Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

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Kentucky has held an annual or biannual Trusteeship conference since the 1990's? Browse the topics covered in the most recent events here:

New Board Member Orientation

Visit the Board Training webpage for links to the new board member orientation training courses.

Kentucky Postsecondary Education Trusteeship Conference

conference

Navigating Change: Leading Kentucky Higher Education into the Next Era

September 28-29, 2026 | Owensboro Convention Center

The landscape of work is fundamentally changing, demanding a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also remarkably adaptable. The 2026 Postsecondary Education Trusteeship Conference examined the critical intersection of higher education and economic vitality. As the Commonwealth navigates the complexities of a global talent economy, the role of postsecondary institutions as engines of community and workforce development has never been more vital.

Slides, related materials, and session recordings from the sessions are posted below.
View the official conference program.
View photos from the event.

Rebuilding the Promise: Value, Purpose, and the Future of Higher Education

Madison Silvert J.D., CPE Board Chair & President, Brescia University
Jamie Merisotis, President, Lumina Foundation
Dr. Aaron Thompson, CPE President

Voices of Governance: Board Chairs Reflect on the Keynote

Madison Silvert, J.D., CPE Board Chair & President, Brescia University
Dr. Larry Benz, University of Louisville
Michael Eaves, Eastern Kentucky University
Dr. Sanford Holbrook, Morehead State University

The Trustee's Guide to Accreditation: Advancing Quality, Accountability, & Institutional Success

Dr. Geoffrey Klein, Vice President, The Commission on Colleges and Universities

Sustaining Institutional Vitality by Identifying and Navigating Risk

Dr. Dan Greenstein, Chief of Industry Transformation, Ellucian & Chancellor Emeritus of Pennsylvania System of Higher Education

Legal Insights Into Higher Education: An Interactive Panel Discussion

Travis Powell, J.D., Executive Vice President and General Counsel, CPE
Dana Fohl, J.D., General Counsel, Eastern Kentucky University
Jim Newberry, J.D., Member, Steptoe & Johnson
Judge Wilson, J.D., General Counsel, Berea College

The AI Frontier: Governance in the Age of Intelligence

Tamara Askew, Principle of Higher Education, Deloitte

The Federal Higher Education Landscape: Policy, Funding, and Institutional Impact

Austin Reid, Federal Affairs Advisory, National Conference of State Legislatures

Transforming the Student Journey: Modern Postsecondary & Workforce Initiatives in KY

Travis Powell, J.D., Executive Vice President and General Counsel, CPE
Dr. Dawn Offutt, Executive Director of Student Access, CPE
Greg Rush, Assistant Vice President, Finance Policy & Programs, CPE
Tracy Teater, Associate Director of Adult Programs, CPE
Dr. Melissa Bell, Vice President of Academic Excellence, CPE
Dr. Leslie Sizemore, Vice President, Workforce & Economic Initiatives, CPE

Increasing Higher Education's Value Proposition for Students and Employers

Elaine Walker, CPE Vice Chair
Dr. Aaron Thompson, CPE President

Translating Insights into Action: Presidential Perspectives

Dr. David McFaddin, President, Eastern Kentucky University
Dr. Gerry Bradley, University of Louisville
Dr. Tim Caboni, Western Kentucky University
Dr. Eli Capilouto, University of Kentucky
Dr. Jay Morgan, Morehead State University
Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Dr. Ron Patterson, Murray State University

The Value Verdict: What Employers and Families Expect from Higher Ed

Stephanie Marken, Senior Partner, GALLUP

Intercollegiate Athletics: Trustee Oversight in a Changing Landscape

Jay Blanton, Vice President, University Relations, University of Kentucky
Elizabeth McCoy, Trustee & Athletics Committee Chair, University of Kentucky
Jason Schlafter, Executive Associate Athletic Director, University of Kentucky

From Data to Decisions: Using Kentucky's Postsecondary Data Resources

Jessica Fletcher, Chief Communications Officer, CPE
Dr. Chris Ledford, Executive Director of Data and Advanced Analytics, CPE
Sam Keathley, Sr. Workforce Analyst, KYSTATS
Trey Pippin, Program Director, CPE

Foundation for the Future: Honoring Excellence in Governance

The Council celebrated the dedication, leadership, and visionary stewardship of five long-serving Kentucky regents.

Legislative Leaders' Perspectives on Higher Education

Renee Shaw, former Director of Public Affairs, KET
Senator Gerald Neal, Minority Floor Leader
Representative JT Payne, Member of Postsecondary Education Committee
Representative James Tipton, Chair of Postsecondary Education Committee
Senator Max Wise, Majority Floor Leader

Closing Remarks & Adjournment

Dr. Aaron Thompson, CPE President

Questions

Questions regarding the 2026 Conference can be directed to event manager and board liaison, Heather Faesy.

Last Updated: 10/8/2026