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Transylvania University President Charles L. Shearer was the subject of an article in the May 24 Lexington Herald-Leader. Shearer, who will celebrate 25 years in office in July, is the second-longest serving AIKCU president. Reporter Art Jester chronicles the great strides that Transy has made during Dr. Shearer’s tenure:

In the nearly 25 years that Charles L. Shearer has been president of Transylvania University, the 228-year-old liberal arts college has grown stronger and better in every respect, largely due to him.

“He’s a once-in-a-lifetime president,” said William T. Young Jr., chairman of Transylvania’s board of trustees. “I don’t think most people realize Transylvania has been transformed under his leadership.”

By any measurement — students, faculty, alumni, scholarships, geographical diversity, facilities or fund-raising — Transylvania is far different than it was in the troubled hour when Shearer took office on July 8, 1983. Transylvania had been through three presidents in three years.

Shearer immediately restored stability and confidence, as well as ambition.

Continue reading the full article on Kentucky.com.

Georgetown College and the University of Kentucky’s medical school have announced a new partnership to prepare minority students for careers in medicine. Under the partnership, Georgetown will begin identifying talented minority students in middle school, providing them support and access to professionals in the medical field who can serve as inspiration and mentors. The goal is to produce two Georgetown graduates each year who qualify for and earn admission to UK’s medical school. UK will provide financial assistance to help the students further their education after they graduate from Georgetown.

From “Partnership to groom minority med students” in the Lexington Herald-Leader, by Art Jester:

Jay Perman, dean of the UK College of Medicine, said that UK and Georgetown have created a “model of collaboration between two higher-education institutions.”

“Our hope is to motivate students to pursue a medical career before they start high school so they can begin to prepare for their medical education early by taking all of the appropriate courses,” he said. “But more importantly, our hope is to inspire them and equip them with the skills needed to make their dream of a medical career a reality.”

William H. Crouch Jr., president of Georgetown College, said the partnership with UK will be a “new ray of hope” to minority students who might dismiss their medical ambitions because of the high cost of education.

“Their focus can be on learning, not anxiety over finances,” Crouch said.

This partnership is the latest in a series of Georgetown College efforts to increase the diversity of the college’s student body under the leadership of President Crouch.

Partnership designed to stimulate development of statewide energy policy

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 17) – Recognizing the increasingly important role of energy in Kentucky, four colleges and universities have joined forces in an innovative partnership between the public and private institutions to stimulate the efforts of government, business and education leaders in creating a far-reaching and collaborative statewide energy policy.

This comprehensive effort is entitled “Energizing Kentucky.”

“Energizing Kentucky,” the brainchild of Berea College President Larry D. Shinn, Centre College President John A. Roush, University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. and University of Louisville President James Ramsey, encourages Kentucky to focus on a coherent and integrated energy policy and will assist this policy formation by bringing together state and national energy experts to discuss the economic, educational, and environmental opportunities and challenges presented by the world’s current energy situation.

In the rotunda of Kentucky’s capitol in Frankfort, the four presidents today announced the “Energizing Kentucky” series of three conferences. In a joint vision statement for the series, they said,

“We believe higher education has an important role to play in the work ahead: framing issues, seeking solutions, providing basic and applied research, and educating the next generation.

“We know that this work requires a partnership across the Commonwealth that includes business and public policy leaders, as well as those involved in education.

“We four presidents, representing both public and private institutions, propose a public policy discussion focused on energy for the Commonwealth of Kentucky that we call ’Energizing Kentucky.’

“The conferences in the series will address a number of related challenges in education, business and economic development, and the environment.”

Berea College President Larry Shinn said, “Energy policy in the Commonwealth and the United States is currently uncoordinated and too often the result of ’quick-fix’ reactions to external circumstances like the price or availability of oil. We four presidents agree that history rewards those who anticipate significant challenges and address them thoughtfully. Therefore, we invite the Commonwealth’s business, political, and educational communities to a series of conferences where all perspectives on energy production, use, and conservation are welcomed, and where these dynamic political, economical, and environmental considerations can focus our human capacity to thrive.”

