Dr. Juston Pate named HCTC Interim President

Kentucky Community and Technical College (KCTCS) President Dr. Jay K. Box announced Nov. 18 that Dr. Juston Pate, provost at Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC), has been named interim president of Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC).

Dr. Pate s experience at MCTC and understanding of KCTCS make him a great fit for the interim position at HCTC, Box said. Because of my experience serving as president there, I know what a friendly and hospitable college and community we have in Hazard, and I m sure Dr. Pate will be warmly welcomed.

Before serving as MCTC provost, Pate served as chief academic officer, interim academic dean and assistant dean of academics. He also served as principal of Mason County Area Technology Center, director of student services at Mason County High School and taught at Mason County and Harlan High Schools.

Pate began his postsecondary education at Southeast Community and Technical College earning an associate of arts degree. He earned a bachelor of science degree in secondary English education from Union College and a master s degree in educational administration and a rank 1 from Morehead State University. Pate earned a doctorate in higher educational leadership and organizational development from the University of Louisville and is pursuing a second associate degree in applied science at MCTC.

It s an honor and a privilege to be selected for this role, Pate said. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and board of this excellent college, and getting to know the community.

Pate, a Harlan native, will begin his new role on Jan. 4. A presidential profile development committee will be created in December and national search will begin in January. The new president will be named in April with a proposed start date of June 1.