[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 165 (Wednesday, September 23, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DR. JAY BOX

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, more than 100,000 Kentuckians choose 
every year to pursue a degree or develop their skills through the 
Kentucky Community and Technical College System, KCTCS. Composed of 16 
colleges within a short drive of virtually every Kentucky household, 
KCTCS has helped over 1 million Kentucky students receive an affordable 
and quality education. Today, I would like to recognize my friend, Dr. 
Jay Box, who has served as KCTCS' second president for the last 5 years 
and is a leading architect of its success. As Jay retires at the end of 
this month, my home State will send him off with our sincere gratitude.
  Nearly two decades ago, Jay and his wife Gayle left Texas to join 
KCTCS. I am so glad they did. Jay brought with him a personal belief in 
the importance of lifelong learning to adapt to a changing workforce. 
That vision has served Jay and KCTCS' students well while preparing 
them for 21st century careers.
  Jay was quickly recognized for his transformative leadership at 
Hazard Community and Technical College. Tapping into his talent, he was 
given statewide responsibilities as KCTCS vice president, chancellor, 
then finally its president. In each role, Jay has constantly delivered 
for Kentucky students.
  As president, Jay placed a renewed emphasis on helping students 
complete their degrees with a record number of graduates and 
credentials. He also encouraged schools to remove barriers, to support 
students pursuing GEDs and college credit at the same time, and to form 
partnerships with job creators to close the skills gap. As a result, 
graduates are gaining the skills to meet local employers' demands and 
enter the workforce prepared to fill good-paying jobs.
  His many achievements have brought national acclaim for both Jay and 
KCTCS. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Advisor to the 
President Ivanka Trump appointed him to be the voice for community 
colleges on the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. Jay 
collaborates with leaders from educational institutions, governments, 
and some of the country's largest employers to increase preparedness in 
the workforce. Jay is also a member of the national board for 
Rebuilding America's Middle Class and the Bill and Melinda Gates 
Foundation's National Advisory Group.
  I have had the privilege to work directly with Jay to serve 
Kentucky's students. I am particularly grateful for his leadership to 
save Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, SKCTC, from 
losing its ability to offer Federal student aid. Working closely with 
Jay, I inserted a legislative provision to give the school a reasonable 
opportunity to make its case to the U.S. Department of Education. Jay 
and his team did just that, showing SKCTC's many contributions to its 
students and community. I am proud to say the school continues to 
thrive and help prepare Kentucky students to excel in the workforce.
  Jay announced he would begin his well-deserved retirement in July. 
However, when the coronavirus crisis struck, he once again showed true 
leadership. Jay delayed his retirement to continue serving Kentucky's 
students and ensure KCTCS received the steady leadership transition it 
deserves.
  Over the years, Jay has helped educate students, encourage industry, 
and drive growth in nearly every corner of Kentucky. It is a remarkable 
legacy, and I hope he and Gayle are proud of their accomplishments. I 
ask my Senate colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Jay Box on 
his retirement and to wish him many wonderful years to come.

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