By Ariel C. Emberton, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – “This has been a fabulous experience. I think Campbellsville can be the model for the country in terms of what postsecondary education should do,” Dr. Virginia Foxx, congresswoman for North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District, said after visiting Campbellsville public schools and Campbellsville University.
“Education has embraced the business model that I think every postsecondary education in America should embrace,” Congressman James Comer, representative for the First Congressional District of Kentucky, said.
Foxx and Comer visited Campbellsville University on Sept. 4.
Foxx and Comer have worked together on education committees in Washington, D.C., and Comer invited Foxx to visit not only Campbellsville University, which is a part of his district, but also visit local public schools. The visit was focused around education and allowed Foxx to see workforce development, higher education and K-12 education issues in the area.
Foxx and Comer took part in an education and workforce development roundtable at Campbellsville University. The roundtable featured university vice presidents, community leaders, department chairs and students. The discussion touched on innovative certificate programs, employer participation, student debt loan and forgiveness and religious liberty for students and institutions.
During a lunch provided by the university, Foxx and Comer talked about student demographics, performance standards and funding for financial aid.
They were given a tour of the university, administered by Dr. Shane Garrison, vice president for enrollment services.
Foxx was also presented a Leadership Award from Campbellsville University.
During their visit to the university, Foxx and Comer took time to visit various education centers around campus. They spent time at the School of Cosmetology and the School of Barbering, viewing the facilities, speaking with instructors and talking to students.
At the School of Cosmetology, instructors assisted students with haircutting, client consultations and formulation. While at the School of Barbering, Foxx watched as a student preformed his first facial shaving.
Foxx and Comer also visited Taylor County High School and learned about performance-based learning.
A press conference was held at the School of Barbering and local media were invited to speak with Foxx and Comer about secondary education and their trip to Campbellsville. Foxx emphasized that Campbellsville University is a versatile school due to the certificate courses and degree programs it offers.
Foxx has been in education for a majority of her list and said she is glad that Campbellsville University is taking the initiative to fill positions where skilled workers are needed.
“We’ve seen the future of education,” Comer said.
Campbellsville University is a widely-acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,000 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The university has Kentucky based off-campus centers in Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset, Hodgenville and Liberty with instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Summersville. Out-of-state centers include two in California at Los Angeles and Lathrop, located in the San Francisco Bay region. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.