Somerset Community College Chancellor Dr. Carey Castle announces retirement following distinguished career of service

Somerset Community College (SCC) Chancellor Dr. Carey W. Castle has announced his plans to retire effective June 30, 2027, after nine years of leadership at SCC and a distinguished professional career spanning military service and higher education.

Since assuming leadership of SCC on July 1, 2018, Castle has guided the college through a period of growth, innovation and change, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening workforce partnerships and championing student success throughout southcentral Kentucky.

Among the defining accomplishments of his tenure is the establishment of the University Center of Southern Kentucky (UCSK) in partnership with U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and regional universities, which opened in fall 2019. UCSK created new pathways for students to earn bachelor's degrees close to home, expanding access to higher education and helping meet the educational and workforce needs of the region.

Castle also led SCC through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, working alongside faculty and staff to adapt instructional delivery, maintain essential services and support students during a period of significant uncertainty.

In the years that followed, SCC continued to build momentum through enrollment growth, program expansion and investments in workforce education. In the 2026-27 academic year, SCC is projected to exceed 9,500 students, up from 7,801 in 2018-19. SCC is currently seeing the largest percentage increase (for Fall 2026 enrollment) in all of KCTCS, reflecting the college's continued efforts to expand access and respond to student and community needs.

Under Castle's leadership, SCC has also advanced several major initiatives, including the launch of the Fixed Wing Pilot program, the expansion of healthcare education through the most recent being Diagnostic Medical Sonography, investments in career and technical education through the new Laurel Technical Building project, and advancements in additive manufacturing, including 3D concrete printing technology. Another significant development during Castle's tenure was the expansion of SCC's workforce training capabilities with the opening of the Valley Oak Center, which serves as a hub for industry-focused education and workforce development.

The college's contributions to the region were further recognized in 2024 when SCC received the Business of the Year Award in the 201–500 employee category from the Somerset Pulaski Chamber of Commerce.

"Serving as Chancellor of Somerset Community College has been the highlight of my professional career. There is nothing more rewarding than working alongside the dedicated people at SCC and throughout our communities to help students achieve their goals. We have always kept our ‘Main Thing—Student Success’ at the heart of everything we do. Seeing students walk across the stage to receive their credentials, knowing they are taking the next step toward a better life, is one of the greatest joys of this work. I am deeply grateful for the support of the people and communities throughout our 13-county service region, and I look forward to remaining an active part of this wonderful community in retirement."

Prior to joining SCC, Castle served as vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Northland Community and Technical College in Minnesota. His extensive background in higher education also includes leadership and teaching positions at Greenville Technical College in South Carolina.

Before his career in higher education, Castle served 26 years in the United States Air Force, bringing a foundation of service, leadership and dedication to his work in education.

Castle earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in Education from Valdosta State University in Georgia; and two associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.

Throughout his tenure, Castle has emphasized collaboration and community engagement, working closely with faculty, staff, students, business and industry partners, and community leaders to advance SCC's mission and create opportunities throughout its 13-county service region.

Although retiring from his professional career, Castle plans to remain actively involved in the community, including continuing his service on the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport Board.

“Dr. Carey Castle has dedicated many years of service to Somerset Community College, and his leadership has made a lasting impact on the college, its students and the communities it serves. Throughout his tenure, Carey has been a strong advocate for expanding educational opportunities, supporting student success, and strengthening connections between the college and the workforce needs of the region. His commitment to Somerset Community College and the entire KCTCS family is deeply appreciated, and his contributions will be felt for years to come.

“I want to personally thank Carey for his leadership, friendship, and service, and wish him and his family all the best as he begins this well-deserved retirement.

“We will be conducting a national search for the next SCC Chancellor,” said Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.