Aug. 14, 2015
For Immediate Release
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPELLSVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed Dr. Donna Hedgepath, Campbellsville University's vice president for academic affairs, to the Education Professional Standards Board.
Hedgepath represents chief academic officers and shall serve for a term expiring Sept. 18, 2018.
EPSB is the state agency that oversees teacher preparation programs and the certification of P-12 educators in Kentucky. EPSB is governed by a 17 member board composed of educators and administrators from P-12 and postsecondary education. State statute stipulates that one of the 17 EPSB members must be an academic vice president from a nonprofit private college or university.
“My appointment to serve on the Education Professional Standards Board is an honor,” Hedgepath said. “It is an honor to represent the independent colleges/universities in Kentucky as we insure the highest quality standards for educator preparation and certification practice.”
Dr. Gary Cox, president of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities, of which Campbellsville University is a member, said, “We're extremely pleased that Dr. Hedgepath has been appointed to EPSB to represent teacher preparation programs at Kentucky's private colleges.
“There is no doubt she will do an excellent job, especially given her background and experience as a highly respected public school teacher, education dean and chief academic officer.”
Hedgepath became the new academic vice president in July. She replaced Dr. Frank Cheatham, who retired and who had served 42 years at Campbellsville University.
Prior to her new position, Hedgepath served as dean of the Campbellsville University School of Education. A 1992 bachelor's and 1999 master's graduate of Campbellsville University, she participated in the national accreditation of the School of Education as well as gaining knowledge of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Schools (SACSCOC) accreditation standards during her time as dean.
Prior to her tenure as dean, Hedgepath served as a member of the faculty in both the Schools of Education and Music. She brings to her new position ten plus years of experience with Campbellsville University and proven administrative leadership skills as an academic dean and faculty member.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said, “Her writing and research skills, as an academician, are exemplary, she is respected by the current administrative leadership team as well as her colleagues on the faculty and staff, and she has excellent understanding of the mission and future of Campbellsville University.”
Hedgepath has a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Kentucky which she received in August 2006. She specialized in teacher quality.
She received her Master of Music in Music Education degree from Campbellsville University in 1999 with core content for arts and humanities curriculum alignment as her research focus. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from CU in 1992.
She has her rank I in vocal music K-12 and gifted and talented education endorsement from Western Kentucky University.
She served as a teacher in the Marion County School System from 1993 to 2001 and taught one year in the Taylor County School System.
She is married to Pete Hedgepath and has three sons, Mitchell Tinnell and Nathan and Aaron Hedgepath.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.