his second term as the state’s commissioner of agriculture.
