Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce Dr. Kevin Ratliff as the vice president for partnerships, workforce and southern campuses. 

Ratliff previously served as dean of workforce and continuing education at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia. The role of dean included overseeing approximately 40-50 adjunct instructors and directing the operations of credited and non-credited programs, enrollment management, financial aid disbursement and marketing, among other duties.

He began his education at Southwest Virginia Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in general studies and education. He then went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics/education at King College and later achieved a Master of Science degree in mathematics from East Tennessee State University. Ratliff then earned his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia.

His educational achievements also include being a co-author of a 2006 entry in the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges Review called, “Examining Students’ Conceptions Using Sum Functions.”

He has served in several leadership roles, including most recently being a member of Blue Ridge’s Research and Assessment committee from 2021 through 2023.

Ratliff was also selected to participate as a member of prestigious organizations including participating in the American Association of Community Colleges’ John E. Roueche Future Leadership Institute in 2014 and participating in Lead Virginia, a statewide leadership program, in 2010. In 2003, he was also named a Chancellor Fellow while teaching at James Madison University.

As vice president for partnerships, workforce and southern campuses, Ratliff will collaborate with industries, businesses and community leaders for implementation and alignment of workforce programs. Additionally, he will lead the enhancement of Columbia State’s high school programs and the ongoing outreach of educational opportunities provided by the Lawrence, Lewisburg and Clifton campuses. As a member of the president’s cabinet, he will advise as to changes, trends and opportunities that are occurring in workforce and outreach education programs; and will represent Columbia State at workforce meetings of the College System of Tennessee and other state agencies, among other responsibilities, including his service as a member of the board of directors and executive board for the National Council for Workforce Education.

“Dr. Ratliff’s background is diverse and well matched to the position responsibilities of the vice president’s position,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “His extensive experience in workforce development at the institutional and national level will be impactful for the alignment of programs with current and future skills requirements. We are excited that he will be joining our Columbia State family.”