Welcome back! Here's to a great fall semester at Kentucky's independent colleges
You can feel the excitement on campuses across the state as the fall semester kicks off at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities.
AIKCU sends wishes for a great academic year to the students, faculty, and staff at our member schools!
Photos courtesy of (clockwise) Kentucky Wesleyan College, Spalding University, Transylvania University, and the University of Pikeville.
Anne Kenworthy inaugurated as 11th president of Spalding University
Spalding University celebrated the inauguration of Anne Kenworthy, EdD, as its11th president in Louisville Sept. 19.
"To be inaugurated as president of Spalding University in this moment is so powerful," Kenworthy said in her inaugural address. "I’m humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support I received at today’s beautiful ceremony and the celebration that followed. Nothing could have been more meaningful than having my daughter, Brooke, speak at my inauguration. I’m excited for Spalding’s future and privileged to be chosen to lead this remarkable institution."
Photo courtesy of Spalding University
DJ Washington installed as president of Union Commonwealth University
Union Commonwealth University inaugurated DJ Washington, EdD, '03 as its 20th president in Barbourville Sept. 19. In his inaugural address, Dr. Washington reflected on his journey as a first-generation college student and Union alumnus.
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“As I stand before you today, I am humbled by the weight of Union’s history and energized by the promise of its future,” Washington said. “This is not my journey alone — it is our shared journey, a partnership between students and faculty, alumni and trustees, church and community. You and me. Together, we will ensure that Union remains a place where barriers are broken, bridges are built, and lives are transformed.”
Photo courtesy of Union Commonwealth University
Madison Silvert inaugurated as president of Brescia University
Madison C. Silvert, J.D., was inaugurated as Brescia University's sixth president Aug. 15 in Owensboro.
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Silvert made the case for higher education during his inaugural address. “If you only believe that education is practical and about jobs, you’re missing half the picture,“ he said. “And, even if you only believe that education is about jobs, you still need higher education, and, I’d argue, you especially need one rooted in the liberal arts.”
​Higher ed officials supported President Silvert at his inauguration ceremony. Sporting caps to recognize 1925 — the year Brescia was founded as a private Roman Catholic university — are (l to r) Council on Postsecondary Education President Aaron Thompson, President Silvert, AIKCU President Mason Dyer, and CPE Executive Vice President Travis Powell.
Photo courtesy of Brescia University
Transylvania University hosts 3 AIKCU Affinity Group meetings
When like-minded peers from Kentucky’s indepen-dent colleges and universities get together, it’s a great chance to share ideas and get updates on timely issues. Thanks to Transylvania University for hosting three of AIKCU’s Affinity Groups this summer.
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The Human Resources Officers and Campus Culture & Community Relations Officers (left) met together for an update on recent HR-related state and federal
legislation from Kacey Coleman, attorney with Sturgill Turner.
The Advancement Officers (right) learned how colleges can secure transformational gifts from University of Pikeville President Burton J. Webb and how to connect with community foundations from Scott Fitzpatrick, vice president of advancement for the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
AIKCU announces new board chair, Executive Committee members
AIKCU is pleased that University of Pikeville President Burton J. Webb will serve as chair of the AIKCU Board of Directors for 2025-27. Webb succeeds Midway University President John P. Marsden, who was chair for 2023-25. Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo has assumed the role of vice chair.
See full list of Executive Committee members here.
From left: Midway University President John P. Marsden, AIKCU President Mason Dyer, and University of Pikeville President Burton J. Webb.
The Power of Independent Colleges
Kentucky’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are changing the trajectory of individual lives, families, and communities.
AIKCU is proud to support our 18 member institutions in their efforts.
Announcing AIKCU's Bottom Line:
Kentucky's 18 independent colleges and universities contribute $2.06 BILLION to state's economy
What We Do
ADVOCATE
We serve as the voice of Kentucky's independent colleges and universities, advocating for policies that recognize the sector's critical role and help students access and afford a distinctive,
high-quality education.
CONNECT
We provide opportunities for member affiliate groups to meet in person
and online to share experiences and
best practices with colleagues from other institutions.
COLLABORATE
We coordinate cost-saving agreements with businesses and vendors to save our members time and money on a wide range of goods, services, and
insurance products.
News
18 complete first AIKCU Advancing Leaders Program
June 20, 2025
We're proud of the18 inaugural members of the AIKCU Advancing Leaders Program who completed the program June 2. AIKCU launched the program in January to help its member colleges and universities prepare promising mid- to senior-level managers take on even greater leadership roles in independent higher education.
Enrollment up for second year in row at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities
April 2, 2025
For the second year in a row, Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities have seen an increase in enrollment. After a big jump in enrollment for Fall 2023, the sector saw another increase for Fall 2024, according to new data from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.
Presidents from Kentucky's independent colleges meet with members of Congress during Hill Day in Washington, D.C.
March 3, 2025
Presidents from Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities continued an annual tradition Feb. 4 when they met with Kentucky’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.
AIKCU announces ‘remarkable’ economic impact of Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities
Jan. 31, 2025
Kentucky’s 18 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities contribute $2.06 billion
to the state and local economies, according to a report released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities.
Calendar
FRIDAY, OCT. 10
AIKCU Business Officers Fall Meeting
10 a.m. ET
In Person: Berea College, Berea
FRIDAY, OCT. 10
AIKCU Chief Academic Officers Fall Meeting
10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET
In Person: Berea College, Berea
FRIDAY, OCT. 10
AIKCU Library Directors Fall Meeting
10 a.m. ET
In Person: Berea College, Berea
INSIDE AIKCU Blog
AIKCU President Mason Dyer talks about independent higher ed in Kentucky
Fall semester begins with excitement, opportunities for Kentucky's independent colleges | Sept. 2, 2025
