Feb. 24, 2016
For immediate release

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — President Michael V. Carter has announced receiving the largest regional development gift ever at Campbellsville University.

Harrodsburg attorney Michael Conover donated a prominent office building located at 1150 Danville Road, Harrodsburg, Ky., for the new CU Harrodsburg Education Center location.

“The rapid movement from our alumni meeting to having a location within two weeks shows the seriousness of the people of Harrodsburg in making Christian higher education available immediately,” Carter said. “The Board of Trustees is equally serious, and the university process for creating the new center is underway.”

Mercer County community-minded churches, in partnership with Campbellsville University's Church Outreach, first addressed the need for a permanent higher education center.

Community leaders in Harrodsburg suggested an alumni and friends meeting to present the idea to Harrodsburg supporters for the new center. The Mercer County Chamber of Commerce hosted the event that brought together more than 120 interested people.

Dr. G. Ted Taylor, associate vice president for development and church outreach, and Wes Carter, assistant director of church outreach, are working directly with the community in formulating plans to raise scholarship funds for local students. The Harrodsburg City Commission voiced its support for the center and the effort to raise a $3 million endowment for students at its February meeting. A fundraising campaign is underway to support the building renovations necessary for classes slated to begin in fall 2016.

“It was people in the local churches who first brought this vision to us,” said Taylor. “They knew of our Christian higher education mission and suggested that Harrodsburg could be a place for that mission.”

The new two-story center is cited as a 10,600 square-foot-facility situated on a five-acre track of land at the southern city limits of Harrodsburg along US 127 at the junction of the US 127 Bypass. The collegiate-looking structure will be housing administrative offices, degree-based academic programs and certificate programs.

“We have been listening closely to the residents of the region,” said Wes Carter, the university liaison for the project. “Surveys for high school students, community members as well as business and industry are being circulated. Meetings are being held with focus groups. We cannot thank the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce enough for their leadership in this project.”

The Chamber of Commerce surveyed the community and sponsored the community meeting which moved the project forward.

“We have had several community leaders who have been seeking a greater presence of higher education opportunities in Mercer County,” Jill Cutler, executive director for the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, said.

“When Campbellsville University showed an interest in helping, we began talks immediately. They listened to our needs. We have been delighted that President Carter has taken a personal interest and been a partner in our discussions.”

Conover is a lifelong resident of Mercer County. A former Commonwealth Attorney, he is known as a horseman, farmer, philanthropist, historic buildings preservationist, lay minister and developer.

According to Cutler, the Conover gift reflected their family's concern for the next generation. “I have known Mike and Carol Conover for many years,” she said. “Their heart is to benefit Mercer County and Harrodsburg and be a positive spiritual force for the community.”

For information on how to participate in the project, contact Wes Carter at (270) 849-7575 or wvcarter@campbellsville.edu.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering more than 80 programs of study including 24 master's degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

Media contact:
Wes Carter
Assistant Director for Church Outreach
270-849-7575; wvcarter@campbellsville.edu

Dr. H. Keith Spears
Vice President for Communication
Assistant to the President
270-403-0505; hkspears@campbellsville.edu