The Center for Rural Development’s board of directors introduced new members, Dr. Jay Morgan (left) and Robert “Mike” Duncan (right).
The Center for Rural Development recently announced changes to its board of directors with the addition of two new board members.
The board also honored Mike Calhoun for his dedicated service to The Center and the region as a member. Calhoun served on The Center’s board of directors for four years.
Current board member Dr. W. Bruce Ayers was re-elected Chairman of The Center board of directors. Dr. Ayers served as President of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College for almost 27 years. He worked at the college for more than 45 years until he retired in June 2013.
Other officers of the board are Vice-Chair Jerry Rickett, President & CEO of Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation in London, Ky; Secretary Clay Parker Davis, retired President & CEO of Citizens National Bank in Somerset, Ky; and Treasurer Jean Dorton, retired educator from Paintsville, Ky, now living in Lexington, Ky.
The Center’s board of directors also introduced new members, Robert “Mike” Duncan and Dr. Jay Morgan. “I’m pleased to play a role in developing broadband capacity in our region and the state. The Center for Rural Development helps our region compete in the world economy,” said Duncan.
“I am honored to be asked to serve on The Center’s board, and believe that The Center is highly engaged in the development of the region. I look forward to working with the board and for Morehead State University contributing to the success in the region,” added Dr. Morgan.
Duncan has served as the chairman on the Republican National Committee, the chairman of the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the founding chairman of American Crossroads, and in 2018 he became a member of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service. He serves as chairman of the board of trustees at Alice Lloyd College, is a former trustee of the Christian Appalachian Project, and has previously served as chairman for The Center’s board of directors.
Dr. Morgan is the current president of Morehead State University. He has also served as the state-wide chief academic officer and vice president for academic affairs and student success for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education in Frankfort. Dr. Morgan has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Murray State University and currently serves as a board of trustees member of the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges.
“We are extremely pleased that these gentlemen have chosen to serve The Center through their appointment to our board of directors,” Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, said. “We will benefit from their expertise and perspective as we work together to improve the lives of citizens across our region.”
For more information on The Center for Rural Development, visit www.centertech.com or call 606-677-6000.
