July 7, 2009
For Immediate Release
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY OFFERING TWO TUITION-FREE CLASSES FOR THOSE UNEMPLOYED
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University, by offering free tuition in the ACCEL Program, is stepping forward and helping those who have recently lost their jobs.
“The university will provide free tuition and related fees, not covered by state and federal financial, or other publicly funded programs, for up to two three-hour classes for any dislocated or recently unemployed adult who enrolls in the ACCEL Program,” announced Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of the university.
The ACCEL Program, according to Dave Walters, vice president for admissions and student services, is an adult education program that is designed to be affordable, accelerated and convenient.
The ACCEL (Adult College Choice for Evening Learners) program provides adult learners the opportunity to earn a degree in a convenient and accelerated manner at a significant tuition discount, Walters said.
All adult learners who enroll in the ACCEL Program are eligible to receive a significantly discounted rate of $275 per credit hour.
“We want to provide those who have lost their jobs with renewed hope and opportunity,” Carter said.
Carter said the free tuition for two classes will be provided for those who have become unemployed since Sept. 1, 2008. The same agreement is being offered at Campbellsville University's Louisville Campus.
“Campbellsville University is committed to ongoing efforts to provide affordable and quality higher education to the citizens of south central Kentucky as well as the entire Commonwealth,” Carter said.
“We are very much committed to responding to the current economic crisis in every manner possible and reaching out to those who have lost their jobs during this very serious recessionary period,” he said.
“While we extend our services across the state, nation and around the world, we also deeply value the people in this region. This is an investment into the future of our
community.”
Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs at CU, said, “The university wants to be sensitive to the needs of individuals without jobs and provide assistance toward possible training for new careers. We at Campbellsville University take seriously our service to the community as a whole.”
Campbellsville University provided education to those who lost their jobs due to the closing of Campbellsville's Fruit of the Loom factory and Batesville Casket Company following the loss of around 3,500 jobs in the local economy.
Campbellsville University's Technology Training Center was developed during the economic recovery period in the region to provide affordable short-term workforce development training for non-traditional learners.
Since its opening, the center has trained more than 8,500 people in the region.
Carter said the Tech Center's programs are available at a low-cost and ongoing basis and include a number of areas focusing on employable skills and certifications.
Since that time, Carter said, CU has provided similar educational opportunities to numerous dislocated and unemployed workers, including a number of workers in Albany/Clinton County following the closure of a couple of textile plants a few years ago.
“We are very pleased to provide this added assistance for adults who have become unemployed on or after Sept. 1,” Carter said.
He said CU's overall commitment to providing an affordable education is further illustrated by the more than $10.2 million in institutional financial aid being provided to our 2,601 students during the 2008-2009 academic year.
CU students are securing an additional $19 million in state, federal, and private financial aid dollars.
Campbellsville University's fall 2009 semester begins Monday, Aug. 24.
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 2,601 students who represent 93 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 31 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2009 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South for the second consecutive year. CU has been ranked 16 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.
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