Higher Education Matters

Episode 24: The State of Higher Education in Kentucky

Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, discusses the positive developments made in higher education in Kentucky towards the goal of having 60% of working-age adults with postsecondary qualifications by 2030. The episode also discusses college enrollment rates and higher education accessibility and affordability.

Episode 23: Healthcare Workforce Collaboratory Recap

In October of 2023, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education organized the inaugural  Healthcare Workforce Collaboratory. Policymakers, educators and employers convened to discuss issues related to Kentucky’s healthcare workforce shortage and the Healthcare Workforce Collaborative's most recent efforts. The Collaboratory brought together 48 healthcare organizations, representatives from local and state government, K-12 and postsecondary education. Dr. Aaron Thompson and Dr. Leslie Sizemore give a recap of the Collaboratory, discuss the importance of this gathering and explore what’s to come.

Episode 22: Unlocking Opportunity Through Postsecondary Education

As the Second Chance Pell Grant grows, so do opportunities for those interested in college degrees from Kentucky's institutions. Dr. Javan Reed, with Simmons College, discusses the school's new program to empower and provide justice-involved individuals with an opportunity to earn a college education and career path.

Episode 21: The CLIMB Initiative: Climbing into Career and Recovery

Join us as we delve into meeting Kentucky's mental healthcare needs. Carl Wilson, with CPE's Healthcare Workforce Initiatives Unit, discusses CLIMB-Health, a statewide initiative building postsecondary paths to counseling careers for those who have completed recovery/reentry programs.

Episode 20: United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is crucial in promoting access to higher education for African American students, both nationally and locally. Steve Miller, UNCF director of development for Kentucky’s region, discusses upcoming fundraising events, the impact of the UNCF on student success and how Kentucky students can access the scholarship. In our second segment, Von Purdy, vice president of advancement and community engagement for Simmons College of Kentucky, joins the conversation and discusses how UNCF specifically supports Simmons students. https://uncf.org [https://uncf.org/events/2023-uncf-leaders-luncheon-louisville] http://www.simmonscollegeky.edu/ [http://www.simmonscollegeky.edu/]