CHICAGO (July 22, 2025) — Following a national search for its new leader, the Partnership for College Completion (PCC) announces the appointment of Kyle Southern, Ph.D. as its new Executive Director. With over 15 years of experience advancing equity in higher education policy and a distinguished track record of leadership in both national and state-based organizations, Dr. Southern brings visionary leadership and deep policy expertise to PCC’s next chapter.
As Executive Director, Dr. Southern will lead PCC’s strategic direction, organizational development, and advocacy initiatives aimed at building a more equitable and accessible higher education system in Illinois.
“I’m honored to join PCC at such a pivotal moment in higher education in Illinois and across the country,” Dr. Southern said. “I look forward to working alongside our partners, staff, and community to advance bold, equity-focused solutions that ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive in and graduate from college.”
Dr. Southern most recently served as Associate Vice President for Higher Education Quality at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS). There, he led the development and execution of federal policy strategies aimed at improving outcomes for low-income students and students of color. His work included successful advocacy for accountability reforms and major grant acquisitions, such as a $2 million grant renewal to support student borrower protections and college completion efforts. As the Director of Accountability at TICAS, he managed policy staff and coalition partnerships focused on protecting students from high-cost, low-quality programs and addressing affordability and equity in higher education.
Prior to his time at TICAS, Dr. Southern served as Policy and Advocacy Director for Higher Education and Workforce at Young Invincibles, where he championed federal and state policy reforms on behalf of young adults, developed strategic communications campaigns, and secured major grants. He also led research and policy efforts at Complete Tennessee and the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), publishing influential reports and shaping statewide advocacy priorities.
Apart from his work, Dr. Southern enjoys live music (especially jazz and blues), following baseball, and traveling.
Originally from North Carolina, Dr. Southern earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Vanderbilt University, and his doctorate in higher education from the University of Michigan.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Southern to PCC. His unwavering commitment to educational equity, his collaborative spirit, and his ability to turn research into action make him the ideal leader to guide PCC forward,” said Dr. Douglas E. Wood, PCC Board Chair. “The Board had 100+ candidates from around the country to consider, which is a testament to PCC’s critical mission and incredible reputation. The PCC Board looks forward to working alongside Kyle and the staff in this organization’s next era.”
Dr. Southern succeeds Lisa Castillo Richmond, Ph.D., who was part of the executive team of the PCC since its founding in 2016 and led the organization as Executive Director since 2021.
About the Partnership for College Completion
The Partnership for College Completion (PCC) champions policies, practices, and systems that increase college completion and eliminate degree completion disparities for low-income, first-generation, and students of color in Illinois – particularly Black and Latinx students. For more information, visit partnershipfcc.org.