Kentucky Graduate Profile Institute
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Perkins Conference Center at Eastern Kentucky University
Agenda | Lodging | Application
Kentucky’s students deserve an education that prepares them not only for careers, but for meaningful participation in their communities. Civic engagement - one of the 10 Essential Skills in the Kentucky Graduate Profile - sits at the heart of that goal. This exclusive, one‑day institute brings together groups of faculty from academic programs across the state to explore how civic engagement can be intentionally embedded into curriculum, assessment, and student learning experiences.
Designed as a no‑cost, invitation‑only event, the institute provides a focused environment where program‑level faculty teams can collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop actionable strategies for strengthening civic engagement outcomes within their disciplines. Through interactive sessions, evidence‑based discussions, and hands‑on design work, participants will examine how the Kentucky Graduate Profile can elevate academic quality while preparing students to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to Kentucky’s civic life.
This gathering offers a rare opportunity for multiple faculty in an academic program to come together to focus on civic engagement in their programs, not just in individual courses. Faculty teams will leave with shared insights, practical tools, and a clearer roadmap for integrating civic engagement into the student experience at the program level.
Agenda and Schedule
The event is taking place on Thursday, May 14 with the opening session kicking off at 9 a.m. ET and with programming throughout the day. The day will conclude around 5:30 p.m. ET after an awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of faculty and academic leaders whose work has advanced the implementation of the Kentucky Graduate Profile at their institutions and throughout the state. View the agenda-at-a-glance.
Meet the Keynote Speakers
Whitney Godwin
Whitney Godwin, Senior Education Consultant at Gallup, is a highly driven and solutions-oriented education, purpose and leadership content expert with more than 12 years in in events, recruitment, retention, student success, outreach, marketing, communications and program development in both higher education and the K-12 space. Passionate about student success and holistic wellbeing, she helps leaders, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and communities thrive through exploring their purpose, and uniquely identifying and applying their strengths and values to create a positive impact on their lives and the world around them. Whitney has been a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach for several years. She uses that knowledge coupled with her experience in higher education, student success, and faculty, staff and alumni engagement to contribute to the organization's success. She holds a Master of Science in journalism (MSJ) and a Bachelor of Science in journalism from West Virginia University.
Lara Schwartz
Lara Schwartz, Director of the Project on Civic Dialogue at American University, specializes is dialogue across differences, constitutional law, civil rights, politics, communications, and policy. Drawing on her experience as a legislative lawyer, lobbyist, and communications strategist in leading civil rights organizations, Lara encourages students to approach complex questions from multiple perspectives, listen generously to one another, and challenge themselves and support one another. Prior to joining the SPA faculty, Lara served several roles, most recently as Director of Strategic Engagement at the American Constitution Society for Law & Policy. She has appeared on national and local radio and television programs, written op-eds published in national papers and local papers of record, and is the author of Try to Love the Questions: From Debate to Dialogue in Classrooms and Life.
How to Apply for the Institute
The Institute is designed for faculty teams in the implementation stage of the Graduate Profile. Applications for the Institute opens on Feb. 16 and are due by March 15, with priority consideration given to those submitted by the end of February.
Location and Lodging Options
The event will take place at Eastern Kentucky University in the Carl D. Perkins Conference Center, located at 4440 Kit Carson Dr., Richmond, KY 40475. While there is not a lodging block associated with this event, there are several options nearby that should honor government or education rates, if requested. https://visitrichmondky.com/listings/lodging/
Questions?
- Program questions: Email melissa.bell@ky.gov
- Logistic questions: Email heather.faesy@ky.gov
Last Updated: 2/18/2026