FRANKFORT, Ky., June 16, 2025 — The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities is pleased to announce that Burton J. Webb, president of the University of Pikeville, has been named chair of the AIKCU Board of Directors for 2025-27. The appointment was effective May 20.

 

Webb succeeds John P. Marsden, president of Midway University, who served as chair for 2023-25.

 

“I’m grateful for President Marsden’s strong leadership during his tenure as AIKCU board chair and look forward to working with President Webb and the rest of the AIKCU Executive Committee,” AIKCU President Mason Dyer said. “This Executive Committee is made up of a talented group of leaders representing the diversity of Kentucky’s independent colleges. Their vision and guidance will be invaluable as we continue to advance the interests of our sector and the students we serve.”

 

Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo, who previously served on the Executive Committee as an at-large member, has assumed the role of vice chair.

 

The members of the AIKCU Executive Committee for 2025-27 are as follows:                

 

Chair: Burton J. Webb, President, University of Pikeville, Pikeville

Vice Chair: Joseph L. Chillo, President, Thomas More University, Crestview Hills

Treasurer: Brien Lewis, President, Transylvania University, Lexington

Immediate Past Chair: John P. Marsden, President, Midway University, Midway

At-Large Member: Milton C. Moreland, President, Centre College, Danville

At-Large Member: Cheryl L. Nixon, President, Berea College, Berea

 

The full AIKCU Board of Directors is composed of the presidents who lead Kentucky's 18 independent colleges and universities.

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.