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Kilgore Today
By the People, for the People
Kilgore College Honors Retiring President After Decade of Leadership
Dr. Brenda Kays steps down after 10 years as college president, interim leader appointed
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Kilgore College in Texas celebrated the retirement of its president, Dr. Brenda Kays, who has led the college for the past 10 years. During her tenure, Kays oversaw the development of new programs, facilities, and partnerships, helping the college achieve record enrollment. The college hosted a retirement celebration for Kays and has appointed Dr. Staci Pollan Martin as interim president while they search for a permanent replacement.
Why it matters
Kilgore College is an important community institution in East Texas, providing higher education and workforce training opportunities. Kays' decade-long leadership has helped the college grow and adapt to serve the region's needs, making her retirement a significant transition for the college and the local community.
The details
Dr. Brenda Kays first started serving as Kilgore College's president in 2016 and has overseen numerous accomplishments during her 10-year tenure, including the development of new academic programs, facilities, and partnerships that have helped the college achieve record enrollment. On Thursday, the college hosted a retirement celebration for Kays at the campus' Torrence Health Science Education Center.
- Dr. Brenda Kays began serving as Kilgore College president in 2016.
- Kays will stay on as president until February 28, 2026.
- The college has appointed Dr. Staci Pollan Martin to serve as interim president while they search for a new permanent president.
The players
Dr. Brenda Kays
The retiring president of Kilgore College, who has led the institution for the past 10 years.
Dr. Staci Pollan Martin
The interim president appointed by Kilgore College while they search for a new permanent president.
Kilgore College
A community college located in Kilgore, Texas that provides higher education and workforce training opportunities to the region.
What they’re saying
“From my very first day on campus, I knew this college was something special. What makes it extraordinary is not the buildings, projects, or even the record enrollment though those are impressive accomplishments we can all be proud of. What truly matters are the people.”
— Dr. Brenda Kays, Retiring President (KETK)
What’s next
The college's board of trustees will conduct a search for a new permanent president to replace the retiring Dr. Brenda Kays.
The takeaway
Dr. Brenda Kays' decade-long leadership has helped Kilgore College grow and adapt to better serve the East Texas community. Her retirement marks a significant transition for the college, which will now search for a new permanent president to build on her accomplishments and continue the college's mission.
