MAC's Gilgour Named Finalist for National Award

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Officials at Mineral Area College are pleased to announce college President, Dr. Joe Gilgour, is has been named one of four finalists for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) CEO of the Year award. This national recognition celebrates Gilgour's exceptional leadership and commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students and the community.

Since assuming the presidency in 2019, Gilgour has significantly broadened MAC's reach and impact on the region. His strategic vision has included increasing the college's service area, most notably by expanding to and establishing an outreach center in Cape Girardeau. These strategic initiatives, along with others, have reversed previous enrollment declines and opened doors to quality, affordable education for a greater number of students.

Gilgour's leadership and advocacy, both locally and in Jefferson City, have been essential in securing crucial funding for the college. Gilgour has been instrumental in securing nearly $25 million in public and private funding over the past five years. These funds have allowed a significant expansion of MAC Tech industry and technology education offerings.

This funding has enabled MAC to add over 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art MAC Tech facilities dedicated to career training on the main campus. Furthermore, he is spearheading plans to establish additional MAC Tech facilities in Ste. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau counties, to directly address the region's workforce needs by equipping students with valuable, in-demand skills that benefit local industry.

Gilgour holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from St. Louis University, a Master of Science in College Student Personnel from Arkansas Tech University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Psychology from Southwest Baptist University. Originally from Chillicothe, Missouri, he brings two decades of higher education experience to his leadership of Mineral Area College.

The winner of the CEO of the Year award will be announced on April 15 during the AACC Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.