Ryan Quarles Takes Helm of Kentucky Community and Technical College System, Unveils Ambitious Vision for Education Reform

Versailles, Kentucky—In a transformative effort for the state’s community college system, Ryan Quarles was appointed president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in January 2024. KCTCS encompasses a central office in Versailles and includes 16 colleges with over 70 campuses statewide.

Quarles, a ninth-generation farmer from Scott County, brings extensive experience to his new role. His educational background includes advanced degrees from Vanderbilt University, Harvard University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky. Before leading KCTCS, he served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016 and acted as the state’s commissioner of agriculture from 2016 to 2023, managing a significant executive agency with over 200 employees.

Since taking charge at KCTCS, Quarles has laid out an ambitious vision for advancing community colleges in Kentucky. His comprehensive plan was presented to the KCTCS Board of Regents in June 2024 and aligns with the directives of Kentucky Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 179. This resolution mandates KCTCS to explore improvements for its system and report findings to state leaders.

In an interview, Quarles emphasized the value of education, recalling the influence of his mother, a lifelong educator. She pursued her PhD as an adult learner, motivating Quarles to complete his doctorate and pursue a path in public service focused on higher education.

Quarles highlighted KCTCS’s notable achievements, including the largest student body in Kentucky with over 100,000 students and an enrollment increase of more than 8% compared to last year. The institution plays a crucial role as the state’s primary provider of workforce training, interacting with over 7,000 Kentucky companies annually to meet local workforce needs.

Among key components of his vision, Quarles noted the importance of maintaining affordability while securing adequate funding. He acknowledged the challenges posed by an enrollment cliff due to declining birth rates since the 2008 recession and the growing skepticism concerning the value of a college degree. However, KCTCS aims to provide flexibility, enabling students to achieve their educational goals efficiently—80% of students receive financial aid, with many attending tuition-free.

As KCTCS adapts to the changing landscape of education, Quarles pointed out the ongoing demand for various skilled professions. He noted significant shortages in healthcare, particularly nursing, as well as in cybersecurity and hands-on skilled trades such as plumbing and electrical work. Quarles also stressed the importance of addressing workforce training needs for special groups, including former inmates and those pursuing their GEDs.

Looking ahead, KCTCS is poised to implement a reform package in the upcoming legislative session, aimed at enhancing program accessibility and collaboration across the state. By sharing successful programs among institutions, KCTCS seeks to ensure efficient use of resources and better preparing Kentuckians for the workforce.