In just a few weeks Ryan Quarles will go from heading the state’s top agricultural agency to leading a primary postsecondary education system.
Quarles starts his new job as president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System January first. He is wrapping up eight years of heading the State Department of Agriculture. The Scott County native said he wants to solve, quote, “workforce development issues in Kentucky.”
“We have a lot of job openings in our state and we need to make sure that we have the training and classroom instruction necessary so that any Kentuckian can better themselves for a great job here in Kentucky,” said Quarles.
Regarding enrollment, Quarles said KCTCS will be aggressive with its message. He said that will be if students want to spend a year and a half or two with instruction and training and have a starting salary at $80,000 or more, enroll in a community and technical college.
The newly named president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System knows a thing or two about the Kentucky General Assembly. Ryan Quarles spent four years in the State House of Representatives and then time as Ag commissioner. Quarles said he will be very visible on the Capitol grounds.
“I start January first. The General Assembly starts January second and that’s where you’re gonna find me advocating for the resources that I think that not just legislators but the business community would value as wise investments to help solve our workforce needs.”
Quarles noted the Commonwealth has a need for more skilled laborers but adds KCTCS is a school for those who want to start a traditional academic program as well. And the soon-to-be system head added about one-third of KCTCS enrollees are high school students in dual-credit classes.
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