Southeast College Advisory Council holds first meeting, elects officers

HARLAN, Ky. – The College Advisory Council of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College held its first meeting Nov. 3, marking the beginning of the council’s work to advise college leadership and strengthen connections between Southeast and the communities it serves.

During the meeting, the council adopted bylaws and elected its inaugural officers. Ed Harris was elected chair, Will Lambdin vice chair, and Becky Miller secretary. The officers were elected unanimously.

“This council brings together an exceptional group of leaders who understand our communities, our employers, and the opportunities and challenges facing our region,” said SKCTC Chancellor Lee Harrison. “Their insight will be invaluable as we work to strengthen opportunities for our students and better serve southeastern Kentucky.”

Members of the College Advisory Council are:

Beau Masterson, CEO, Barbourville ARH
Becky Miller, executive director, EKCEP
Brett Johnson, superintendent, Harlan County Schools
Bruce Carpenter, executive director, Corbin Economic Development
Chris Thompson, HR officer, Smithfield Foods
Ed Harris, chair, SEKRI
Jeremy Wilson, director of safety/HR, Bluegrass Natural Resources
Kateena Haynes, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Appalachia
Larry Grandey, business owner, Crater City Coffee Co.
Teresa Dotson, COO, MCHC
Tom Vicini, president/CEO, Operation UNITE
Will Lambdin, internal auditor, Hearthside Bank
Kevin Lambert, faculty representative
Sharon Johnson, staff representative
Lilly Caballero, student representative
The council discussed several regional and college priorities during its first meeting, including health care workforce development, student engagement, dual-credit opportunities, skilled trades, and increasing awareness of Southeast’s programs and services throughout the region.

Harrison also provided updates on enrollment, workforce development, employer partnerships, finances, accreditation, and future training opportunities. The discussion included development of Southeast’s strategic priorities focused on student, workforce, and organizational success.

The College Advisory Council brings together representatives from business, education, health care, economic development, workforce development, and community organizations, along with faculty, staff, and student representatives. Council members will provide feedback on regional needs, identify opportunities for partnerships, and help strengthen the college’s connections with employers and communities.

“I am grateful these leaders have agreed to lend their experience, expertise, and voices to Southeast,” Harrison said. “We want to listen to the region and ensure the work we are doing responds to the needs of our students, employers and communities.”

The College Advisory Council will meet quarterly and provide feedback on regional needs, potential partnerships, and opportunities to advance the college and the communities it serves. More information can be found at https://southeast.kctcs.edu/about/leadership/college-advisory-council.aspx.