Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU)

09/03/2026

Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities are full of energy and excitement as they welcome students to a new fall semester. AIKCU hopes the students, faculty, and staff at its 18 member campuses have a terrific year!

Alice Lloyd College, Asbury University, Bellarmine University, Berea College, Brescia University, Campbellsville University, Centre College, Georgetown College, Kentucky Christian University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Lindsey Wilson University, Midway University, Spalding University, Thomas More University, Transylvania University, Union Commonwealth University, University of Pikeville, University of the Cumberlands

Photos courtesy of Centre (top) and Georgetown, Thomas More, Union (from left)

08/07/2026

Congratulations to President Charles Marshall, ALC Class of '99, and Chancellor James O. Stepp, who are leading the transition at Alice Lloyd College!

07/04/2026

07/03/2026

07/02/2026

Changes coming to leadership at Kentucky Wesleyan College, an AIKCU member campus.

06/25/2026

At AIKCU’s annual update to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, AIKCU President Mason Dyer reported on the status of Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities and their contributions to CPE’s Kentucky Strategic Agenda, the statewide plan for postsecondary education through 2030.

Dyer noted that despite the challenges facing all of higher education, Kentucky's independent college sector is strong and continues to see growth in enrollment, retention, and degree production.

Dyer was joined by University of the Cumberlands President Quentin Young (right) and Union Commonwealth University President DJ Washington (left), who talked about affordability, student success initiatives specific to their campuses, and their deep connections and service to the region.

The June CPE meeting took place at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, an AIKCU member campus. See AIKCU's full report to CPE: bit.ly/4vzhqGq

06/12/2026

Congratulations to the 22 members of the AIKCU Advancing Leaders Class of 2026! These promising managers have completed a months-long program to prepare them for even greater leadership opportunities in independent higher education. See who’s in the Class of 2026 and check out a photo gallery of the participants: https://www.aikcu.org/advancing-leaders-class-of-2026.

05/01/2026

As commencement season kicks off in May, AIKCU celebrates an exciting milestone with the students graduating from independent colleges and universities across Kentucky. Here's to recognizing the hard work that brought you to this moment and wishing you all the best on a bright future!

03/24/2026

Everyone’s talking about AI, including us! When AIKCU’s Advancement Officers and Information Technology Officers met jointly for their spring meeting, they discussed the best AI tools to use to boost efficiency in advancement while ensuring ethical best practices. The Advancement Officers (top) also talked about how to build relationships with state and federal legislators, and the IT Officers (bottom) looked at cybersecurity issues related to financial aid fraud. Thanks to Transylvania University for hosting these two peer groups from Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities.

03/19/2026

Great news for AIKCU member campuses! Enrollment is up for the third year in a row at Kentucky’s 18 independent colleges and universities. Thanks to for providing important annual enrollment data. See link in comments for more details.