VERSAILLES, Ky. — Two Eastern Kentucky colleges have new temporary leaders, as the Kentucky Community and Technical College System appointed interim presidents to oversee them until permanent leaders are selected.

Dr. Todd Brand has been chosen to serve as interim president of Big Sandy Community and Technical College, following the announcement last month of Dr. Scott Rule’s departure.

Brand has 20 years of experience working with community colleges and currently serves as chief academic officer of Ashland Community and Technical College.

Meanwhile, Dr. Patsy Jackson has been selected as interim president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Jackson has 30 years of experience in higher education and is a current member of the KCTCS Board of Regents. She will step down from the board to take on the new role.

Jackson is a familiar face in local education, having served numerous roles at Big Sandy, including dean of health care, and having taught at the University of Pikeville, Morehead State University and Indiana Wesleyan.

Brand and Jackson will both begin their new jobs on May 6.