UPDATE 6/27/12
ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Dr. Patricia Adkins is the new as president of Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC).

The announcement was made by Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) President Michael B. McCall.

Dr. Adkins is the current president of Yuba College in California. She will succeed Dr. Greg Adkins who is retiring June 30. She will begin the position on September 1.

“Dr. Adkins’ extensive experience and proven record of success as president of Yuba College will provide this college and community with the strong leadership needed to fulfill its mission of providing education and training to improve regional economic growth and increase opportunities for all local residents,” said Dr. McCall.

Prior to her tenure at Yuba College, Dr. Adkins held positions in higher education in four states including: provost, Columbus State Community College; CEO, EpiCenter Campus, St. Petersburg College; associate vice president of educational and student services, St. Petersburg; director of business and industry training, Moraine Valley Community College; director of grants, Shawnee Community College; director of small business development center, Shawnee Community College; and training specialist, Shawnee Community College.

"I am honored to accept the position as President of Ashland Community and Technical College," said Dr. Kay Adkins. "Yesterday's visit reaffirmed the impression that Barry and I have of the community. The people were honest and welcoming and we look forward to relocating to the tri-state area."

Dr. Adkins received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Southern Illinois University. She went on to receive her master’s degree in education and vocational studies from Southern Illinois University, and a doctorate in educational administration from Illinois State University.

ACTC was founded in 1938 and currently has an enrollment of more than 4,900 students on three campuses.

Dr. Gregory D. Adkins is retiring, effective June 30, 2012. Adkins has served as president of ACTC for the past 11 years. He has been president at colleges in three states over the past three decades.

Adkins started in July 2001 as President of Ashland Community College and CEO of the KCTCS Ashland District that included Ashland Technical College.

During his tenure, the two colleges consolidated and became Ashland Community and Technical College. In the past ten years, enrollment grew from 3,436 to nearly 5,000 students.

More than 50 diploma, certificate and degree options were added, and numerous transfer agreements were signed with area college and universities.

The new Technology Drive Campus was built, construction of a new Cosmetology Building at College Drive has just been completed, and construction is underway on a new Child Development Center.