KCTCS President Ryan Quarles has announced the appointment of Dr. Patsy Jackson as interim president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. Dr. Jackson brings 30 years of leadership and experience in higher education to this role. She is stepping down as a longtime member of the Board of Regents to assume this interim position which begins May 6, 2024.

“I believe Dr. Jackson will be a great fit and knows Eastern Kentucky well,” said Dr. Quarles. “I know Dr. Jackson will bring energy and excitement along with her experience to this interim role—she is a native of Eastern Kentucky and cares deeply for the 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. I am thankful for her willingness to serve during this time of transition, and I know she is committed to doing her part to make a positive impact in this role.”

“I am happy to welcome Dr. Jackson aboard,” said Dr. Jennifer Lindon, president of Hazard Community and Technical College, who has served as acting president of SKCTC since December 2023. “I feel privileged to have served the College for the spring semester, and I thank Dr. Quarles and KCTCS leadership for entrusting me with this position. The courteous and capable faculty and staff at SKCTC have been a pleasure to work with. I know that Dr. Jackson will be impressed with the important work they do on behalf of students across our service region.”

Dr. Jackson previously served as dean of healthcare programs at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, and program administrator for the associate degree in nursing, also at Big Sandy. Prior to that, she served the college as the program coordinator of health science technology, as associate dean of academic affairs, and as program administrator for licensed practical nursing. Dr. Jackson has also held faculty positions in nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University, University of Pikeville, and Morehead State University. She was also a presidential fellow for the Tennessee Valley Corridor Consortium Council of Presidents.

Dr. Jackson earned a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Kentucky, a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Kentucky, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Kentucky and several post-master’s certifications also in her field. She is also a community college graduate, earning her associate degree in applied science nursing from Prestonsburg Community College, the forerunner of Big Sandy Community and Technical College.