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

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