NOVEMBER 2, 2015
Sullivan University holds meet and greet at LCHS…nearly 150 people turn out, many others voice their support…
Louisa, KY — Despite the heavy rain last Tuesday evening, nearly 150 people came out to the Lawrence County High School to show their support for an extended campus in Louisa, from Louisville’s Sullivan University. Many others have expressed their support via phone calls and social media.
Twelve representatives from the prestigious college were on hand from 4-7 pm, to present their ideas for a satellite sight in Louisa. Although nothing is set in stone yet, they have expressed heavy interest in partnering with Lawrence County.
Dr. Robbie Fletcher introduced the Sullivan staff and said “We had the pleasure of touring their campus in Louisville a few months ago, and they rolled out the red carpet for us. We are happy to have now them here, and the opportunity for the community to meet them as well.
“We are excited about the possibility of establishing a Sullivan presence in Louisa” said Allen Rose, Vice President of Government and Business Relations for the school. “We have been communicating with county government, school and business leaders some time now, and have a good feeling about it” he said.
If Sullivan does in fact commit to the project, they will locate in the annex building adjacent to the downtown courthouse in Louisa which has been vacant since the Lawrence County Circuit Court Clerk’s office moved into the new judicial center on U.S. 23. Ever since the move took place, County Judge John Osborne envisioned the space being used for some sort of educational facility. “We need more opportunities for our young people as well as adults, education is so important” Osborne said.
The Tuesday meeting was for the public to have a chance to hear what the school has in mind, to ask questions, and to comment. During the three hour window, many people came by, some were not able to stay for the entire presentation, but did have a chance to talk one on one with the Sullivan reps.
Dr. Jay Marr, CEO of Sullivan University, said he realized tuition is always a concern with any school, but said Sullivan was prepared to offer reduced cost for their programs in this area. After the session was over, Jan Gordon, Executive Director of Spencerian, the medical college under Sullivan, received several sign ups for possible classes.
If it all goes through, the extended campus would start out small, and most likely offer a hybrid program; a combination of online and physical classes, beginning with a nursing/medical program, and possibly technology and design. A welding program has also been discussed. Other programs would be added later, if it continued to grow.
Economic Development Coordinator, Catrina Vargo said if the project goes through it would be a big plus not only for Lawrence County, but for the entire region. “Sullivan does not have a presence in eastern Kentucky at this time, and that alone will create a huge draw. We love and appreciate our partnerships with other schools, but this is just one more opportunity for our kids as well as our economy.
When recruiting new business and industry into the area, a physical college in town does make a big difference.”
Vargo has been in contact with Sullivan since last Tuesday’s meeting and said they were pleased with the meeting. They will present the Lawrence County-Sullivan project to their board next week, and expect to have a definite answer by the end of November.
