By Charles Compton/KPR
Pikeville, KY – Before Kentucky can consider a new state-owned university in Pikeville, Senate President David Williams says it needs an improved economy. Last night on Kentucky Educational Television, Williams said there are other parts of the Commonwealth that also qualify for such a school. He says,
"I think you could make a tremendous argument that there needs to be one in Somerset, at Somerset Community College if you look at those counties down in that area. All these private colleges across the state, whether it be Centre or Lindsey Wilson or Campbellsville or Union or the University of the Cumberlands all have tuition that's much higher than the public universities."
House Speaker Greg Stumbo, who backs the University of Pikeville, says it wouldn't compete with other schools for state funding. Plus, he says it would make tuition more affordable in eastern Kentucky.