Congratulations Dr. Joe Gilgour, MAC President & 2025 AACC CEO of the Year

The City of Park Hills is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Joe Gilgour, President of Mineral Area College, on being named the 2025 CEO of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)!

This prestigious national award recognizes Dr. Gilgour’s outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing educational opportunities—not just for MAC students, but for our entire region. The AACC CEO of the Year honor is reserved for leaders who demonstrate vision, innovation, and a deep dedication to student and community success.

Since taking the helm at Mineral Area College in 2019, Dr. Gilgour has transformed the college’s reach, expanded its service area, and led the way in reversing enrollment declines. Under his guidance, MAC has secured nearly $25 million in public and private funding, expanded state-of-the-art career training facilities, and launched new outreach centers to better serve our workforce and local industries. His efforts have made high-quality, affordable education accessible to more students than ever before.

Dr. Gilgour, a Chillicothe native with over two decades of higher education experience, holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from St. Louis University, a master’s from Arkansas Tech, and a bachelor’s from Southwest Baptist University. His passion for student success and community impact is evident in everything he does.

Having this national recognition come home to Park Hills is a tremendous source of pride for our city. It highlights the exceptional talent and dedication that exists right here in our community, and it shines a spotlight on the positive impact Mineral Area College has on our local families, businesses, and future leaders.

Congratulations, Dr. Gilgour! Your leadership inspires us all, and we are honored to celebrate this achievement with you. Thank you for making Park Hills and Mineral Area College a beacon of opportunity and excellence!