Kilgore College is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the search for its 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.
The Kilgore College Board of Trustees will meet Monday, April 20, to name the sole finalist for the position of president of Kilgore College as part of the college’s ongoing presidential search process.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Stewart McLaurin Administration Building, 895 Ross Ave., in Kilgore, and is open to the public.
During the meeting, the board is expected to take action to approve and designate the finalist.
The selection follows a comprehensive search process that included a broad-based committee, which reviewed approximately 80 applications and narrowed the pool to four finalists. The KC Board of Trustees later narrowed the field to two finalists.
The process also included four public finalist forums and input from faculty, staff and community members who attended in person or via Zoom. The board will make the final selection of the sole finalist.
An executive session is also scheduled in accordance with Texas law to discuss personnel matters related to the presidential search. The board will reconvene in open session to consider action.
The selection of a sole finalist marks a key step in the presidential search process, with additional steps to follow in accordance with state requirements and board procedures.
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.
Wednesday, April 15: Dr. Staci Martin
Thursday, April 16: Dr. Tracee Watts
The forums are open to the public and will also be available via Zoom.
Dr. Staci Martin – 10:30 a.m.
Forum Zoom Link
Dr. Staci Martin – 1 p.m.
Forum Zoom Link
Dr. Tracee Watts – 10:30 a.m.
Forum Zoom Link
Dr. Tracee Watts – 1 p.m.
Forum Zoom Link
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
Learn more about the Kilgore College presidential search and review the full presidential profile below.
For additional information, nominations or confidential inquiries please contact: Bill Holda, Ed.D., ACCT Search Consultant, wmholda@gmail.com
or (903) 987-3332 (mobile).