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 Kendricks D. Hooker, PhD, MBA

Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker is the President of Augusta Technical College, bringing more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience across community colleges, technical colleges, and public and private universities in six states. Dr. Hooker is deeply committed to advancing access, strengthening student success, and ensuring technical education remains aligned with workforce and regional economic needs.

Prior to joining Augusta Tech, Dr. Hooker served as Provost at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences where he oversaw academic affairs, launched new programs in high-demand fields, expanded early college pathways, strengthened enrollment growth, and enhanced student success outcomes. His leadership emphasized academic excellence, faculty development, strategic partnerships, and building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Prior to his role at Cabarrus College, Dr. Hooker served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southwest Tennessee Community College. There, he led the development and implementation of the institution’s first Academic Master Plan, expanded external and workforce partnerships, supported new program development, and advanced student success strategies that improved institutional performance.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Hooker served as Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and later Dean of the School of Health Education at Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin. In these roles, he guided large academic divisions, implemented structural and cultural improvements, strengthened accreditation readiness, and expanded program capacity. He also served as Professor of Biology and Department Chair of Biomedical Sciences at Baptist Health Sciences University, where he oversaw curriculum development, student pathways, and partnerships that prepared students for entry into competitive health professions programs.

Dr. Hooker is known as a collaborative leader who believes in shared vision, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and data-informed decision making. He brings a strong record of building relationships, establishing community and philanthropic partnerships, and developing innovative approaches to strengthen program relevance and economic impact.

Dr. Hooker holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University, a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University, and an Associate of Science in Biology from Coahoma Community College.

A strong advocate for student access and workforce development, Dr. Hooker brings an unwavering commitment to transforming talent, strengthening communities, and preparing students to thrive in highdemand fields throughout the Augusta region and beyond.