UPDATE: 3/1/24, Looking Forward with President Joe Hopkins, Campus Minister Trent Creason, and Dean John Hurtgen.
UPDATE: Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, KY, will hold a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. CT on Thursday, Feb. 29, in the John B. Begley Chapel, 302 Lindsey Wilson Street, to honor Josiah Kilman, his family, and friends and pray for the Campbellsville University community during their time of need. The LWC family, Campbellsville University family, and anyone in the local communities are welcome to attend.
Coordinated by LWC SGA.
UPDATE: CAMPUS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY – There will be a time of worship and healing in Ransdell Chapel at 7:00 p.m. tonight (Sunday, 2/25/24) to allow us an opportunity to come together in prayer and support.
UPDATE FROM PRESIDENT HOPKINS:
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Our campus family is grieving a heavy loss at this moment, and our hearts are broken.
Josiah Kilman was a beloved member of our community. He was a bright light, and a person of incredible hope. His faith was contagious across our campus. Because of the faithful life and bold witness he lived in front of us, we take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior right now.
Josiah came to us from Montana and joined our wrestling team. I gathered in prayer with our wrestlers and their coaches today. I told them the wrestling team is about to get much bigger as you, our staff, students, and this community, stand with them over the coming days and months.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Josiah’s family, friends, and to all who had the privilege of knowing him. We stand together in prayer, offering our love and support during this time of mourning.
This is an incredibly difficult time for our community. The safety and wellbeing of our community is paramount. Please know we have a range of resources available to you including our counseling services, faculty and staff mentors, and our campus ministry.
Be vigilant. Please keep up with any Campbellsville University Alerts that are issued. We are committed to sharing information with our community as we receive it. Also, help us extend gratitude to law enforcement and all those who are serving and protecting across the campus.
As we navigate this period of mourning, let us hold fast to the memory of Josiah, allowing his spirit of hope and faith to guide us. Together, in unity and love, we will honor his legacy and continue to support one another.
Joe
Joseph Hopkins, DM
President
UPDATE: 2/25,24, 6:00 am. All scheduled classes, events, and activities on the Campbellsville University campus will resume on Sunday, Feb. 25th.
UPDATE: 2/24/24, 6:00 pm. Main Campus Lockdown is no longer in effect.
UPDATE: 2/24/24, 5:00 pm. The Main Campus is on lockdown till further notice. Please shelter in place until CU Alerts issues an all-clear. Please call 911 immediately if you are aware of any threats, suspicious activity, or other concerning conduct.
Campbellsville, Ky. – A male student was discovered unresponsive in their dorm room, on the campus of Campbellsville University, in the early morning hours on Saturday, February 24. The student was transferred to Taylor Regional Hospital where medical professionals pronounced his death. The cause of death has not been determined. Local law enforcement are looking for an individual considered a person of interest. An official statement will be released around 10 a.m. today, at the Heilman Welcome Center on campus.
At this time, Campbellsville city police have not identified a continued threat to students. However, as a university, we want to use an abundance of caution. We are advising all students and campus area residents to heighten precautions. Secure your residences, secure vehicles, and increase awareness of your surroundings.
Campbellsville University President, Dr. Joseph Hopkins, issued a statement:
“Campbellsville University is grieving the loss of one of our family. We have lost a student and our hearts are broken. During this devastating time, the continued safety of our students and the residents of our community are our primary concern. With consultation from local law enforcement, we will continue to implement every measure necessary to protect and support students and our community.”
The student counseling center on campus is open and counselors are available to students seeking emotional support during this tragedy. The Ransdell Chapel will be open for students and staff for prayer and support of one another.
We will continue to release updates in a timely fashion as more information becomes available.
For questions, please contact Alexandria Dalton – addalton@campbellsville.edu, (859) 868-9810.