CPE recognizes six campuses for higher education leadership at annual Student Success Summit

February 12, 2025

Nearly 500 postsecondary practitioners attended an awards ceremony at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton Student Center on Monday to honor Kentucky postsecondary institutions for leading higher education improvement efforts. The ceremony was part of the Council on Postsecondary Education’s Student Success Summit, an annual conference to provide professional development and networking opportunities for postsecondary faculty and staff.

Transformational leadership awards were presented to Bellarmine University, Eastern Kentucky University, Gateway Community and Technical College, Maysville Community and Technical College, Northern Kentucky University and the University of Louisville. More specifically, these campuses were recognized for advancing CPE’s strategic priorities and engaging with other postsecondary partners to share lessons learned. Winning initiatives addressed such issues as improving transfer pathways, meeting students’ basic needs, enhancing summer bridge programming and increasing opportunities for prison education.

“I am so proud of these schools and individuals who exemplify what it means to be student-centered,” said Aaron Thompson, CPE president. “Kentucky’s recent gains in enrollment, retention and degree attainment are a testament to the work campuses are doing on the ground to support students and their unique needs, whether they be academic, financial or emotional.”

These efforts grew out of campuses’ involvement with the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC), an entity launched by CPE and supported by the James Graham Brown Foundation and other external funders. KYSSC enables CPE to work directly with practitioners to implement innovations in teaching, learning and student support across Kentucky. A list of award recipients and brief project descriptions follow.

Pictured, from left to right: Aaron Thompson (CPE), Dominique Clayton (Bellarmine), Jon Blandford (Bellarmine), Lilly Massa-McKinley (CPE).

Bellarmine University, “Bridging the Gap for Student Access and Success”

This project expands summer bridge programming for students interested in healthcare careers. In partnership with Norton Healthcare, dual-enrolled high school seniors will take nursing and general education courses and gain exposure to healthcare settings.
Accepting the award were Dr. Jon Blandford, Assistant Provost and Dr. Dominique Clayton, Assistant Dean of Academic Services.

Pictured, from left to right: Aaron Thompson (CPE), Amanda Green (EKU), Lara Vance, Jillian Cupp (EKU), Lilly Massa-McKinley (CPE).

Eastern Kentucky University, “Improving Campus Food Security for All Students”

Through this project, EKU became the first university in Kentucky to offer SNAP access through the Aramark system, allowing students to use SNAP benefits at campus grocery stores.
Accepting the award were Dr. Lara Vance, Dean of Students; Dr. Amanda Green, Associate Professor of Anthropology; and Jillian Cupp, Aramark Nutrition Associate Manager.

Pictured, from left to right: Teri Vonhandorf (NKU), Jen Jones (NKU), Lilly Massa-McKinley (CPE), Aaron Thompson (CPE), Diana McGill (GCTC).

Northern Kentucky University and Gateway Community and Technical College System, “Advancing Transfer Success Through Collaborative Improvement Science”

By leveraging improvement science, small tests of change and data-driven strategies, NKU’s and GCTC’s partnership streamlines transfer processes, removes barriers and expands access to higher education.
Accepting the award for NKU were Dr. Teri Vonhandorf, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Jen Jones, Academic Advisor. Dr. Diana McGill, Provost, represented GCTC.

Pictured, from left to right: Aaron Thompson (CPE), Dana Calland (MCTC), Maggie Price (MCTC), Lilly Massa-McKinley (CPE).

Maysville Community and Technical College, “Opportunities for Prison Education and Adult Learner Success”

This project expands educational opportunities offered at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, allowing prisoners to gain postsecondary certificates and associate degrees in select programs.
Accepting the award were Dr. Dana Calland, Vice President of Academic Services and Professor of Mathematics and Dr. Maggie Price, Director of Student Success.

Pictured, from left to right: Aaron Thompson (CPE), Penny Howell (UofL), Katherine Marin (UofL), Lilly Massa-McKinley (CPE).

University of Louisville, “Strengthening the Future of Education”

UofL’s C4 Summer Bridge Program in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a week-long, non-residential program for incoming education majors that addresses teacher shortages and workforce diversity.
Accepting the award were Dr. Penny Howell, Interim Director, Nystrand Center of Excellence in Education and Dr. Katherine Marin, Assistant Professor.

Last Updated: 2/13/2025