The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has announced the appointment of new leadership.
Dr. Phil Neal has been named Acting Executive Vice President and Provost.
Track Record Of Success
Neal has served as President and CEO of Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in Bowling Green for eleven years.
He brings to his new role more than 30 years of experience in higher education.
Neal previously served as the Provost at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Other past roles include serving as a community college faculty member for more than a decade and multiple roles in admissions, counseling and student affairs leadership.
“I am equally humbled and honored Dr. Quarles invited me to serve in this capacity during an exciting time in KCTCS’ history as we reimagine the future and design the best versions of ourselves,” Neal said. “I am proud of the work our faculty and staff perform every day across the commonwealth to help Kentuckians reach their dreams of a better life.”
Additionally, Neal has chaired the KCTCS Academic Council and served nationally on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Community Colleges and the National Advisory Board for the Center for Community College Student Engagement.
Proven Leadership
In 2024, Neal was a finalist for the American Association of Community College’s CEO of the Year Award.
Neal has provided senior-level leadership in academics, student affairs, institutional effectiveness, and corporate training.
“Dr. Neal is an accomplished leader who has done great things at SKYCTC, and I am excited to have him in this new role,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “He is an experienced college CEO with a deep understanding of KCTCS and our colleges. His track record of success in workforce development, academic affairs, and student success, as well as his proven ability to lead through times of change and transition will be instrumental to us as we work this year to build a roadmap for the successful future of KCTCS in our service to bettering the lives of our students and all Kentuckians.”
Neal serves on numerous boards and councils supporting Kentucky’s workforce and industry development.
Neal earned a doctoral degree in educational administration from the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wyoming.
He will assume his role on August 1.
KCTCS will begin the process of naming an Interim President of Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College soon.
For more information, visit kctcs.edu.
