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OWENSBORO, Ky. - Kentucky Wesleyan College Board Chair Wayne Foster announced yesterday the appointment of Cheryl D. King, Ed.D., as the thirty-second president of Kentucky Wesleyan College. King earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Kentucky Wesleyan in 1970. She has been involved in education at all levels her entire professional career, including preschool, middle school and postsecondary and adult education.

“Dr. King brings to the position a long list of superior experience and stellar achievements. Results-oriented leadership is her hallmark,” remarked Foster. He shared that King’s career has included positions at local, state and national levels. “She has dedicated her life to the field of education, and she has a great love for Wesleyan.”

King was appointed Commissioner of Kentucky Adult Education in 1996 and then served as Deputy Secretary for the Kentucky Cabinet for Workforce Development. She helped write the adult education legislation, The Adult Education Act of 2000. This legislation placed Kentucky Adult Education within the Council on Postsecondary Education, and resulted in more than doubling enrollment in adult education across the state and a significant increase in the state appropriation. It is now considered the nation’s model for helping adults prepare for postsecondary education and occupational training.

She presently serves as Study Director for the National Commission on Adult Literacy, an independent, blue ribbon board comprised of national leaders and experts representing business, education and government in conjunction with the Council on Advancement of Adult Literacy based in New York City.

“I am honored to return to my alma mater as president,” said Dr. King. “I’m eager to work with this dedicated team of expert faculty, staff and trustees. We will build on the firm foundation now in place, and our students will be at the heart of everything we do.”

King also stated that although many things about the campus have changed since her days as a student, she identifies with today’s students. “They, too, need and appreciate a safe and caring campus environment, a place that challenges them to achieve yet treats them as more than a number, and a place where they receive a high quality education that will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Dr. King serves on the RiverPark Center Board, the Owensboro-Daviess County Community Foundation and the Sister Cities Board. She served on the Owensboro-Daviess County Chamber and was the first woman and educator to be named chair.

She earned a Master of Arts degree in Education and Psychology from Western Kentucky University and a Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership from George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University.

King and her husband, Fred, also a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, reside in Owensboro and have four grown children.