Paul Czarapata named Kentucky Community and Technical College System President

Following a nationwide search, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has named Paul Czarapata as their new president.

Czarapata has been serving as interim president since October after the departure of former KCTCS President Jay Box. Prior to that, he was a KCTCS vice president and chief information officer, responsible for the technology needs of the 16 colleges as well as the Versailles office and has been with KCTCS since 2000 serving in various roles.

“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to become the third president of KCTCS,” he said. “As soon as it’s safe to do so, I plan to get out to all corners of the state and make sure everyone knows the face of KCTCS. We are Kentucky’s largest provider of postsecondary education, and I want to make sure Kentuckians understand what we offer them.”

Czarapata earned a bachelor’s degree in operations management and information systems from Northern Illinois University. He was also awarded a master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in instructional technology leadership, both from Morehead State University.

He becomes the third president of the college system since it was created by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1997.

“Having been involved in the search for this position, I am confident Dr. Czarapata will do a fantastic job in this role. The business community has worked closely with KCTCS and Dr. Czarapata for many years to help move Kentucky’s workforce into the future and we look forward to a bright future as we continue to work together,” Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts said Thursday.