Kentucky Community

A major reform of higher education in Kentucky was initiated in 1997, which completely changed the governing institutions of the community and technical colleges throughout the state. The legislation formed a new entity known as the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. As with most reform efforts, when changes were initiated, there was uproar and confusion. The following research examines the changes and uncertainty that occurred before the development of KCTCS and up until the end of 2005. This historical qualitative study explores the beginning and development of the new system. Examination of the perceived need for reform of higher education in Kentucky and the formation of KCTCS was considered and a use of organizational metaphors was observed for an understanding of the need for a positive defining symbol for personification of an organization. Furthermore, organizational culture and theory was conceptualized to initiate an understanding of the problems associated with institutional change. The research provides a snapshot of the new system and specifically details the case study that is presented.