KCTCS Board of Regents Policies

Administrative Structure of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System

1. Purpose

This policy describes the administrative governance structure of KCTCS.

2. Scope

This policy applies to the entire System. 

3. Policy

3.1 Governing Body for KCTCS

Through KRS 164.310, the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky created the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. KRS 164.321 authorized a Board of Regents to act as the sole governing body for the KCTCS. Based on the statutory provisions of KRS 164.290 to 164.475,  KRS 164.575 to KRS 164.600, and the added fiscal responsibilities outlined in KRS 164A, the Board has the legal duty, obligation, and authority to establish a governance framework that furthers the ability of the faculty and staff to fully meet the KCTCS statutory role of delivering “access throughout the Commonwealth to a two (2) year course of general studies designed for transfer to a baccalaureate program, the training necessary to develop a workforce with the skills to meet the needs of new and existing industries, and remedial and continuing education to improve the employability of citizens.” (KRS 164.003(2)(e))

To effectively govern, the Board of Regents shall appoint a president who serves as chief executive officer, recommending policies for adoption by the Board, carrying out Board policies and procedures, performing necessary administrative duties, and recommending to the Board appointment of faculty and hiring of all other employees necessary to efficiently operate the System. (KRS 164.360(1)(b)) Although the KCTCS President shall serve as the KCTCS chief executive officer, pursuant to KRS 164.365, the Board shall retain exclusive jurisdiction and control over  “appointments, qualifications, salaries, and compensation…promotions, and official relations of all employees”. As such, the Board’s jurisdiction extends to the entire system of sixteen colleges and the system office.

3.2 KCTCS President and College Presidents

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System President is the chief executive officer of the System with administrative authority delegated from the Board of Regents. The College Presidents are the chief executive officers of the colleges that make up the System. They report to and have authority delegated from the KCTCS President.

1. Qualifications and Credentials

   The Board requires the following minimum qualifications and credentials for the KCTCS President and College Presidents:
   
   1. For the KCTCS President
      • An earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
      • Experience to include a sufficient number of years that would provide time to learn and improve upon the leadership skills necessary to lead a complex system of colleges providing a wide spectrum of general education, technical training, and workforce education; and
      • A variety of experience that assists the President in developing an understanding of the elements necessary to ensure the KCTCS fulfills its multi-factored role as established in KRS 164.003(2)(e).
   2. For College Presidents
      • An earned doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
      • Experience in higher education to include a sufficient number of years that would provide time to learn and improve upon the leadership skills necessary to lead a college providing general education, technical training, and workforce education to their community; and
      • Proven experience in providing quality educational experiences for students at varying levels of college readiness.

3.3 Delegation of Authority

The KCTCS President has authority over the administration of the academic, business, and fiscal operations of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Notwithstanding this delegation of administrative authority, the KCTCS President may not perform duties reserved to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Board of Regents without ratification or approval.

The KCTCS President is responsible for all official communication with the Board of Regents, the Council on Postsecondary Education, and governmental and external agencies and has specific responsibilities for the policy, planning, and development functions of the System. The Chancellor and the Vice Presidents of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the KCTCS College Presidents report to the President.

As the chief executive officer of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, the KCTCS President is authorized by the Board of Regents to promulgate administrative policies and procedures. The President shall, in the operation of System affairs, interpret existing policies and procedures and establish new administrative policies and procedures.