President's Section

Originally from Harlan, Ky., Dr. Juston C. Pate has served as President and CEO of Elizabethtown Community and Technical College since January of 2017. Dr. Pate began his career in the classroom, teaching English and humanities at the high school level. From there, Dr. Pate transitioned to a career in higher education and became Provost of Maysville Community and Technical College and Interim President at Hazard Community and Technical College.

Dr. Pate started college at Southeast Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts. He attended Union College and Morehead State University and ultimately earned his Ph.D. in Higher Educational Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville.

He has become an active member of the Central Kentucky community and serves on many committees and boards including the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation, Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board and Hardin County Chamber of Commerce.

He has led ECTC through a great deal of growth including an expansion of the Workforce Solutions team to better serve employers throughout the region; establishing the Greater Knox Coding Academy, which provides a new pipeline of skilled IT professionals; and partnering with the U.S. Army Career Skills Program to connect soldiers across the globe with high quality training at ECTC and careers with Central Kentucky industries. He has also led the college in multiple initiatives to improve student success rates and access to high education, including plans for a University Center that will bring high-demand bachelor’s degree programs to Elizabethtown.

Dr. Pate remains committed to the college and our community and is excited about our future and vision for the Lincoln Trail Region!