KCTCS President Ryan Quarles visits SCC for “Focus on the Future” Tour

Published on Apr 12, 2024

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Ryan Quarles visited Somerset Community College (SCC) today as part of his statewide “Focus on the Future” Tour. He participated in a listening session with SCC leadership, a tour of campus, visits to several classes, an open forum with faculty and staff, and a luncheon with many local community leaders.

During the community leader luncheon Dr. Quarles urged support for Somerset Community College and KCTCS. He highlighted key priorities: mental health, workforce development, and making higher education accessible to all Kentuckians. Dr. Quarles aims to position KCTCS as Kentucky's premier resource for skilled workers, driving economic growth and opportunity.

According to an independent study conducted by Lightcast, a well-respected labor market analytics firm, KCTCS added $3.9 billion in annual income to Kentucky’s economy during fiscal year 2022-2023, equal to 1.6% of the Bluegrass State’s gross product.

Former Kentucky State Representative, Danny Ford, praised Dr. Quarles and KCTCS during the luncheon by saying, “Kentucky has done well. I know the type of work Dr. Quarles does. He’s going to take the community college system to the next level.”

“The Focus on the Future Tour is a great opportunity to meet with leadership, faculty and staff, business leaders and stakeholders,” Quarles said. “KCTCS is a jobs juggernaut and the commonwealth’s premier workforce solution for the entire business community. Today drove those points home. We also identified emerging opportunities to advance important partnerships, innovations and solutions for workforce and economic development across Kentucky.”

View more photos from the visit with Dr. Quarles at somersetcc.info/QuarlesVisitsSCC.