Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Chancellor

Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Chancellor

Dr. Kimberly Beatty began her tenure as Metropolitan Community College's eighth chancellor on July 1, 2017. She was formally installed as chancellor at an inauguration ceremony on Aug. 24, 2018.

Dr. Beatty came to MCC from Houston Community College and has enjoyed more than 30 years in higher education. Dr. Beatty's commitment to the community college mission has been realized through her service as a faculty member (tenured English professor), program manager, dean, associate vice chancellor, vice chancellor and chief academic officer, and now chancellor.

Throughout her career, she has aligned her leadership philosophy with the mission of community colleges and is laser focused on creating equitable access to higher education, especially for the underserved.

A champion of access and equity, she is devoted to the community college mission of providing access to higher education for all. "I am passionate about the community I serve and excited about the ability to provide higher education access to the underprivileged and underrepresented," Dr. Beatty says.

Dr. Beatty has made intentional strides in developing and providing the leadership for programs that support students and meet the needs of the business community. At MCC, the Chancellor envisioned program expansion that built upon an existing institutes of excellence model. In collaboration with the executive leadership team, Dr. Beatty led efforts to develop the Advanced Technical Skills Institute in the heart of Kansas City as well as the recently announced expansion of the automotive technology program at MCC-Longview and a new Agriculture Annex at MCC-Maple Woods, which is expected to become an institute.

As the architect of the last two MCC strategic plans, Dr. Beatty has a bold vision for MCC and its footprint in Greater Kansas City. The current 10-year strategic plan known as MCC Reimagined was developed with input from all stakeholders, including students and community members. In 2019 she penned “The Path Forward,” a vision of MCC’s future that called for better alignment of workforce programs with industry needs, greater student access to those programs, and enhanced MCC learning environments.

Dr. Beatty is dedicated to the Kansas City community through board and civic service. She maintains leadership roles on several boards in Greater Kansas City such as the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Civic Council, Downtown Council, University Health and the Kansas City Sports Commission.

Dr. Beatty is also active on the national level, keeping MCC at the forefront of key initiatives impacting student success. She currently serves in a leadership role for the Presidents’ Roundtable and has served on the board and executive board of the American Association of Community Colleges. 

As a three-time graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Dr. Beatty earned a B.A. in English, an M.A. in English, and an Ed.D. in higher education, with a specialization in community college leadership. Her leadership has earned her several awards and recognitions in the community, including, as a recent example, being honored with a Regional Leadership Award by the Mid-America Regional Council.

Dr. Beatty is also a thought leader in the equity and leadership space. She has co-authored a book, “Transformational Change in Community Colleges: Leading with an Equity Lens,” as well as a host of articles on equity and leadership. Her name was recently placed on the Monument to Freedom, Justice & Courage wall, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in Jackson County, Missouri.

Dr. Beatty is married to Kelvin Beatty. They are the proud parents of three sons, Kelvin Jr., Michael and Ian. The Beattys also have six grandsons.

Chancellor Beatty statements