August 12, 2010

CONTACT: Brenna Wallhausser
Director of College Communications
Office: 606-546-1230 Cell: 606-545-2527
bwallhausser@unionky.edu

Barbourville, Ky., 12August 2010- Union College has learned that its undergraduate and graduate programs in education have been fully reaccredited by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).

The reaccreditation status applies to all education-related programs offered by Union.

In an announcement to faculty and staff following the reaccreditation decision, Union President Ed de Rosset called the news “a very important moment, both in terms of the school’s history and in terms of what we can set out to do-in education, and in other academic areas.”

Though a periodic reaccreditation review process is standard fare for higher education institutions, Union’s bid for renewal of accreditation was extended beyond the usual time frame due to a confluence of events: a change in the presidency at a crucial point in the process, which resulted in a loss of momentum toward reaccreditation; changing leadership in the college’s Department of Educational Studies; and a simultaneous bid to earn accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

As a result, Union administrators navigated a more complex path than usual to earn reaccreditation. The college’s process took seven years to complete, but has ended in a positive response from EPSB.

“Feedback from members of EPSB has been positive, helpful, and, most recently, marked by frequent praise for the dedication and hard work of the faculty and staff in the Department of Educational Studies,” said President de Rosset. “They were impressed with the amount of work accomplished, especially over the past three years, and with the quality of the processes and changes we have put into place to continually enhance our education programs.”

President de Rosset believes the successful outcome is due in large part to the college’s collaboration with the P-12 community.

“Our relationship with local and regional educators and educational leaders is strong,” said President de Rosset. “Before and during the reaccreditation process, they have been part of informing our curriculum and assessment practices, and are a key partner in preparing our students to be well-rounded, accomplished educators.”

The majority of undergraduate students at Union major in education, according to college officials. Union also offers master’s degrees in education through the Department of Graduate Education, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Between 1999 and 2008, student enrollment in Union’s graduate program increased by over 140 percent.

“Our growth will continue,” said President de Rosset. “Full reaccreditation gives us the opportunity to add more programs, and we look forward to doing so. The education faculty and I are eager to work with area educators to discuss how we might shape and expand our programs according to the needs of the region.”

To learn more about Union, visit www.unionky.edu.

Appalachian Education Initiative names Kathi Shrider director
Collaborative project to bring together postsecondary and K-12 schools to facilitate Senate Bill 1 implementation in Appalachia

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kathi Shrider has been named Project Director for the Appalachian Education Initiative, a collaborative effort to bring together postsecondary and K-12 educators to implement Kentucky’s 2009 Senate Bill 1 education reforms in Appalachian Kentucky counties. The program is funded by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

“Kathi is uniquely suited to lead this effort to partner with Appalachian school districts implement Senate Bill 1,” said Gary S. Cox, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU), which is serving as grant manager for the collaborative project. “As the daughter of an Appalachian coal miner, a nonprofit administrator and an educator at both public and private colleges and universities in the region, Kathi has proven her dedication to living, working, volunteering, and serving in Appalachia. Kathi’s background is emblematic of the public-private collaboration we hope to achieve in this grant.”

Shrider is a CPA, holds an MBA, and has an extensive background in nonprofit management, accounting, corporate training, and teaching at the college level. She is currently an adjunct professor at Berea College, where she has taught courses in accounting, mathematics, business computer applications, and nonprofit leadership and management.

The Appalachian Education Initiative is the first project to grow out of a unique collaboration between Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, AIKCU, and a number of eastern Kentucky nonprofits and service agencies. The collaborative was formed in 2009 under the leadership of Eastern Kentucky President Doug Whitlock, Morehead State President Wayne Andrews, and AIKCU’s Cox.

“This region has more issues that need to be addressed than any one of us can solve, given our limited resources,” said Whitlock. “But working together, we have the ability to make a big difference for the people of Appalachia.”

The group held a series of meetings that included major stakeholders from across Morehead and Eastern’s combined 44 county service area - including area community and technical college presidents, independent college presidents, and nonprofits like the Center for Rural Development – to identify how their combined efforts could most benefit the people and communities of Eastern Kentucky. The collaborative unites 15 postsecondary institutions: two regional public universities, eight independent colleges and universities, and five community and technical colleges.

