Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education CPE

Overview

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is the state agency responsible for coordinating and overseeing postsecondary education in Kentucky. Established by the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, CPE's mission is to enhance the quality, accessibility, and affordability of higher education in the Commonwealth. The Council serves as the chief policy advisor to the Governor and General Assembly on postsecondary education matters, aiming to align educational outcomes with the state's workforce and economic development needs.

Historical and Legal Framework

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education was created in 1997 through the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act (House Bill 1). This legislation consolidated various higher education functions into a single agency, empowering CPE to coordinate public universities, community colleges, and proprietary institutions. The Council's legal authority includes overseeing institutional governance, approving academic programs, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. CPE operates under Kentucky Revised Statutes, particularly KRS 164.020, which outlines its responsibilities and governance structure.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives — Role in Higher Education

Mission: To coordinate and improve Kentucky's postsecondary education system, ensuring it meets the needs of students, employers, and communities.

Vision: To create a high-quality, accessible, and affordable postsecondary education system that drives economic growth and enhances the quality of life in Kentucky.

Objectives:

• Increase the number of Kentuckians with postsecondary degrees and credentials.
• Enhance the quality and relevance of academic programs to meet workforce demands.
• Promote affordability and reduce financial barriers to higher education.
• Support research and innovation to drive economic development.
• Foster collaboration among institutions to improve student outcomes.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education is governed by a 16-member board, which includes 14 citizens, one faculty member, and one student, all appointed by the Governor. The Commissioner of Education serves as an ex officio member. This structure ensures a diverse representation of stakeholders in decision-making processes. CPE operates with a degree of autonomy, allowing it to implement policies and initiatives that align with its mission and the state's educational goals. The Council's independence is crucial for maintaining objectivity and focusing on the long-term needs of Kentucky's higher education system.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

CPE plays a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of postsecondary institutions in Kentucky. The Council licenses both in-state and out-of-state institutions to operate within the state, ensuring they meet established standards. This licensure process serves as a form of consumer protection, safeguarding students and families from substandard educational practices. Additionally, CPE collaborates with the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) and other organizations to assess and improve institutional performance, aiming to enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While CPE primarily focuses on state-level coordination, it recognizes the importance of global engagement in higher education. The Council has established partnerships to promote international cooperation and exchange. For instance, CPE and Taiwan’s Department of International and Cross-strait Education signed a memorandum of understanding to foster educational and academic exchanges between Taiwan and Kentucky. Such partnerships aim to broaden students' global perspectives and enhance the state's educational offerings through international collaboration.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, CPE's initiatives are poised to significantly impact Kentucky's higher education landscape. The Council's 2022-2030 Strategic Agenda sets ambitious goals to increase the state's educational attainment, aiming for 60% of Kentucky's working-age population to hold a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030. This "60x30" goal guides CPE's efforts in areas such as affordability, student success, and workforce alignment. By focusing on these priorities, CPE aims to strengthen the state's economy, improve individual earning potential, and ensure that Kentucky's higher education system meets the evolving needs of its residents and employers.

Summary

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education is a central agency dedicated to enhancing the quality, accessibility, and affordability of higher education in Kentucky. Through its governance, strategic initiatives, and commitment to continuous improvement, CPE plays a vital role in shaping the state's educational landscape. By fostering collaboration among institutions and aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs, the Council aims to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for Kentuckians.

FAQs

• What is the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education?

  The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education is the state agency responsible for coordinating and overseeing postsecondary education in Kentucky, ensuring it meets the needs of students, employers, and communities.

• When was CPE established?

  CPE was established in 1997 through the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act (House Bill 1).

• What is the "60x30" goal?

  The "60x30" goal aims for 60% of Kentucky's working-age population to hold a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030, guiding CPE's strategic initiatives.

• How does CPE support international cooperation?

  CPE fosters international partnerships, such as the one with Taiwan's Department of International and Cross-strait Education, to promote educational and academic exchanges.

• What role does CPE play in accreditation?

  CPE licenses higher education institutions to operate in Kentucky, ensuring they meet established standards and protecting students from substandard educational practices.

Organization Name

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Acronym

CPE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1934

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 320
Frankfort
40601 Kentucky United States

Phone

+1 (502) 573 1555

Fax

+1 (502) 573 1535

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's X page

LinkedIn

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's YouTube channel

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other US higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in the United States.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.