Centre College President John A. Roush said, “The public and private institutions in most states are strangers who live in different universes. I’m really pleased that our four Kentucky institutions have found it so easy to work together for the long-term good of the Commonwealth. It will likewise take collaboration and cooperation among the business, public policy leaders, and educators of our State to develop a powerful and effective energy policy that will serve all Kentuckians.”

University of Louisville President James Ramsey said, “Our institutions are working together to promote straight talk about energy, an issue that will continue to grow in importance to the commonwealth and the nation. By bringing together great minds from many different vantage points, we can initiate conversations and eventually develop concrete solutions and policies that will improve our citizens’ quality of life for many years to come.”

”Energy is one of the top public policy issues facing the nation today,” said UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. “Fortunately for Kentuckians, the Commonwealth and the University of Kentucky’s experience as one of the nation’s energy leaders place the state in a unique position to lead a national energy discussion. I hope this Energizing Kentucky series will help the state to develop a long-term, sustainable energy strategy that will create new jobs for Kentuckians and increase the state’s competitiveness in math and science fields.”

The first Energizing Kentucky conference will be held June 3 and 4, 2008, at the recently renovated Henry Clay building in Louisville, and will feature keynote remarks by Sandra Meyer, president of the Kentucky and Ohio units of Duke Power, one of the nation’s largest and most innovative energy companies. This conference’s focus will be on the role of Kentucky’s business community in advancing sound policies governing the production, use, and conservation of energy and on finding ways to have economic and educational interests help form effective public policy.

The second Energizing Kentucky conference on Sept. 18 and 19 will provide a forum for energy experts to engage with state and local government policymakers to lay the groundwork for a sustainable energy policy for the 21st century. This conference’s keynote will be delivered by Thomas L. Friedman, author of The World is Flat and a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and columnist for The New York Times. Friedman’s next book, which tackles the subject of energy, Green is the New Red, White, and Blue, will be published in August with an initial printing of 1 million hardback copies.

The final conference will focus on Kentucky’s K-12 and postsecondary education in establishing a framework for a curriculum to build a knowledge base revolving around sustainability and the development of alternative energy sources. This conference, in part, will emphasize developing the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math professionals essential to pursuing new knowledge and technologies.

Business, political and educational leaders will be invited to each of the three conferences. More information about the “Energizing Kentucky” conference series is available online at www.energizingkentucky.com.

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.

Both the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives approved resolutions yesterday proclaiming February 13, 2008 Independent, Nonprofit Higher Education Day in the Commonwealth. Representatives from almost every AIKCU campus braved the inclement weather to come to Frankfort to celebrate independent higher education and thank legislators for their support of Kentucky’s student financial aid programs. The full text of Senate Resolution 112, introduced on the floor by Senate Education Committee Chairman (and former Campbellsville University president) Ken Winters, appears below. The resolution was cosponsored by all 38 members of the Senate and adopted by voice vote.

A similar resolution (HR 121) was introduced in the House by Speaker of the House Jody Richards, a Kentucky Wesleyan College alum, and adopted by voice vote.

A RESOLUTION recognizing Kentucky’s nonprofit, independent colleges and universities and their students and alumni.

WHEREAS, Kentucky’s 20 nonprofit, independent colleges and universities educate almost 29,000 students annually; and

WHEREAS, 22 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded in the Commonwealth are awarded by these institutions; and

WHEREAS, 25 percent of Kentucky’s bachelor’s degrees in teaching and nursing and even larger percentages of other bachelor’s degrees produced in math and science are awarded by these institutions; and

WHEREAS, small classes, individual attention, and an emphasis on preparation for life and work are hallmarks of these institutions; and

WHEREAS, these colleges and universities meet the high standards set by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, arguably the toughest regional accreditation standards for higher education in the United States; and

WHEREAS, these nonprofit, independent colleges and universities have committed to playing a major role in Kentucky’s 2020 “Double the Numbers” efforts; and

WHEREAS, Nobel Prize winners, governors, justices, congressmen, and distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly were educated on these campuses; and