The unique public-private collaborative ultimately decided to focus on three broad areas: education, economic development, and health care.

“The Appalachian Education Initiative is the first step in our effort to work together to impact the broader region,” said Morehead State President Wayne Andrews. “Developing strong partnerships between public and private postsecondary institutions and local school districts to improve school curricula and meet the goals of Senate Bill 1 will have long term benefits for the students and communities of eastern Kentucky.”

Shrider will maintain an office on the campus of Berea College. She may be reached at (859) 353-1705.

Additional information is available by contacting Dr. Andrews at (606) 783-2022, Dr. Cox at (502) 695-5007 or Dr. Whitlock at (859) 622-2101.

Bob Johnston

(Frankfort, KY) - AIKCU Vice President for Business Services and Chief Operating Officer Bob Johnston has been named vice chair of the national nonprofit Coalition for College Cost Savings (CCCS).

The Coalition for Cost Savings is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to helping private colleges and universities improve processes and reduce and contain costs through collaboration. Its membership is composed of 22 state independent college associations. The combined membership represents 582 colleges and universities and more than 1.1 million students.

“Bob has been instrumental in developing partnerships that provide crucial savings opportunities for our members. Those in turn make it possible for the campuses to pass the savings on to students,” said AIKCU President Gary S. Cox. “There’s no doubt his experience and leadership in this arena will be beneficial to the Coalition’s national efforts.”

Prior to his work at AIKCU, Johnston had a successful career in Kentucky state government. During his tenure in sate government he served as the Public Service Commission’s first Director of Consumer Services and before that as the Energy Cabinet’s Director of Energy Conservation.

To learn more about the Coalition for College Cost Savings http://www.thecoalition.us/.

Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities saw a significant increase in the number of degrees they awarded this spring.

Students at Kentucky’s twenty independent colleges and universities earned a record 3,157 bachelor’s degrees this spring, up nearly 9 percent over the previous year and 23 percent since 2004, according to a preliminary report issued earlier this week by the Council on Postsecondary Education.

AIKCU campuses awarded 27 percent of the baccalaureate degrees awarded by Kentucky’s public and private nonprofit institutions this spring.

“These numbers illustrate the tremendous value that our members bring to their students and the Commonwealth,” said AIKCU President Gary S. Cox. “State financial aid to our students represents less than 4 percent of the state’s spending on higher education, yet those students made up more than one-fourth of this spring‘s bachelor degree graduates. That’s a pretty good return on investment.”

AIKCU members awarded 4,225 total degrees, diplomas and certificates at all levels this spring, an increase of more than 15 percent over 2008 and 32 percent over five years. Together, Kentucky’s independent and public colleges and universities combined to award more than 30,178 total degrees this spring, an increase of 7 percent over last year and a 40 percent increase over 5 years.

“We’re proud of our members’ continued growth in degree production, and very pleased with the overall growth in degree attainment in both the independent and public sectors,” said Cox. “Kentucky’s people and economy will benefit as we all strive to meet the goals of reform and increase opportunities for Kentuckians.”

While growth was strong at all levels, AIKCU institutions saw particularly large gains in the numbers of graduate degrees awarded. Total graduate and professional degrees numbered 745, an increase of 55 percent over 2008 and 97 percent over 2004.

CPE will release a final 2008-09 degree production report in the fall. The preliminary CPE spring degrees report does not include more than 700 degrees that were awarded in mid-year commencement ceremonies.

For additional information see the CPE press release and prelimary report.

2009 AIKCU Interns, L-R: Jeweli Wright (Asbury), Jessica Boggs (Campbellsville), Amy
Anderson (Lindsey Wilson), Emily Buckman (Campbellsville), and John Graves (St. Catharine)

Students attending five of Kentucky’s independent colleges have been awarded internships to spend their spring semester working in state government agencies in Frankfort.

While in the state capital from mid-January through mid-April the students will spend 30 hours per week working in state agencies and also complete two state government related seminars. Students will receive up to 15 hours of academic credit from their home institutions.

The internship program is tailored to give college upperclassmen an up-close look at state government.   A related purpose is to help them explore public service as a career option, said Gary S. Cox, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities, the organization sponsoring the program.

