Higher education news: More on DEI offices; KSU to assist with health care in rural KY

It’s officially back-to-school season in Kentucky, and universities across the commonwealth have already announced major changes for the upcoming school year.

In case you missed it, two public universities have dissolved their diversity, equity and inclusion — commonly referred to as DEI —offices in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky announced the change, followed the next week by Northern Kentucky University.

Though most public universities have a dedicated DEI office, not every school does.

Earlier this year, when bills that would have required schools to dismantle their DEI offices and programming were filed, the Herald-Leader contacted every public university in the state to gather information about how diversity initiatives work on their campuses.

Western Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University and Morehead State University do not have designated DEI offices, the schools said earlier this year, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System does not have a system-wide DEI office. Since UK’s office has been disbanded, the University of Louisville is now the largest college with a DEI office remaining — the Office of Institutional Equity.

Both UK and NKU cited the upcoming legislative session as a reason they dissolved their DEI offices, with the potential for bills that again target diversity offices or initiatives being behind the move. It’s possible that other schools could announce similar changes as the legislative session gets closer.

NKU to dissolve DEI office following resignation of Chief Diversity Officer

“The circumstances under which universities across the commonwealth and the country find themselves, coupled with the legislative priorities of state leaders for the upcoming session, require universities to change,” NKU President Cady Short-Thompson said.

The Herald-Leader will keep an eye on how things develop at other universities around the state leading up to the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January.

Kentucky State partners with state to launch mobile health units

Kentucky State University has partnered with the Kentucky Department for Public Health to launch three mobile health units to provide health care in rural parts of the state.

The units will travel throughout Eastern Kentucky, West Louisville and Western Kentucky, providing screenings, health care and nutritional education programming, with a focus on diabetes, blood pressure and chronic disease treatment.

Locations and services have been decided based on research conducted at KSU on where it is most needed in Kentucky.

“I am proud of the work we have already accomplished at KSU to launch this significant partnership,” said KSU President Koffi Akakpo. “We are excited to work together to make positive impacts throughout the Commonwealth.”

Additionally, KSU has collaborated with the department to develop curriculum for a future public health program, the university said. The program will include government relations and help support public health needs once launched.

“Public Health supports an easier path to a healthier life for all Kentuckians,” said state health commissioner Dr. Steven Stack.

“Those interested in entering the field can choose from a full spectrum of services from newborn screenings and nutrition education to administering vaccines, medication programs and so much more. The professional development opportunities, provided through our programs, will help students find their niche in improving health outcomes for large populations.”

FCPS, WKU announce principal training program

WKU and Fayette County Public Schools announced a new initiative designed to support and train future principals in Kentucky.

WKU has received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which will be used for “Project Elevate.” The initiative will create a pathway for aspiring principals, allowing them to learn under the mentorship of current school leaders, giving them hands-on experience before applying for principal positions.

It will include a “residency-type pathway,” where aspiring principals will take part in the day-to-day school administration operations, WKU said in a news release.

“With this grant, we’ll develop a strong pipeline of principals right here in FCPS,” Western Kentucky President Timothy Caboni said at the grant’s announcement. “They can grow into the principal role with a safety net, and this ensures a Day 1 ready leader.”

A 2023 report from the Kentucky legislature’s Office of Education Accountability found that teachers in the state were leaving their jobs at growing rates, with a lack of qualified applicants applying to education jobs in the state.

Western Kentucky and Fayette schools have an existing Grow Your Own partnership that aims to recruit and retain teachers from within the local community, which has allowed over 100 FCPS employees to earn certifications and rank changes.

Have something that should be considered for the next round-up? Contact higher education reporter Monica Kast at mkast@herald-leader.com.