WHEREAS, about 100,000 independent college and university alumni live, work, pay taxes, and vote in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, hundreds of classrooms and laboratories, libraries, theaters, dormitories, athletics facilities, and related structures valued at well over one billion dollars are provided to educate students and serve communities at no cost to the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, these 20 institutions are major employers and economic development partners that, when taken together, would rank 18th among Kentucky’s 25 largest public corporations; and

WHEREAS, these institutions enhance the economic and cultural viability of communities across the state from Pikeville to Mayfield and points in between; and

WHEREAS, tuition, on average, is 35 per cent lower than the national independent college average and 25 percent less than the Southern average; and

WHEREAS, these institutions provide another $130 million in financial aid to their students annually; and

WHEREAS, these colleges and universities serve the Commonwealth and its students and communities, while receiving only four percent of the state’s postsecondary education appropriations in the form of student financial aid; and

WHEREAS, students, faculty, and staff are visiting the Capitol today to thank members of this august body for their support of student financial aid;

NOW, THEREFORE,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Section 1. The Senate salutes the outstanding contributions Kentucky’s 20 independent colleges and universities and their students and staff make to the Commonwealth and its future.

Section 2. The Senate recognizes Wednesday, February 13, 2008, as Independent, Nonprofit Higher Education Day in the Commonwealth.

Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate shall forward a copy of this Resolution to Dr. Gary Cox, President, Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities, 484 Chenault Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, for sharing with the Commonwealth’s 20 independent colleges and universities.

Georgetown College President Bill Crouch is profiled on the front page of today’s Louisville Courier-Journal. In “Georgetown College head has a vision of diversity,” writer Chris Kenning looks at the college’s diversity efforts and their ties to Crouch’s upbringing in the segregated South. Crouch is spearheading efforts to increase minority enrollment at the Baptist college from 6 to 17 percent through a number of initiatives, including new scholarships, new efforts to recruit minority faculty, and an innovative partnership with Bishop College alumni to serve as the “foster home” of the historically black Dallas college that closed in 1988.

GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Growing up as a white pastor’s son in 1950s Mississippi, William Crouch came to loathe segregated restaurants, bathrooms and schools.

As a teen, he witnessed forced busing in Charlotte, N.C. As a young country preacher, he battled the belief that black families should remain separate from whites.

Today, Crouch is in his 17th year as president of Georgetown College, gaining notice for his push to expand the enrollment of African Americans, and hoping to change the face of the mostly white, 1,300-student Baptist college near Lexington.

“I used to tell my parents that one day I wanted to do something about what I saw, but, before, I was never in a position where I could,” said Crouch, who cultivates relationships with black students, and even sought instruction to broaden his understanding of black culture.

Continue reading the complete article at Courier-Journal.com

Georgetown’s diversity efforts have previously been covered in the Courier-Journal and Inside Higher Ed.

Council on Postsecondary Education Interim President Brad Cowgill sat down with John Chowning, Campbellsville University VP for Church and External Relations, during a recent visit to CU to film an episode of “Dialogue on Public Issues.” In this thirty minute interview Cowgill discusses higher education reform, the Double the Numbers initiative, the Kentucky Chamber’s recent report on higher education, and the role of Kentucky’s public and independent sectors in helping Kentucky reach its higher education goals.

Watch: CU’s Dialogue on Public Issues with Brad Cowgill

“Dialogue on Public Issues” is a regular production of Campbellsville University’s TV station and the Kentucky Heartland Institute on Public Policy.

Total estimated fall enrollment nears 29,000; undergraduate enrollment up 4.5 percent

Kentucky’s twenty nonprofit, independent colleges and universities that make up the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities continue to see strong growth in student enrollments. Total headcount enrollment (including undergraduate, graduate and first-professional students) for the fall semester is estimated by the Council on Postsecondary Education to be 28,610. Undergraduate enrollment across the sector grew by about 4.5 percent over last fall’s enrollment, from 23,426 students in the fall of 2006 to 24,475 this fall.

Official fall enrollment figures will be available in January. According to the CPE, estimated fall enrollments have varied from official enrollments by plus or minus 2 percent in recent years.

About three-fourths of AIKCU students are Kentucky residents. The remaining students come from all over the United States and from countries around the world.

