Lone finalist for president named

KILGORE – Following the months-long nationwide search, Dr. Staci Martin was named as the lone finalist for President of Kilgore College on Monday. The search for the college’s next leader began in 2025, after former Kilgore College President Brenda Kays announced her retirement. Martin, who was the college’s interim president, and Tracee Watts, from Brazosport College, were chosen as the two lone finalists in March.

On Monday night at a board of trustees meeting, Martin was named as the lone finalist.

“As this process has continued, we realize that Dr. Martin was the right choice and we’re all thrilled to have her,” Kilgore College Board of Trustees President Josh Edmonson said. “[…] Dr. Martin has done a phenomenal job in the last six months as interim president. So we have no doubt that she will do a fantastic job leading the college.”

Martin previously held the role of vice president of organizational effectiveness and excellence for the college before being named the interim president in October of last year.
“I couldn’t be happier to have this honor to be entrusted by the board of trustees with this role as president of Kilgore College,” Martin said. 

Martin looks to lead the college by example and is ready to focus on student experience as she steps into this role. 

“My leadership style is I really focus on modeling the way and showing people how things should be done as far as interactions with other people,” Martin said. “I also like to focus on having integrity, striving for excellence, and doing what you say you will do.”

The college will now wait for the required 21 days mandated by the state before officially appointing Martin as its 10th president.