Southeast hosts KCTCS Board of Regents, introduces new College Advisory Council
Published on Sep 10, 2026
Dr. Lee Harrison, chancellor of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, welcomed the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents, KCTCS leadership, and regional partners to the college on Thursday.
The Board of Regents conducted its quarterly meeting at Southeast, bringing system leaders and representatives from KCTCS colleges across the commonwealth to Southeast Kentucky.
Before the meeting, the college hosted a community breakfast. The event brought together regional leaders, elected officials, education partners, employers, and community organizations to recognize the partnerships supporting students and economic development throughout the region.
“It is always encouraging to see so many people who care deeply about the future of Southeast Kentucky gathered in one room,” Harrison said. “The success of our region depends on strong partnerships, and I appreciate each of you for the role you play in helping our communities grow and thrive.”
During the breakfast, Harrison also introduced Southeast’s newly appointed College Advisory Council. The council was appointed by Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of KCTCS, and includes representatives of businesses, schools, health care providers, economic development organizations, and community groups from across Southeast Kentucky.
Council members include:
- Bruce Carpenter, Corbin Economic Development
- Teresa Dotson, Mountain Comprehensive Health Corp.
- Larry Grandey, Crater City Coffee Co.
- Kateena Haynes, Boys & Girls Club of Appalachia
- Ed Harris, SEKRI
- Brett Johnson, Harlan County Schools
- Will Lambdin, Hearthside Bank
- Becky Miller, Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program
- Beau Masterson, Barbourville ARH Hospital
- Chris Thompson, Smithfield Foods
- Tom Vicini, Operation UNITE
- Jeremy Wilson, Bluegrass Natural Resources
- Kevin Lambert, SKCTC faculty representative
- Sharon Johnson, SKCTC staff representative
- A student representative will also serve on the council. This position will be voted on by the student body.
The council will advise and advocate for the college, providing regional insight to Harrison and Quarles. Its responsibilities include helping the college remain responsive to educational, workforce and economic development needs; strengthening relationships with employers and community organizations; advancing student success and workforce readiness; and serving as ambassadors for the college.
“The College Advisory Council will help ensure Southeast remains closely connected to the needs of our students, workforce, and communities,” Harrison said. “We are grateful for the experience, insight, and perspective these members bring, and we appreciate their willingness to serve.”
In welcoming guests, Quarles emphasized the importance of community partnerships, workforce development, and the role Kentucky’s community colleges play in creating opportunities close to home.
“The word ‘community’ is intentional across our 16 colleges,” Quarles said. He encouraged employers and community leaders to work directly with Southeast to build a strong local workforce pipeline, noting that community colleges are deeply connected to the regions they serve.
During her presentation to the Board of Regents, Harrison discussed Southeast’s service to approximately 100,000 people across four counties and six campuses. She highlighted the college’s role in student success, employer engagement, and organizational excellence, as well as its commitment to helping people build a future in Southeast Kentucky.
“For much of our service area, we are the primary institution of higher education,” Harrison said. “We are often the front door to opportunity. Quite simply, we are the hope of the mountains.”
The visit also gave Southeast an opportunity to share the region’s heritage, businesses, and workforce needs with leaders from across Kentucky while highlighting the college’s impact on students, families, employers and communities.
