Following a national search the State Council on Postsecondary Education has selected one of its own to lead the public university governing organization. Dr. Aaron Thompson, who spent many years of leadership at Eastern Kentucky University, has been named CPE President.
Thompson presently serves as the Council’s executive vice president and chief academic officer. He says one challenge comes from those who question whether Kentucky students are properly prepared for long term careers. “We have to put the value back in the value proposition of higher education. So, the idea that we need to show so many of our constituency that we are in fact the key to good economic prosperity is something that I look forward to actually leading,” said Thompson.
Thompson is the first Kentucky native, originally from Clay County, and first African American to hold the council presidency since it was formed 21 years ago. While pledging that he and CPE colleagues will do their best to get more public dollars into higher education, Thompson says tuition will remain a key source of income.
Dr. Thompson takes over for Bob King who retired as CPE President this past summer. He will begin his new responsibilities November first. One of his first priorities, is to visit a number of Kentucky communities. “I think we need to get around the state and talk about that value proposition. We need to get into our communities and let people know that they can go to college. So, I plan on being out on the stump if you will,” explained Thompson.
Thompson says affordability remains a key talking point and that means stressing the net price, including financial aid, and not the sticker price.
In addition to his time at EKU and with the CPE, Thompson also served as interim president at Kentucky State University.
