Conover Education Center Celebrates 10 years of higher education in Harrodsburg Kentucky

10/30/2026

Michael Carter Photo

The original building of the Harrodsburg campus and the head administrative building is commemorated as the Michael V. Carter Administration Building. From Left: Alicia Carter Shea, Ryan Shea, Chris Shea, Grant Carter, Hazel Carter, Courtney Carter, Eric Carter, Samuel Carter, Debbie Carter, Michael Carter, Joe Hopkins, Benji Kelly

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Conover Education Center and the 5th Anniversary of the School of Chiropractic in Harrodsburg, KY. The day was filled with building dedications, the second annual 5K GOAT run, food trucks and many more celebrations.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the 10th Anniversary celebration in Harrodsburg kicked off with students, faculty, family, and friends gathered at the starting line of the second annual 5K GOAT run. Community members could enjoy an assortment of food trucks, a petting zoo, local vendors, wellness exhibits, and much more.

In the afternoon, a ceremony took place to commemorate the past decade of educational growth in Harrodsburg.

Trevor Foshang, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, opened the ceremony, speaking about the idea of a chiropractic program that is now a fully realized dream. “The story of the School of Chiropractic began more than eight years ago, with an idea and an ambitious vision to create Kentucky's first and only School of Chiropractic,” said Foshang. “This idea had several tremendous hurdles to navigate, including the requirement to change a Kentucky law to make it possible to train future doctors of Chiropractic in the commonwealth.”

Now, in 2026, the Chiropractic program has had three cohorts of Doctor of Chiropractic graduates who are now serving in communities across Kentucky and beyond. “That's the remarkable thing about a vision rooted in service. Its impact extends far beyond the people who first imagined it,” said Foshang.

Foshang went on to highlight the new vision for the CU College of Health Sciences, which includes the sport performance, nursing, and chiropractic programs. This will also include expanding professional education opportunities in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. All of which is done through the generosity of others.

CU friends and community anchors, Doug and Charlotte Scudder, presented their $2 million gift to Campbellsville University to greatly aid in the expansion and support of health initiatives in the area.

“Their commitment to Campbellsville University began with a generous $100,000 gift supporting chiropractic scholarships. And now, through an extraordinary $2 million commitment, they're helping us imagine and build the next generation of healthcare education and services here in Harrodsburg. We are in the planning stages of creating a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program right here on this campus, among other public-facing services that will include a clinic and assessment center,” said Foshang.

The decade of higher education in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, was made possible by individuals willing to provide a cornerstone campus. Local leaders like Michael and Carol Conover who would donate land and a building in what would become the Conover Education Center.

CU President Joe Hopkins highlighted the individuals who have made the past 10 years possible. “There are local leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of this community who rallied around a dream with support and encouragement.”

One of those individuals who devoted themselves to creating the Harrodsburg campus was Dr. Michael V. Carter, the 10th President of Campbellsville University. “Dr. Carter wove into this campus the same commitment to Christ-centered education that has always been his mark, and his thumbprint of quality and devotion is found across these spaces and the people who pass through these hallways,” said Hopkins.

Along with Dr. Carter, his wife Debbie has taught as a faculty member, served as a volunteer and founded important programs such as our Bridge to Success. “Harrodsburg campus has been a labor of love for the entire Carter family,” said Hopkins.

“On behalf of our Trustees and University, it is my honor to announce today that the original building of the Harrodsburg campus and our head administrative building will henceforth be known as the Michael V. Carter Administration Building.”

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Carter was welcomed on stage to receive the Campbellsville University Servant Leadership Award, which he created during his presidency at CU.

Hopkins expressed his thoughts for the future of Harrodsburg: “It has been a great day celebrating the work of Campbellsville University in Harrodsburg and the many who have made this vision possible. With the emergence of new programs, this campus steps into the next era.”

The director of the Conover Center, Kimberely Steele shared, “When I look at where we are today compared to where we started 10 years ago, I am incredibly proud of how the Conover Education Center has grown to meet the needs of this community. We are creating opportunities for high school students, working adults, and people looking for a new career through programs ranging from dual credit and traditional degree programs to healthcare and skilled trades.”

“What excites me most is that we are not finished growing. We are continuing to listen to our students, employers, and community partners and asking, ‘What do you need from us next?’ I truly believe the possibilities for the next 10 years are even greater than what we have accomplished in the first 10.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs, including doctoral, master's, bachelor's, associate and certificate programs. For complete information, please visit www.campbellsville.edu.