“Our 2009 class is another group of outstanding young people, and I am sure that they will perform well in their assorted duties in the governmental agencies to which they’ve been assigned,” said Richard Wilson, the internship program’s coordinator.

Cox said the administration of Governor Steve Beshear deserves particular thanks for its cooperation and strong support of the program and its continuation.  “Without the assistance from the governor’s office and several of Gov. Beshear’s cabinet agencies, this very successful program would not be possible,” Cox added.

Students chosen for the 2009 intern class and the agencies in which they will be working are:

• Amy Anderson, of Columbia, a Lindsey Wilson College sophomore, Council on Postsecondary Education
• Jessica Boggs, a Campbellsville University junior from Whitesburg, Kentucky History Center
• Emily Buckman, a Campbellsville University senior from Lebanon, Department of Fish and Wildlife
• John Graves, a junior at St. Catharine College from Springfield, office of Cabinet Secretary Larry Hayes
• Jeweli Wright, an Asbury College senior from Magnolia, Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Selection to the intern program is based on applicants’ desire to work in government, skills needed by state agencies participating in the program, past academic performance, letters of recommendation and personal interviews.  Participating students receive a stipend to partially cover their living expenses.

The 2009 interns are the ninth class of students to participate in AIKCU’s Frankfort-based internship program. During odd-numbered years, the internships are in agencies of state government’s executive branch. In even-numbered years, students do their internship as aides to members of Kentucky’s General Assembly.

For more information about AIKCU’s Frankfort internship program, visit http://www.aikcu.org/about/initiatives/frankfortinternships/.

Governor Steve Beshear’s appointments to task force and related groups assembled to address affordability and access issues include presidents of Berea, Campbellsville and Kentucky Wesleyan; students from Alice Lloyd, Centre, and Kentucky Wesleyan; and AIKCU president.

In October Governor Steve Beshear announced the formation of the Higher Education Work Group to wrestle with the complex issues of affordability and access to higher education in Kentucky. The Governor convened the 25-member panel to help ensure that no qualified Kentuckian should be denied access to a postsecondary education because of financial barriers.

“It’s my belief that no person in this state with the drive and ability to succeed should be denied access to a college education because he or she can’t afford it,” Gov. Beshear said. “Yet because of cost, the door of opportunity is closed or beyond reach for too many of our children.”

The Governor’s Higher Education Work Group has been charged with studying a number of issues surrounding affordability and access and making two sets of recommendations to the Governor. Its first report, due January 15, will address short term cost saving opportunities in areas like textbook costs and increased campus efficiencies. The final report due in September, 2009, will include recommendations on long-range strategic issues like financial aid, tuition, and public funding policies and will hopefully lead to a more predictable and affordable outlook for higher education in Kentucky.

Governor Beshear, recognizing the integral role that independent colleges and universities play in postsecondary education in Kentucky, appointed independent college representatives to the Work Group and to two advisory groups that will inform the Work Group’s efforts from stakeholders’ perspectives.

The independent college representatives on the Presidents and Student Advisory Committees join their colleagues and peers from Kentucky’s eight public universities and the community and technical college system.The independent sector representatives include:

Presidents Advisory Committee:

• Dr. Larry D. Shinn, president of Berea College (Berea)
• Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University (Campbellsville)
• Dr. Cheryl D. King, president of Kentucky Wesleyan College (Owensboro)

Student Advisory Committee:

• Kodi Faine, an Alice Lloyd College (Pippa Passes) sophomore from Knott County, Ky.
• Matthew Ruark, a Kentucky Wesleyan College (Owensboro) senior and student government president from Brooksville, Ky.
• Jacob Raderer, a Centre College (Danville) senior and student government president from Louisville.

Gary S. Cox, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU), was appointed to the Work Group, where he serves on both the affordability and strategic planning subcommittees. Cox brings with him nearly 40 years of service to Kentucky students, families, and postsecondary institutions in the Commonwealth in both the public and independent sectors. Prior to his tenure at AIKCU, which began in 1997, Cox was the Executive Director of the Kentucky Council on Higher Education (the precursor to today’s Council on Postsecondary Education) from 1986 to 1997. During his tenure at CHE Cox helped set the stage for postsecondary reform and in 1997 played a key role in the development and passage of House Bill 1, Kentucky’s landmark postsecondary education reform act.

