Dec. 19, 2013
For Immediate Release
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| Dr. Michael V. Carter, in his 15th year as president of Campbellsville University, shows the Campbellsville/ Taylor County Chamber of Commerce, a recent economic impact story that shows CU contributed over $100 million in 2012-13 to the local economy. (Campbellsville University Photo by Drew Tucker) |
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University president Michael V. Carter told the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce there is a “very special relationship” between CU and the community.
Carter spoke at the recent luncheon hosted by the university in the Banquet Hall.
“It’s rather remarkable in this day and time, even with partisan politics, that the city and county can solve problems together,” he said.
“We cherish and nurture that relationship and being able to sustain it,” he said.
“Hopefully CU becomes a neutral catalyst where we can talk about to improve the quality of living in central Kentucky and be successful,” he said.
He said CU wants to be involved in the best way to help produce human capital to move the community forward to make life positive and to make things happen.
Carter said as businesses change so does Campbellsville University. He said the university is experiencing a lot of change with increased government regulations, and “CU is doing her very best to adapt to this changing economy.”
He pointed out the opening of the new Tigerville Grille, which is open to the public and is located beside CVS Pharmacy, where a new over 100-flavor Coca-Cola® machine is one of the first across southern Kentucky. He invited the public to the new Papa John’s that is in the same building.
Carter said in all of the changes in which CU participates one that will never change is the fact the university will remain Christ centered, embracing the kind and gracious spirit that is taught in the New Testament.
“The values of this place remain steadfast,” Carter said.
“We have to adapt to the world, and our curriculum has to change as well as the way we access information,” he said.
He said “The Chronicle of Higher Education” has acknowledged Campbellsville University as one of the fast growing colleges in the country, which has been adapted through curriculum change under the leadership of Dr. Frank Cheatham, senior vice president for academic affairs.
Carter said CU does an economic impact study every few years, and last year’s showed CU contributed $101 million to the local economy. He said, in the last 10 years, CU has contributed $422 million to the Campbellsville-Taylor County economy.
“We have to be responsible at CU to make sure students get the best education they can and have the best experience they can,” he said.
He thanked the business owners and civic leaders for their work in the community. He said CU has about 300 international students, and they love the community.
“They say people in Campbellsville are so nice,” Carter said, “and that’s a reflection on you.”
Carter said CU is in the “silent phase” of a new $61.1 million capital campaign, and he encouraged those in the room to support the university in some way during the campaign.
“Supporting Christian higher education is one of the best investments you can make,” Carter said. “It comes back to you 100 fold. In order for the community to move forward, we have to have folks who are able to think beyond ‘what is in it for me,’” he said.
“People in Taylor County are kind and gracious. When you help our students, you help them become a better person, and your investment in CU is important, and, in a small way, helps toward world peace.”
Carter said CU brought in over 7,000 visitors to the area during the summer. He said they visited local businesses, and the university hopes to have about that number this summer. “Thank you for receiving those people. We deeply appreciate all of you.”
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| CU Sound performs at the Campbellsville/Taylor County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Members are from left: Blake Whitlock of Hodgenville, Ky.; Jeremy Bell of Harlan, Ky.; Jericho McCoy of Campbellsville, Ky., and Andrew Butler of Vine Grove, Ky. Seth Hayes of Leitchfield, Ky., plays piano for the group. (Campbellsville University Photo by Drew Tucker) |
Carter said nrollment for fall 2013 was 3,624 students, and he said a new cosmetology program is now open with 26 students. He said CU offers a new bachelor of science in business administration online and the new RN to BSN is “skyrocketing.” He said the master of social work and master of business administration programs are very successful, and “they wouldn’t happen without you.”
Carter said the university is going to have a new master’s in sport management and is studying the possibility of providing a master in nursing. The aquatics center is being improved and a new wellness center is a need. He said several new sports are being studied. He said women’s wrestling, the newest sport, is nationally ranked, and he said the students in the program are “great.” They have a home match Jan. 4, 2014, and he encouraged everyone to attend.
“The focus at CU has to continue to be on the students,” he said. “It’s all about service, all about customer service and about meeting the needs of our students.”
John Chowning, vice president for church and executive assistant to the president, introduced Carter who he said has a “distinguished background” having served at five prior colleges and universities.
“One of his great attributes is that he understands what it is to be a Christian and a Christ-centered institution,” Chowning said.
“He has a mind for the community and is accessible to all walks of life,” he said.
Carter thanked John Rausch, the CU bowling coach and director of CU Sound, who performed at the luncheon.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.