FRANKFORT, KY – The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s president, Dr. Aaron Thompson, recently received the Betty and David Jones, Sr. Legacy Award from Simmons College of Kentucky during its Transform Louisville breakfast at Louisville Central Community Center.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award. I feel called to do the work necessary to advance the Commonwealth by closing gaps so that all students have access to the great equalizer – a high quality education,” said Dr. Thompson. “I look forward to the continued growth of Simmons College and the transformation of Louisville.”

Presented by Simmons College president, Dr. Kevin W. Cosby, the award recognizes Thompson’s commitment to education.

“Betty and David Jones, Sr. were committed to education for every community in our Commonwealth. Growing up in West Louisville, he never forgot about his roots and remained, throughout his life, committed to the diversity of opportunities,” said Cosby. “Just like Betty and David Jones, Sr., Dr. Thompson has maintained the same commitment to education in our community. Without the passion, vision, counsel and support of Dr. Thompson, Simmons College of Kentucky would not have emerged as the comeback Historically Black College and University (HBCU) of America.”

Thompson provided the keynote address and shared his humble beginnings, provided an overview of higher education in Kentucky and reminded audience members not to be quiet when it’s time to speak up and to help those in need to eliminate disparity.

Dr. Thompson serves as the president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Before taking the helm of CPE, Thompson served as interim president of Kentucky State University; CPE executive vice president and provost; and faculty member and administrator at Eastern Kentucky University. He has extensive leadership experience within the private and non-profit sector and is a highly sought-after national speaker.

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