FRANKFORT, Ky., June 20, 2025 — Preparing promising mid- to senior-level managers to take on even greater leadership roles in higher education is the goal behind the new AIKCU Advancing Leaders Program.

The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities offered the opportunity to its members, the 18 independent colleges and universities in Kentucky. This immersive leadership development program helps rising campus leaders evaluate how their skills, natural abilities, and calling can be honed to meet key leadership needs in today's higher education environment.

 

Seventeen participants from nine institutions and one AIKCU staff member completed the inaugural program in June 2025. Members of the Class of 2025 are listed below.

 

"Preparing leaders to serve effectively and courageously in higher ed is critical to the sustainability of our sector," AIKCU President Mason Dyer said. "This program gives selected campus managers the tools to enhance and elevate their leadership abilities while also boosting their knowledge of postsecondary education."

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Each campus president could select up to two participants from a wide variety of campus departments, including academic affairs, advancement, athletics, enrollment management, finance, marketing, and student affairs.

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The Class of 2025 kicked off the program with a two-day, in-person session in January. Participants then met virtually each month until completing the program at a final in-person session in June.

 

AIKCU collaborated on the programming with Credo, a higher education consulting firm that specializes in leadership development for middle-talent campus leaders and aspiring presidents.

 

Participants completed workshops that focused on four learning objectives: Common Themes in Thriving Institutions, Demands of Leadership, Cross-Functional Engagement & Awareness, and Leadership Readiness & Growth Actions.

 

AIKCU ADVANCING LEADERS CLASS OF 2025

The 18 members of the inaugural class are listed below:

Brescia University, Owensboro
Lauren Osowicz, Director of Advancement
Sagan Storm, Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness
 
Centre College, Danville
John Perrin, Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Compliance
Ann T. Smith, Director of Budgeting and Procurement
 
Georgetown College, Georgetown 
Alison Gillaspie, Director of Admissions
Chris Oliver, Vice President for Athletics
 
Kentucky Christian University, Grayson
David Manning, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletics Director
William R. Stevens, Ph.D., Dean, School of Humanities & Science
 
Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro
Lindsey Crowe, Dean of Online Learning 
Morgan Russelburg, Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students

 

Midway University, Midway
Mona Chorera, Executive Director of International Affairs
Ashley Dudgeon, Vice President of Enrollment
 
Thomas More University, Crestview Hills
Joseph Christensen, Ph.D., Dean, St. Elizabeth College of Natural and Health Sciences
 
Transylvania University, Lexington
Amanda Turcotte, Chief of Staff
Tiffany Wheeler, Ed.D, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
 
Union Commonwealth University, Barbourville
Eric Evans, Chief Information Officer
Preshus Howard, Registrar
 
Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities
Krista Hudson, Ph.D., Vice President of Finance & Administration

About AIKCU

Kentucky's independent, nonprofit colleges and universities play a critical role in the commonwealth’s postsecondary education system by serving 59,000 students and awarding more than 15,000 degrees annually. They also have a $2.06 billion annual economic impact on the state and local economies. The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities advances the interests of its 18 member institutions by promoting affordability and student success through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.