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.
AIKCU kicks off leadership development program for new class of rising leaders
"Empowered, eye-opening, enlightening, energizing, motivating, affirming, introspective, encouraging, momentum, inspiring, and ameliorating."
These are a few of the words participants used to describe their first session of the Advancing Leaders Program at Transylvania University.
The Class of 2026 is the second cohort taking part in an annual leadership development program for rising higher education leaders offered by AIKCU in conjunction with Credo.
​
See who's in the Class of 2026!
AIKCU presidents, KCTCS President Quarles share goal of preparing grads for promising careers
Presidents of Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities hosted Kentucky Community & Technical College System President Ryan Quarles at the AIKCU Board of Directors’ winter meeting. The commonwealth’s 18 independent four-year institutions and its 16 public community and technical colleges share similar goals — to ensure postsecondary education and workforce education is relevant, accessible, and affordable while preparing graduates for meaningful careers.
AIKCU presidents and Dr. Quarles discussed strengthening transfer pathways and other areas of mutual interest, including the legislature’s continued strong support for Kentucky Lottery-funded student financial aid programs.
​SYDNEY NEWTON
2025-26 Milken Educator Award Winner
Teacher, English/Language Arts • Taylor County High School • Campbellsville
AIKCU celebrates the power of a degree from Kentucky’s independent colleges as Sydney Newton earns an “Oscar of Teaching” for her outstanding efforts in the classroom.
Sydney completed degrees from two AIKCU member campuses — a bachelor’s degree from Lindsey Wilson University and dual master’s degrees from Campbellsville University.
Congratulations, Sydney!
Bellarmine, Spalding, Union, UPike awarded competitive federal grants
Bellarmine University in Louisville has been awarded its first TRIO Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The five-year, $1.36 million grant will fund a new program to help first-generation and low-income students thrive and graduate.
Spalding University in Louisville has received its first TRIO Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The five-year, $1.36 million award will support the academic success of students who are first-generation, low-income, or have disabilities.
​Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville has secured a renewal TRIO grant of nearly $2 million from the U.S. Department of Education. Union's Student Support Services program will use the funds for services to help underserved and underrepresented students overcome barriers to success.
The University of Pikeville in Pikeville has been awarded two grants totaling more than $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education The grants will be used to further initiatives that improve student career readiness and strengthen civic education.
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
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.
AIKCU announces new board chair, Executive Committee members
June 16, 2025
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.
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.
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.
INSIDE AIKCU Blog
AIKCU President Mason Dyer talks about independent higher ed in Kentucky
