Following a national search, the State Council on Postsecondary Education has selected one of its own to lead the public university governing organization.
Aaron Thompson, who spent many years of leadership at Eastern Kentucky University, has been named CPE President.
Thompson served as the Council’s executive vice president and chief academic officer. He said that 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," said Thompson. "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."
Thompson is the first Kentucky native and first African American to hold the council presidency since it was formed 21 years ago.
He said that one challenge comes from those who question whether Kentucky students are properly prepared for long term careers.
"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," said Thompson. "So, I plan on being out on the stump if you will."
Thompson pledged the CPE will work to get more public dollars into higher education.
Thompson takes over on November First for Bob King who retired this past summer.
