Executive Director
On January 20, 2023, the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) unanimously selected Mr. Kell Smith as the agency’s sixth Executive Director. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership approach and his commitment to expanding educational access and opportunity across Mississippi. In this capacity, he provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the state’s community college system in accordance with Board policies and state law. Mr. Smith works closely with college presidents, state legislators, partner agencies, and other key stakeholders to support the Board’s mission, address systemwide priorities, and strengthen pathways for students statewide.
Mr. Smith has served at the MCCB since May 2008, previously leading legislative and communication efforts for the agency and system. He served as Interim Executive Director from July 2021 until his permanent appointment in 2023.
A firm believer in the generational impact of community colleges, Mr. Smith is committed to ensuring the system has the tools and resources necessary to support student success and empower Mississippi’s workforce and economy.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Smith represents the agency on several statewide boards and commissions, including the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board, State Workforce Investment Board, State Longitudinal Data System, College Savings Board of Directors, and the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation. He currently serves as chair of the Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation (MAGCOR).
He is a former member of the Board of Directors for the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi and the Mississippi Council on Economic Education. Mr. Smith is also a 2009 graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy.
Mr. Smith's academic journey began at Mississippi Delta Community College before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University. Mr. Smith is married to the former Mary Straton Karatassos of Starkville. They live in Madison and are the parents of Eleanor and Rosie.
He remains deeply committed to serving the students, families, and communities that Mississippi’s community colleges support every day.