By Linda Waggener, assistant director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Reflecting on the honor of Campbellsville University having received the 2007 Chamber of Commerce Service Business of the Year award, President Michael V. Carter said, “The university’s contribution to the local economy has never been stronger than in her Centennial year which is just coming to a close.”
The past week on campus has been an example of the economic impact the university makes. Visitors came to town from more than 15 states in attendance at three separate annual meetings on campus.
Carter said that CU is very proud to be one of the entities which draws people to visit Campbellsville and Taylor County. “A well-rounded economy attracts a diverse population of visitors as well as new residents, greatly enhancing a community,” he said.
The largest of three national groups visiting Campbellsville University last week was the Baptist History & Heritage Society (BH&HS) annual meeting event. The group met on CU’s campus this year and next year they will meet in Atlanta. The meetings featured devotionals and addresses, key awards and opportunities for fellowship, all in the theme of “African-Americans in Baptist History.”
That meeting drew another group, the Association of Librarians and Archivists at Baptist Institutions. Montgomery Library Director John Burch led a tour of the expanding CU archives. The group also participated in break-out sessions.
The second largest group was the 31st annual meeting of the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology (ACTS). During their stay, they explored world Christianity and social transformation.
Associate Executive Director of the BH&HS Pam Druso said, “Campbellsville has turned out to be the easiest annual meeting I have ever planned and worked on, thanks to two people, John Chowning and Sheila Douglas. They have anticipated our needs and helped make this our smoothest event. Because of the nearness of our overnight accommodations we are able to go back to our rooms between meetings to freshen up. That will likely not be the case when we meet in Atlanta next year.”
Working with the local tourism department, CU was able to help the groups find places in easy driving distance to visit during free time to gain more south central Kentucky flavor. BH&HS toured Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville while ACTS attendees had their choice of visiting Historic Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill or experiencing The Great American Brass Band Festival followed by dinner at the Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg.
“Campbellsville University was honored to host these important meetings on our campus,” said Carter. “Our new Ransdell Chapel was used during the meetings, and we were so excited about holding these meetings in the new chapel.”
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,310 students who represent 100 Kentucky counties, 32 states and 28 foreign nations. Listed in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 14 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master’s colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his eighth year as president.