New AIKCU Alumni Hall of Fame: Now accepting nominations from AIKCU presidents for Class of 2026
Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026 | Learn more and nominate online here
By statute, AIKCU is required to provide an update annually to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education on the status of the sector and AIKCU members' contributions to the Kentucky Strategic Agenda. By choice, AIKCU encourages and invites CPE to host one of its Work Session and Business Meetings at an AIKCU campus each year.
Through a quirk in the schedule, CPE met on two AIKCU member campuses over the last year: Brescia University in Owensboro in November and, more recently, the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg June 11-12.
AIKCU gives annual update to
Council on Postsecondary Education
From left: Union Commonwealth University President DJ Washington, AIKCU President Mason Dyer, and University of the Cumberlands President Quentin Young.
During the June CPE meeting at the Cumberlands, AIKCU President Mason Dyer presented the association's update to CPE. He noted that despite the challenges facing all of higher education, Kentucky's independent college sector is strong and continues to see growth in enrollment, retention, and degree production.
Dyer was joined by Cumberlands President Quentin Young and Union Commonwealth University President DJ Washington, who talked about affordability, student success initiatives specific to their campuses, and their deep connections and service to the region.
Kentucky’s independent colleges see strong increase in number of graduates
Undergraduate and graduate degrees are both on the rise at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities.
In the last six years, undergraduate degrees increased 20.7% and graduate degrees jumped 32.9 %.
AIKCU celebrates the Advancing Leaders Class of 2026
AIKCU Board of Directors holds spring meeting at Asbury University
Presidents from AIKCU's member colleges and universities gathered at Asbury University in Wilmore for their spring board meeting. The group welcomed Jo Carole Ellis, executive director/CEO for KHEAA/KHESLC, who gave an update on state student aid and student loans in Kentucky.
AIKCU appreciates Asbury University President Kevin Brown for hosting the meeting.
Enrollment is growing at a healthy pace at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities. For Fall 2025, there was a 5.9% increase in undergraduate enrollment for a record 36,209, and an increase in overall undergraduate and graduate enrollment for a record 60,055.
This is the third year in a row for strong growth on AIKCU member campuses. Undergraduate enrollment increased 5.6% for Fall 2023, 3.7% for Fall 2024, and 5.9% for Fall 2025.
See full news release here.
Enrollment sees healthy growth at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities
Photo courtesy of Centre College
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
Enrollment sees healthy growth at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities
March 12, 2026
Enrollment is growing at a healthy pace at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities. For Fall 2025, there was a 5.9% increase in undergraduate enrollment for a record 36,209, and an increase in overall undergraduate and graduate enrollment for a record 60,055.
AIKCU President Mason Dyer named to CIC Board of Directors
Feb. 9, 2026
AIKCU President Mason Dyer was one of seven members elected to the Council of Independent Colleges Board of Directors during its annual board meeting in January. His three-year term will end in January 2029. The CIC is an association of more than 700 nonprofit independent colleges and universities and affiliates that support independent higher education’s contributions to society.
Calendar
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29
AIKCU Admissions Officers Fall Meeting
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET (time may be adjusted slightly closer to the date)
In Person: Transylvania University, Lexington
​
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29
AIKCU Business Officers Fall Meeting
Time TBD
In Person: Transylvania University, Lexington
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29
AIKCU Financial Aid Officers Fall Meeting
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET (time may be adjusted slightly closer to the date)
In Person: Transylvania University, Lexington
​
MONDAY, OCT. 12
AIKCU Library Directors Fall Meeting
10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET
In Person: Transylvania University, Lexington
INSIDE AIKCU Blog
​AIKCU President Mason Dyer talks about independent higher ed in Kentucky
