On Wednesday, April 15, Governor Steve Beshear sat down with the presidents (or presidents’ representatives) of AIKCU’s member campuses at the Capitol. The meeting took place at the Governor’s request and also included new CPE President Bob King, AIKCU President Gary S. Cox, and the governor’s Chief of Staff Adam Edelen. During the hour-long meeting the Governor and the presidents talked very openly about a variety of issues surrounding postsecondary education in Kentucky, including: the critical roles that independent colleges and universities play in meeting the needs of Kentucky residents, the need for continued support of all of Kentucky’s student aid programs, the importance of increasing alignment between K-12 and postsecondary education, ways that colleges and universities can aid in economic development, and opportunities for public and independent postsecondary institutions to work together to innovate and address Kentucky priorities.

Prior to meeting with the Governor, the AIKCU Executive Committee met in a legislative conference room for a business meeting. Over lunch the members and other presidents in attendance had the opportunity to talk with House Education Committee Chairman Carl Rollins. Representative Rollins, a one-time Midway College staff member and strong supporter of student financial aid, made it possible for AIKCU to meet at the Capitol.

On behalf of all of our member presidents, AIKCU thanks Governor Steve Beshear, his staff and Representative Rollins for a very positive day of discussions at the Capitol.