The Governor’s Higher Education Work Group also includes a number of influential leaders from around the Commonwealth with ties to independent colleges and universities. The Work Group is chaired by Mira Ball of Lexington, who has served on the Midway College board in addition to chairing the University of Kentucky Board, and Pete Mahurin of Bowling Green, who serves on the Lindsey Wilson College board. Others with ties to AIKCU member institutions include State Auditor Crit Luallen (Centre College alumnae and board member), former Governor Paul Patton (Pikeville College Board Member), Governor’s Cabinet Secretary Larry Hayes (St. Catharine College alumnus), Louisville businessman David Grissom (Centre alumnus and board member), and several other business leaders with independent college connections through board service or other relationships.

Kentucky’s 20 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities have committed to doubling the number of transfers they enroll and bachelor’s degrees they produce by 2020 as part of Kentucky’s ambitious “Double the Numbers” public agenda. Independent colleges produce about 22 percent of Kentucky’s bachelor’s degrees and high proportions of graduates in key fields like teaching, math and science, and the health sciences. Independent college students receive about $53 million in state student financial aid, or just under 4 percent of the Commonwealth’s annual investment in higher education. Kentucky’s independent colleges are strong values, providing high quality educations at low average tuitions in comparison to national and regional private college averages. AIKCU member institutions offer extensive institutional student financial aid totaling more than $150 million each year.

For more on the Governor’s Higher Education Work Group, including meeting schedules and materials, visit http://www.finance.ky.gov/hewgov.htm.

Eight future math and science teachers recently learned that they would have an additional $5,000 this year to apply toward their independent college education. The students, representing eight different independent Kentucky colleges and universities, are the recipients of the first Gheens STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarships.

Improving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education is a priority for Kentucky as it builds a globally competitive 21st century workforce.

“Producing highly skilled teachers in math and sciences is an area where independent colleges excel in meeting the needs of Kentucky’s K-12 schools,” said Gary S. Cox, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).

The Gheens Foundation granted AIKCU eight scholarships of $5,000 each to distribute to aspiring teachers studying at independent colleges through a competitive process.

“We approached the Gheens Foundation about funding these scholarships because of its shared commitment to education in Kentucky,” said Cox. “By selecting the best candidate from eight separate schools we felt the competition would focus even more attention on teacher preparation around the state…ultimately benefiting K-12 students throughout Kentucky.”

The Gheens Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Kentucky. The Foundation’s support of Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities dates back to the 1950s.

The Gheens STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarships were open to students at any of Kentucky’s 20 independent colleges and universities studying to become K-12 teachers in a STEM discipline. Priority was given to minority, female, low-income, and first generation applicants, as well as to those planning to teach in high need school districts. The competitive selection process was developed and overseen by an independent third party.

The 2008 Gheens STEM Teacher Preparation Scholarship recipients are:

Lesley Boorman, a Spalding University junior from Louisville who is majoring in natural science and plans to enter Spalding’s graduate education program to become a high school science teacher. Boorman writes in her application that she feels called to help inspire young people: “I want to spark students’ interest in science, a vital discipline needed in pursuing a vast array of complex professions.”

Lindsay Michelle Dotson, a Bellarmine University junior from Louisville majoring in biology and secondary education. Dotson says she “always wanted to be a teacher. The only variables that I did not know for sure when I was younger, were what subject and what grade I wanted to teach… By the time I reached my senior year I knew that I wanted to be a high school teacher and I knew that I wanted to teach biology and chemistry.”

Valerie Flanagan, a Lindsey Wilson College senior from Russell Springs studying to become a middle school science teacher. A married non-traditional student, Flanagan writes: “When I began considering returning to college to finish my degree in what was biology at the time, I re-examined my career path and decided to pursue the necessary training for a career in the teaching profession.…As an admirer of every division of science, it was an easy decision to commit to becoming a proficient instructor of the subject area I am most passionate about.”

