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Presidential Search

presidential search

Kilgore College is embarking on an exciting new chapter as we begin the search for our next president.

Kilgore College’s new president will play a vital role in shaping the future of our institution, guiding our mission to serve students, strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for growth and innovation. The search process is inclusive and transparent, with input from faculty, staff, students and community members to help ensure we find a president who reflects our values and vision.

Public forums set April 15-16 for kc presidential finalists

Public forums for Kilgore College presidential finalists Dr. Staci Martin and Dr. Tracee Watts will be held April 15 and April 16 in the Devall Student Center Ballroom on the Kilgore campus.

Each finalist will participate in two forums, including morning and afternoon sessions, providing opportunities to hear directly from each candidate.

The forums are open to the public and will also be available via Zoom.

Attendees will be able to provide feedback on each candidate through a survey, with a link distributed following each forum.

“The board of trustees encourages faculty, staff, students and community members to attend these public forums and share their input as we work to select the next president of Kilgore College,” said Josh Edmonson, president of the KC Board of Trustees. “Engagement from our campus and community stakeholders is an important part of this process, and we value the perspectives they will provide.”

VIEW COMPLETE BIOS OF THE TWO FINALISTS HERE

During each forum, candidates will be asked a consistent set of questions to ensure a fair and balanced process. The questions will focus on their leadership approach, professional experience, and vision for the future of KC. The Q&A portion will be facilitated by Kara Sharman, Vice President of Operations. To maintain consistency, questions will not be taken from the audience during the forums.

However, if you would like to submit a question for consideration, please email Amber Stewart at astewart@kilgore.edu by noon on Monday, April 13.

Dr. Staci Martin
Dr. Tracee Watts

SCHEDULE:


Wednesday, April 15: Dr. Staci Martin

  • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Devall Ballroom)
  • 1 to 2 p.m. (Devall Ballroom)


Thursday, April 16: Dr. Tracee Watts

  • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Devall Ballroom)
  • 1 to 2 p.m. (Devall Ballroom)


ZOOM LINKS:

The forums are open to the public and will also be available via Zoom.


APRIL 15:

Dr. Staci Martin – 10:30 a.m.
Forum Zoom Link

  • Webinar ID – 858 4614 1691
  • Passcode – 696358


Dr. Staci Martin – 1 p.m.
Forum Zoom Link

  • Webinar ID – 823 8255 9170
  • Passcode – 827774

APRIL 16:

Dr. Tracee Watts – 10:30 a.m.
Forum Zoom Link

  • Webinar ID – 865 4773 9917
  • Passcode – 124187


Dr. Tracee Watts – 1 p.m.
Forum Zoom Link

  • Webinar ID – 838 4524 3295
  • Passcode – 917785
Forum Format:
At the conclusion of each forum, attendees will be invited to complete a brief survey to provide feedback. In-person participants may access the survey via QR code. Those attending via Zoom may request the survey link by emailing Amber Stewart. The survey will open at 11:30 a.m. and will close promptly at 5 p.m. on the day of each forum.
 
Additional interviews with the Strategic Leadership Team and the KC Board of Trustees will also take place, and survey feedback will be shared with the trustees in advance of their interviews. Thank you in advance for your engagement and for helping shape the future leadership of Kilgore College. Your voice matters, and we appreciate your participation in this important process.

Two finalists selected in Kilgore College presidential search

STATEMENT FROM JOSH EDMONSON, KC BOARD PRESIDENT:

“The Kilgore College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that we have selected two finalists for the president of Kilgore College. We would like to thank the entire college community for your continued interest and support in the process to identify our next president. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each member of the Presidential Search Committee for their exceptional insight, work and effort.”

The Kilgore College president finalists (in alphabetical order): Dr. Staci Martin & Dr. Tracee Watts

VIEW FINALISTS' FULL BIOS

Learn more about the Kilgore College presidential search and review the full presidential profile below.

KC PRESIDENTIAL PROFILE
  • Amber Stewart, Staff Liaison to the Search Committee; Executive Assistant, HR & Office of the President
Members of the Board of Trustees
  • Joshua Edmonson, KC Board President & Search Committee Chair
  • Janice Bagley, KC Trustee
  • Jason Steele, KC Trustee
Economic Development Leader
  • Lisa Denton, KEDC Executive Director
KC Foundation Officer
  • Michael Clements Jr., President, KC Foundation
Local ISD Leader
  • Dr. Andy Baker, Superintendent, Kilgore ISD
Local Hospital/Health Care Leadership
  • Teresa Halcomb, Chief Nursing Officer, CHRISTUS Health
Local Industry Employer/Leader
  • Samantha Jennings, HR Leader, Eastman Chemical
City of Kilgore
  • Ronnie Spradlin, Kilgore Mayor
City of Longview
  • Kristen Ishihara, Longview Mayor
Kilgore College Employees
  • Brandon Walker, Dean of Dual Credit
  • Chris Craddock, Associate Director of Communications & Public Relations / Public Information Officer / Sports Information Director
  • Ben Avedikian, Executive Director of Facilities Services
  • Terence Mathis, Director of Campus Life
  • Brandon Belken, Interim Dean of Public Services and Industrial Technologies
  • Jason Graves, Interim Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts
  • Traci Thompson, Assistant Department Chair, Business & Information Technology / Administrative Office Professional Lead Instructor
  • Sheri Gillis, Director of Nursing Programs
  • Olivia Moore, Director of Auxiliary Enterprises

For additional information, nominations or confidential inquiries please contact: Bill Holda, Ed.D., ACCT Search Consultant, wmholda@gmail.com
or (903) 987-3332 (mobile).