Jan. 10, 2013
For Immediate Release

 

By Calen McKinney, staff writer, Central Kentucky News-Journal

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Several years ago, Campbellsville University officials said they believed if the community became stronger, the university would, too.

 

“And if the university is stronger, the community will be stronger, our city, our county … and today I believe that more than before,” Dr. Michael Carter, CU president, said.

Carter was the speaker at December's Campbellsville/Taylor County Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

He began speaking by showing the crowd a video detailing what has been happening on the CU campus, from enrollment tipping the 3,600 mark, the addition of residence halls and an art shop and more.

And CU's accomplishments are made possible by generous donors like those in the crowd, according to the video.

Carter thanked the crowd for welcoming CU students to the community. He said the student body is made up of those from more than 40 countries. And they buy cars and goods, he said, and use services provided by the Taylor County community.

“The thing that they talk the most about is how nice everyone is in this community,” Carter said.

The university's English as a Second Language institute draws international students to Campbellsville, Carter said, and allows them to pursue their dreams.

He said the first question international students often ask is why the biggest building on campus is a chapel.

“And we have a quick response,” Carter said. “It's because Campbellsville University is a Christian university. It's who we are.”

Carter said there is a great deal of uncertainty in today's economy. For CU to continue to boast record enrollment figures despite that, he said, is exciting.

“It's a very troubled time,” he said. “One reason students come to Christian higher education is because I think it becomes a vehicle … for being the type of civil society and civil world that we want to live in.”

Carter said CU faculty and staff want to teach students how to become people of character and integrity and how to have a sense of compassion and forgiveness.

“On top of that, [society] needs critical thinkers,” he said. “Campbellsville University has a role to play.”

Carter said some might ask how CU contains its costs and stays competitive in a society where higher education has become very competitive.

“Here at Campbellsville University, a $1 goes farther than any university I've served at.”

He said university officials are cautious with its money and are good investors.

CU students graduate with the lowest amount of loans than many other colleges, Carter said, including the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville.

“It says to me that we're really a lot more affordable than people think,” he said. “So, check it out.”

He thanked those in attendance for their financial support. CU is in the midst of a silent phase of a capital campaign with a goal to raise $30 million by the end of 2013.

Carter said the university is opening an extended site in Somerset and offering many more online classes, which allow students from all over the world to take classes at CU.

“Campbellsville University is making a difference. And we can on into the future.”

“We covet your prayers. We covet your advice. We covet your good words,” he said. “Our job is to pour our lives into our students. It's our mission.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 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.