Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), advocates for equity in higher education. As the first African-American and native-born Kentuckian to hold the CPE presidency, Thompson has focused on improving outcomes for underrepresented minority (URM) students. Over the past decade, URM students have seen significant progress in retention, graduation, and persistence rates. Thompson has also worked to eliminate barriers such as non-credit remedial courses and has implemented wrap-around services to support student success. CPE’s efforts have resulted in increased funding for higher education and limited tuition increases. Thompson emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence in higher education for the benefit of students and the state.