Higher Ed. Officials from Union Commonwealth University Complete AIKCU Leadership Development Program

FRANKFORT, Ky., July 2, 2025 — Two higher education officials from Union Commonwealth University have completed the new Advancing Leaders Program offered by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities. The program helps promising mid- to senior-level managers evaluate how their skills, natural abilities, and calling can be honed to meet key leadership needs in today’s higher education environment.

Those representing Union were Eric Evans, chief information officer, and Preshus J. Howard, registrar.

“I am grateful to be a part of the first AIKCU Advancing Leaders Program,” Evans said. “It was an amazing opportunity to learn and grow with my peers from around the state.”

Howard said, “I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful growth comes from being willing to have the difficult conversations.”

AIKCU offered the opportunity to its members, the 18 independent colleges and universities in Kentucky. Seventeen participants from nine institutions and one AIKCU staff member completed the inaugural program in June 2025.

Each campus president could select up to two participants from a wide variety of campus departments, including academic affairs, advancement, athletics, enrollment management, finance, marketing, and student affairs. The Class of 2025 kicked off the program with a two-day, in-person session in January. Participants then met virtually each month until completing the program at a final in-person session in June.

“Preparing leaders to serve effectively and courageously in higher ed is critical to the sustainability of our sector,” AIKCU President Mason Dyer said. “This program gives selected campus managers the tools to enhance and elevate their leadership abilities while also boosting their knowledge of postsecondary education.”

AIKCU collaborated on the programming with Credo, a higher education consulting firm that specializes in leadership development. Participants completed workshops that focused on four learning objectives: Common Themes in Thriving Institutions, Demands of Leadership, Cross-Functional Engagement & Awareness, and Leadership Readiness & Growth Actions.

Kentucky’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities play a critical role in the commonwealth’s postsecondary education system by serving 59,000 students and awarding more than 15,000 degrees annually. They also have a $2.06 billion annual economic impact on the state and local economies. The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities advances the interests of its 18 member institutions by promoting affordability and student success through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community engagement