“We’re excited that our campuses are able to meet the diverse educational needs of increasing numbers of students,” said Gary S. Cox, AIKCU President. “These numbers illustrate that now, more than ever, Kentucky’s independent colleges play a key role in educating the citizens of the Commonwealth and the world.”

The independent sector’s growing enrollment can be attributed to a number of factors, including: steady enrollment growth among traditional age students; enhanced retention efforts; and strong enrollment growth among institutions that are innovating to meet the needs of new student populations like nontraditional students, community college transfers and adults returning to college.

Kentucky’s independent sector has committed to more than double the number of bachelor’s degrees it produces annually by 2020 as part of the Council on Postsecondary Education’s plan to “Double the Numbers” of bachelor’s degree holders in Kentucky and reach the national average in educational attainment. AIKCU is thought to be the only independent college organization across the country to have made formal commitments to achieving such aggressive, quantified statewide goals.

AIKCU Total Enrollment

Fall 2007 (est.) – 28,610

Fall 2006 – 27,440

Fall 2005 – 26,908

AIKCU Campuses with the largest percentage increases in undergraduate enrollment, Fall 2006 to Fall 2007:

Related links:

Asbury College celebrates record breaking enrollment

Bellarmine welcomes record freshman class

Centre begins academic year with record breaking enrollment

Transylvania breaks record with official enrollment

University of the Cumberlands to have largest class since 1992

“Enrollment at Mid-Continent passes 1600″ - The Paducah Sun recently reported that Mid-Continent University’s enrollment has topped 1600, almost 10 times the 169 students the university had in 2000, when Dr. Bob Imhoff became president of the Mayfield university (Paducah Sun - for subscribers).

Representative John Yarmuth (D-3rd District) was recently honored as the “Outstanding New Member” of Congress by the Committee for Education Funding (CEF) during their Annual Awards Gala in Washington DC. Yarmuth was recognized for his commitment to education issues and for his interest in increasing federal funding for education programs.

“During this 110th Congress, first year Representative John Yarmuth clearly distinguished himself as an advocate for education funding and we are proud to recognize him,” said Ed Kealy, Executive Director of the Committee for Education Funding.

In her introduction of Yarmuth, CEF Vice President Hilary Goldman said that CEF was “stunned” by Yarmuth’s record during his short time in office, because it “exceeded all expectations for a recipient of CEF’s Outstanding New Member award.”

Yarmuth serves on the House Education and Labor Committee and its Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

“Education is quite simply the key to America’s long term success in the world, it is the great hope for our children and future generations, and in America, a world-class education should be a right, not a crap shoot,” Yarmuth said in his acceptance speech. “The challenges are great, but the will to meet them, I believe is greater.”

Particularly notable for AIKCU students is the Louisville Congressman’s commitment to promoting college access and affordability. Yarmuth has been one of the key voices calling for increases in the Pell Grant program and ways to reduce student loan debt. He recently served on the Conference Committee for the College Cost Reduction Act that will put $11 billion into the Pell Grant program. The President has vowed to sign the bill, which will provide the largest investment in higher education since the G.I. Bill.

“We are delighted that Congressman Yarmuth was recognized for his commitment to education,” said AIKCU President Gary S. Cox. “It is certainly a well-deserved honor. He’s shown a great deal of interest and support not only for Bellarmine and Spalding, but for all our members, and especially for our students.”

In addition to Yarmuth, CEF also honored former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush with “Charles Wilson Lee Distinguished Citizen Awards” for their commitment to education in the years since they left office.

Read more about the honor at Congressman Yarmuth’s website.

For more information on CEF or its Annual Awards Gala, visit their website at http://www.cef.org.

Congratulations to Brad Cowgill, state budget director under Governor Fletcher’s administration, for his recent appointment as Interim Council on Postsecondary Education President. CPE recently decided to suspend the search for a permanent leader until after the conclusion of the 2008 General Assembly.

Official CPE Announcement
Lexington Herald-Leader coverage: CPE picks interim president

Cowgill will begin at CPE September 1. Outgoing President Tom Layzell will retire on Sept. 30.