YOU ARE HERE: Central Kentucky Home→Collections→Higher Education

Guest Commentary: Local leader working to attract higher-ed opportunities

September 28, 2006|ARLEN SANDERS

Judge Executive Ron "Buckwheat" Gilbert along with Mayor Eddie Carter, and EDA Chairman Bill Miracle are working to bring higher educational opportunities to the citizens of Lincoln County.

I have been in contact with such an institution of higher learning striving to attract the organization to the community. These community leaders are partnering with Lincoln County School District Superintendent, Dr. Teresa Wallace and Richard Kazsuk, Principal of the Lincoln County Area Technology Center.

Judge Gilbert states: "We need to continue the educational opportunities for our young people and our adults in this day and time. An educated workforce is important in attracting new business to our county and retaining the businesses and industries we now have." Judge Executive Gilbert is also the Chairman of the 17-county Bluegrass Area Development District that assists with economic development in Lincoln County.

Judge Gilbert has seen the results of higher education throughout the district.

Just recently, Campbellsville University representatives completed a second visit to Lincoln County. During their first visit they toured the current hospital facility that will be available for occupancy when the new facility is completed. They also toured other vacant buildings and the Area Technology Center.

During the recent second visit, Dr. Pat Cowherd, Dean and Professor of the Campbellsville University School of Business and Economics, stated that the Area Technology Center is one of the best facilities she has seen in the state. Carol Sullivan, Director of the Campbellsville University Technology Training Center, agreed with that observation.

In order to attract such a great institution as Campbellsville University to our area, we need to let the university administrators know what our needs are. We know that a good number of Lincoln County youth attend the university after high school graduation.

We know that our industries and businesses need well-educated workers.

In an information-gathering effort, we will hold a community meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Stuart Underwood Auditorium at Lincoln County High School.

We are also distributing surveys in order to understand what is needed. You may obtain a survey at the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, city halls, and the courthouse.

Please join us to help make this opportunity a reality.

Arlen Sanders is executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Authority.

|

|

|