Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

University student leaders eager to spread the word about the value of higher education

April 02, 2026

Kentucky’s university student leaders are working together to share a strong message about the value of higher education and the opportunities it creates for students across the Commonwealth. During an April 1 joint meeting of student body presidents, the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), and college and university presidents, Macy Waddle, president of the University of Louisville’s Student Government Association, emphasized the need to help high school students better understand that college can be both affordable and a worthwhile investment in their future.

“CPE data shows that 6 out of 10 Kentucky college graduates finish debt-free, and those who do borrow are graduating with less debt than in years past, but students are not hearing that message,” said Waddle. “We need to work holistically to ensure all Kentuckians understand the affordability and value of higher education.”

The students discussed creating social media strategies, public service announcements, and embedding CPE’s college and career website, Futuriti.org, into high school lesson plans.

The discussion about building a stronger college-going culture in Kentucky continued during CPE’s work session the following day.

“We need to get the message out that students may have to borrow, but higher education is still a worthwhile investment,” said CPE President Aaron Thompson.

“In 2024-25, the average community college borrower owed about $430 less at graduation than five years ago, while the average public university bachelor’s degree graduate owed about $2,500 less. That means students are leaving college with less debt, and over time, graduates are also likely to earn more than people without a postsecondary credential.”

Thompson also applauded the Kentucky General Assembly for passing House Bill 307, the My Kentucky Future Act, which will help connect high school students with Kentucky colleges and universities where they are eligible to enroll.

“Through this legislation, Kentucky has taken an important step toward making the transition from high school to college clearer and more student-centered,” said Thompson. “It sends a powerful message to students across the Commonwealth: if you work hard and meet the qualifications, opportunities in Kentucky higher education are within reach.”

CPE approves new academic programs and proposed campus renovations

During the April 2 CPE business meeting, the Council approved ten new academic programs, including degrees in artificial intelligence, disaster science, agricultural ecosystem science, and other emerging fields. Programs include:

The Council greenlit three capital renovation projects: the expansion of Shauntee Hall at Kentucky State University, improvements to the utility infrastructure on Jefferson Community and Technical College’s downtown campus, and partial renovation of the University of Kentucky’s Patterson Office Tower. The 2022-24 Endowment Match Program Guidelines were also updated to enable institutions to submit requests for matching funds under $50,000 once their residual allocations fall below this amount.

Additional items presented to the CPE Board include:

Council meeting materials are available here. The board will hold its next meetings on June 11-12 at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Last Updated: 4/3/2026