Teresa LoPiccolo, a non-traditional senior at Campbellsville University majoring in middle school education with an emphasis in mathematics and social studies. A married mother of two young children, LoPiccolo has juggled her family responsibilities and her studies because she “is determined to be a math teacher and feels that a lot of middle school students need a teacher that will not show them just one way to do something.”

Emily Marshall, a Georgetown College senior from Louisville majoring in biology and secondary education. Marshall, who in 2007 was named an All-American NIA Scholar Athlete and NAIA Champion of Character (soccer), plans to become a high school science teacher. “Personally, as a female in a male-dominated subject, I feel that I will be a role model for female students,” writes Marshall. “I plan to put my heart and soul into teaching my students and to try my best to help them learn something every time they walk into my classroom, whether it be science-related or just real-life advice.”

David Ramey, a non-traditional senior at Pikeville College from Elkhorn City majoring in mathematics and secondary education. Ramey writes that he is blessed to have a “second chance to become a college graduate and a teacher and role model for young people in eastern Kentucky.” Ramey says he has never forgotten how difficult high school can be. He feels that after spending the past twenty-three years in mining and mining-related occupations he “knows and understands the culture of mountain people and the coal miner” and “their unique problems and outlook on life.”

Charlotte Robinson, a Transylvania University senior from Bracken County who is studying to become a high school math teacher. A first-generation college student, Robinson writes in her application: “My high school math teacher inspired me to become a teacher….It is my dream that I will one day be a student’s inspiration.”

Brenda Woods, a University of the Cumberlands senior majoring in middle school education with emphases in mathematics and science. Woods believes that middle school is a crucial time in students’ educational progression, and hopes to inspire and connect with all of her students. She writes:  “I will give my students the same opportunities that I received from my teachers: a fair education, a new look into the future, and a passion for the content.”

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The Gheens Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Kentucky. Trustees oversee the distribution of approximately four million dollars each year in support of education, economic development, medical, arts, social and health services, and other worthy causes. The Gheens Foundation’s support of Kentucky ’s independent colleges and universities dates back to the 1950s. Learn more at http://gheensfoundation.org.

The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) is a non-profit advocacy, fundraising, and member-services organization based in Frankfort.  AIKCU was founded in 1952 to promote the interests of Kentucky’s non-profit, independent colleges and universities and the students they serve.  AIKCU’s diverse members include Kentucky’s twenty nonprofit, non-tax supported, four year colleges and universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Learn more about AIKCU and its members at www.aikcu.org.

Free Web Resource for Students and Parents Marks First Anniversary with Enhanced Functionality and Record Campus Participation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The next iteration of U-CAN (www.ucan-network.org), a voluntary consumer information initiative of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), launched on September 17, 2008. Ten AIKCU institutions - half of Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities - currently participate in U-CAN, with more AIKCU institutions anticipated to join.

U-CAN “2.0″ improves on a college search tool already noted for providing objective, comparable data on the factors that matter most to consumers: student costs broken out by category, tuition trends, admission and graduation rates, average student aid packages, average debt at graduation, and much more.

Site enhancements - growing out of user comments and focus groups with parents and students - makes it among the most searchable websites of its kind. The improved site also provides guidance on how to prepare academically and financially for college, find the right fit, and navigate the admissions and financial aid processes. NAICU is exploring the development and addition of a new element that would allow consumers to see how colleges are spending their tuition dollars.

This is the first major upgrade to the U-CAN site, which was originally unveiled in September 2007.

U-CAN “2.0″ offers consumers:

• A greatly enhanced search function that increases the number of searchable variables from three to 17. Institutions can now be searched by tuition and fees, graduation rates, and average debt at graduation, among other categories.
• A new consumer guide to resources for planning for college, searching for the best college fit, and navigating the financial aid maze.

In August NAICU announced a milestone in campus participation. Nearly 11 months after the free, consumer-focused website was launched, the roster of private colleges and universities signed up to participate had grown grown to 711 institutions.

Since NAICU unveiled U-CAN on Sept. 26, 2007, with 600 private colleges and universities onboard, the number of participating institutions has grown by 19 percent. The association has 953 member schools, which enroll 85 percent of all students attending private colleges and universities in America.

