By Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University (CU) and the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) have announced a new partnership to expand professional development opportunities and educational resources for K–12 educators and students across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Beginning Oct. 1, CU began providing CKEC with dedicated space at the university’s Conover Education Center in Harrodsburg to host training sessions, workshops, and collaborative programs. These initiatives will focus on innovative teaching strategies, leadership development, technology integration, and student support services.
Designed to strengthen instructional practices and enhance student outcomes, the programs will be open to all K–12 teachers and administrators in the region. Sessions will cover a variety of topics, such as curriculum design, classroom technology integration, student engagement strategies, and data-driven instruction, and will be offered year-round in flexible formats, including in-person workshops, virtual seminars, and blended learning opportunities.
“This partnership reflects our shared mission to equip and empower Kentucky educators for student success,” said CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins. “By sharing our resources and expertise, Campbellsville University is proud to serve as a partner in advancing innovative practices that benefit students and educational leaders across the region.”
Under the agreement, CKEC will facilitate training and professional learning opportunities from the Conover Education Center, which will serve as a hub for advancing instructional excellence and fostering collaboration among educators. CKEC works with superintendents and school district staff throughout Central Kentucky to provide strategic planning, professional development, and opportunities to network and collaborate.
“At CKEC, we place a high priority on providing training and support that reflects best practices that have been around for years, as well as cutting-edge strategies based on the most current research. We serve a wide region, so the addition of the Harrodsburg campus will make us much more accessible to our southern districts,” said David Young, CKEC’s Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, the potential of new partnership possibilities with Campbellsville University in this space is really exciting and energizing to both us and our school districts. We can’t wait to explore these new opportunities.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of this partnership and the opening of the new training space at the Conover Education Center was held on Oct. 29.
CKEC provides a network of resources, support, and advocacy for Central Kentucky educators and is recognized as a leading provider of professional learning and educational services in the region.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university offering more than 100 programs of study, including certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. CU is committed to academic excellence grounded in the liberal arts, fostering personal growth, integrity, and professional preparation within a caring environment.
Photo: Campbellsville University and Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative representatives participated in a ribbon cutting Oct. 29 to celebrate the launch of a new partnership between the two institutions. Pictured from left are: Vanessa Grossl, state representative; Jill Cutler, director of the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce; Kimberly Steele, interim director of Campbellsville University’s Conover Education Center; Dr. Robin Magruder, dean of the School of Education at CU; Dr. Jeanette Parker, provost and vice president for academic affairs at CU; CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins; David Young, CEO of Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative; Melissa Davis, Mercer County Chamber of Commerce board member; David Morris, associate director for finance for CKEC; Ramona Karsner, director of special education for CKEC; Tabor Placido, director of academics for CKEC; Mark Helton, director of school support for CKEC; and State Representative Kim King.
(Gerard Flanagan, Lead Writer and Communications Specialist – Office of Marketing and Communications)