3. CPE and KSU Collaboration. Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of Council on Postsecondary Education.

Presenter: Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of CPE.

Key Highlights

• Reviewed collaboration efforts beginning in 2021.
• Noted CPE assistance in securing:
• $23 million loan for KSU, with hopes for future forgiveness by the General Assembly.
• ○ $15 million cash investment for modernization efforts.
• Reported growth in online education to approximately 650 students.
• Discussed audit-related costs and expectation of completing the FY25 audit soon.
• Highlighted over $180 million in state investments since 2022 for infrastructure, including the health sciences building that included:
• ○ $55 million in design funds going towards residence hall renovations.
• $105 million in capital and in dollars of which $5 million went towards refurbishing the online offerings and build out the rest of the polytechnic initiative development.
• Discussed implementation of:
• ○ Polytechnic education model
• Three-year degree options
• ○ Work-based learning partnerships
• ○ Addressed faculty staffing concerns and performance-based funding metrics.
• Regents asked questions regarding:
• Areas of study versus academic programs and majors
• Faculty recruitment and funding
• Performance-based funding outcomes
• Workforce development initiatives