PARK HILLS – The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) selected Dr. Joe Gilgour, President of Mineral Area College (MAC), as the recipient of the 2025 ACCT Central Region Chief Executive Officer Award. The award was presented October 24, 2025, during the ACCT Leadership Congress in New Orleans, LA.
This distinguished regional award recognizes Dr. Gilgour’s exceptional leadership and his outsized impact on expanding educational opportunities and enhancing student success at Mineral Area College and throughout the region.
Since becoming MAC’s president in 2019, Gilgour has demonstrated a remarkable vision in broadening the college’s influence and service to the region. His leadership has driven numerous campus improvement and expansion projects, and the reversal of enrollment decline through strategic outreach. His commitment to equitable compensation solidifies MAC’s role as a vital engine for regional economic opportunity and student success.
“I’m honored to receive this award, but have to give credit to our entire Mineral Area College team – our faculty, staff, administration, and trustees,” said Gilgour. “Our focus on student success is the foundation of all we do. We’re dedicated to ensuring that community colleges serve as that crucial stepping stone, providing an affordable, quality, and accessible education for individuals looking for their chance to build a better future.”
“The MAC Board of Trustees is proud to see Dr. Gilgour receive this well-deserved recognition,” said Board President Camille Nations. “His results-driven vision has successfully secured crucial funding, vastly expanded our career and technical offerings, and prioritized a fair, supportive culture for our employees. He embodies the community college mission, and we’re pleased to see him and Mineral Area College celebrated for the impactful future being built for our students and our entire region.”
This is the second time Gilgour has been recognized by a national organization this year, having been named as the CEO of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges in April.
About the ACCT: The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing the trustees who govern nearly 1,200 community, technical, and junior colleges in the U.S. and beyond. The ACCT Regional Awards annually recognize leaders who demonstrate professional expertise and commitment to community college students and institutions.