With a design driven by consumer focus groups, the U-CAN site has been lauded for its rich and consumer-relevant information, and colorful, user-friendly format-by students, parents, college admissions counselors, and policymakers. Since U-CAN went live, more than 358,000 users have visited the site, viewing more than 850,000 pages.

Learn more at NAICU.edu.

FRANKFORT, Ky - Independent colleges in Kentucky and their students, faculty and staff will soon have an opportunity to lower their wireless bills thanks to a new business partnership between AT&T Mobility and the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).

AIKCU recently finalized an AT&T College and University Advantage Agreement (CAU) on behalf of its 20 member colleges and universities. The agreement provides each participating institution significant discounts on eligible mobile voice and data plans: a 20 percent discount to campuses for institutional use plans, a 15 percent discount for faculty and staff on personal plans, and an 8 percent discount for students.

“We’re delighted to partner with AT&T Mobility to bring this savings opportunity to our campuses,” said Gary S. Cox, AIKCU President. “We live in a mobile world, and we see this partnership as a great opportunity for our members to benefit from the collective strength of the association. In economic times like these it’s more important than ever that we help our members and their faculty, staff, and students contain costs and maximize their buying power.”

This AT&T Mobility partnership is the latest in an extensive list of AIKCU business partnerships designed to help member institutions contain costs. Like all of the AIKCU partnerships, campus participation in the AT&T Mobility program is strictly voluntary. AIKCU campuses must sign a participation agreement in order to enroll in this new AIKCU-AT&T Mobility discount program. AT&T will provide a dedicated account representative to help campuses launch and promote the program at the institutional level.

Other AIKCU business partnerships cover fuel purchasing, office products, liability insurance, health insurance, printing services, library resources, textbooks, and a wide range of technology products and services, among other things. To learn more about AIKCU’s business partnerships, visit www.aikcu.org/partners.

Campuses interested in learning more about the AT&T Partnership should contact Bob Johnston at bob.johnston@mail.aikcu.org or 502-695-5007.

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The fifth-annual Kentucky Private College Week will be July 14-18.

Kentucky Private College Week is a coordinated effort by the state’s 20 nonprofit, independent colleges and universities to provide students and families an easy way to explore a variety of college campuses during the summer.

A single point of registration at www.kentuckyprivatecolleges.org and common visit times at all 20 campuses - 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (local time) daily - make it easy for prospective students to plan campus visits. Some campuses will offer special times to accommodate the schedules of non-traditional students.

“We want people to see these campuses firsthand and have an opportunity to talk with staff and current students about the admissions process and financial aid,” said Mason Dyer of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities, which sponsors the event. “Many people are surprised to find out how attainable and affordable an independent college education can be.”

The 20 participating campuses serve students from all income levels. Four out of 10 students who attend Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities qualify for a Pell Grant, the federal student aid program for people with high financial need. Together, the 20 campuses provide more than $150 million annually in student financial aid and scholarships. Students attending AIKCU institutions also qualify for state student financial aid programs.

In addition to the two daily sessions, select campuses will host special evening information sessions for working adults interested in pursuing a degree. More than one in five students at Kentucky’s independent colleges is at least 25 years old.

“While non-traditional students are always welcome at all campuses, more than half of Kentucky’s independent colleges offer special opportunities for working adults,” Dyer said. “These may include degree-completion programs, evening or weekend classes, online learning, extended campuses, or participation in special programs such as Project Graduate.”

Project Graduate is a statewide initiative to help students with 90 or more credit hours finish a baccalaureate degree.

Visitors receive an application fee waiver for every campus they visit during Private College Week. Prizes to be given away during the week include t-shirts, gas cards and other items.

“Kentucky Private College Week is the perfect road-trip opportunity,” Dyer said. “Our campuses are located across Kentucky, from Pikeville to Mayfield, in great cities and towns, and in some of the most beautiful places in the entire country. With gas prices keeping people closer to home this summer, we see this as a great chance to see Kentucky while also preparing for the future.”

To learn more visit the Kentucky Private College Week blog at www.kentuckyprivatecolleges.org. There you can register, see videos featuring current students, learn more about participating campuses, get directions, and see the latest news about Kentucky’s private colleges. Or call the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities at (502) 695-5007 for more information.