Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

06/12/2026

Council sets new academic direction for KSU as per Senate Bill 185: Approves 6 areas of study, 28 academic programs to support university’s revised mission and long-term academic strategy as a polytechnic institution: https://cpe.ky.gov/news/stories/cpe-approves-6-areas-for-ksu.html

06/12/2026

Thank you to the University of the Cumberlands and President Quentin Young for hosting our Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education work session and business meeting today. Your hospitality is much appreciated, as well as what you contribute to helping Kentucky reach our 60x30 goal.

06/12/2026

During the Council on Postsecondary Education's June board meeting at the University of the Cumberlands, President Aaron Thompson discussed how CPE’s policies, programs, data and partnerships connect across the full learner journey — from helping students access postsecondary education, to supporting them through completion and into meaningful careers.

"We are preparing for the next generation, and for what Kentucky will look like when we reach our 60x30 Northstar goal," said Thompson.

Download the President's Report here: https://ow.ly/xPZ650Zb7jK

06/11/2026

The data shows it: Dual credit courses give students a head start in both coursework requirements and affordability, making the transition to college much easier and more likely. A powerful signal about what access to dual credit can mean for Ky's students.

06/09/2026

Leadership Exchange member spotlight: Meet Hannah White!

We are so thrilled to highlight members of the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative’s 2025-26 cohort for the Leadership exChange program. Hannah currently serves as assistant director of Adult Services at the University of Louisville, and will be a key contributor to this year’s program.

The Leadership exChange is a year-long change leadership program designed to advance student success across the state and drive continuous improvement within our higher ed institutions. Members not only learn invaluable strategies through a series of professional development, but also participate in a capstone project, in which they initiate change at their own institutions.

We look forward to seeing Hannah's impact in advancing leadership across higher education. To learn more about Hannah as well as other members of our cohort, visit https://kystudentsuccess.org/leadership-exchange/

06/06/2026

Happy National Higher Education Day! We're so thankful for the work of our institutions. Whether a trade certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctorate, every educational pathway contributes to a stronger future for Kentucky.

06/05/2026

This week in our "Higher Education Matters: In Their Own Words" series, we have Macy Waddle, a recent grad from the University of Louisville and former student board member with the council. Macy recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science and government.

This series highlights Kentuckians’ perspectives on why higher education matters and how it can change lives.

06/04/2026

We're proud of KAA's team and the work they've done to develop this new advising tool. It's a great example of the Commonwealth Education Continuum in action - helping students connect their interests to meaningful & actionable college and career pathways.

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, in partnership with Education Strategy Group, is rolling out a new advising tool designed to help Kentucky students plan earlier.

06/03/2026

Congratulations to the 21 graduates of the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative’s second Leadership exChange cohort!

These campus and agency leaders completed a nine-month program focused on advancing student success across Kentucky through student-centered design, improvement science and collaborative leadership. Their work is a powerful example of Kentucky’s shared commitment to helping more students succeed. Learn more: https://cpe.ky.gov/news/stories/kyssc-celebrates-21-grads-leadership-exchange.html

06/03/2026

During testimony to the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education this morning, CPE's Executive VP and General Counsel Travis Powell attributed the recent climb in enrollment at Kentucky's colleges and universities to more Kentuckians seeing the value in higher education. He said recent affordability measures are allowing more students to earn credentials with little or no debt. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMHqyXPnLic