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18 complete first AIKCU Advancing Leaders Program
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We're proud of the18 inaugural members of the AIKCU Advancing Leaders Program who completed the program June 2. 

AIKCU launched the program in January to help its member colleges and universities prepare promising mid- to senior-level managers take on even greater leadership roles in independent higher education.

Learn more
here.

AIKCU announces new board chair, Executive Committee members

AIKCU is pleased that University of Pikeville President Burton J. Webb will serve as chair of the AIKCU Board of Directors for 2025-27. Webb succeeds Midway University President John P. Marsden, who was chair for 2023-25. Thomas More University President Joseph L. Chillo has assumed the role of vice chair.

 

See full list of Executive Committee members here.

From left: Midway University President John P. Marsden, AIKCU President Mason Dyer, and University of Pikeville President Burton J. Webb.

Announcing AIKCU's Bottom Line:
Kentucky's 18 independent colleges and universities contribute $2.06 BILLION to state's economy
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The Power of Independent Colleges

Kentucky’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are changing the trajectory of individual lives, families, and communities.

 

AIKCU is proud to support our 18 member institutions in their efforts. 

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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.

Fast Facts

18

AIKCU

Colleges and

Universities

59,000

Students attending independent

KY colleges

15,000+

Degrees

awarded annually

News

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Enrollment up for second year in row at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities
April 2, 2025
For the second year in a row, Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities have seen an increase in enrollment. After a big jump in enrollment for Fall 2023, the sector saw another increase for Fall 2024, according to
new data from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

Presidents from Kentucky's independent colleges meet with members of Congress during Hill Day in Washington, D.C.
March 3, 2025

Presidents from Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities continued an annual tradition Feb. 4 when they met with Kentucky’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.

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AIKCU announces ‘remarkable’ economic impact of Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities
Jan. 31, 2025
Kentucky’s 18 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities contribute $2.06 billion
to the state and local economies, according to a report released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities.

6 AIKCU institutions receive funds for healthcare summer programs
Jan. 21, 2025
Six AIKCU colleges and universities have been awarded $235,418 by the Council on Postsecondary Education to hold summer residential programs on campus focused on healthcare-related fields.

Calendar

FRIDAY, AUG. 15

AIKCU Advancement Officers Meeting

10 a.m.- 2 p.m. ET

In Person: Transylvania University, Lexington

FRIDAY, AUG. 15

AIKCU Campus Culture & Community Relations Officers Meeting

10 a.m.-1 p.m. ET

In Person: Transylvania University, Lexington

FRIDAY, AUG. 15

AIKCU Human Resources Officers Meeting

10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET

In Person: Transylvania University, Lexington

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

AIKCU Business Officers Fall Meeting

10 a.m. ET

In Person: Berea College, Berea

FRIDAY, OCT. 10

AIKCU Library Directors Fall Meeting

10 a.m. ET

In Person: Berea College, Berea

INSIDE AIKCU Blog

AIKCU President Mason Dyer talks about independent higher ed in Kentucky
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© 2024 Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities. All Rights Reserved.
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