The president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education characterizes a state Senate resolution as an A-to-Z evaluation of higher education across the Commonwealth. The measure unanimously passed out of the Senate this week and is now in the House. CPE’s Aaron Thompson said his agency will do its best if the legislation is enacted.
“Do I really believe it’s time for us to look at postsecondary reform two, probably. What I would have liked to have had would have been more of an opportunity to get a third party interacting with us over a longer period of time,” said Thompson.
The Council leader said gains are being made in Kentucky higher education, including just over 50% in educational attainment.
Senate President Robert Stivers has talked about investigating the establishment of a new four-year university in southeast Kentucky or converting a private college to a public institution. Thompson, meanwhile, said there are no preconceived notions.
“A new brick and mortar or a current one that is more substantial or maybe nothing changes. I don’t know. But, we will look at that, but we will look at with the resources that we have allocated already to higher ed,” said Thompson.
Thompson said such a project, if deemed appropriate, would require new state dollars. The CPE leader added the study would incorporate a lot of voices in the process. The resolution calls for a report by December first.
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