DECEMBER 28, 2015
Sullivan University agreement signed…learning site to be housed in annex building…work to begin in January
In a special fiscal court meeting held Wednesday, Dec. 23, an agreement between the Lawrence County Fiscal Court and Sullivan University was approved, which calls for a leaning site by Sullivan University to be housed in the annex building, located adjacent to the Lawrence County Courthouse.
According to the agreement, Sullivan University will operate a satellite site in the annex building, that will initially consist of a computer lab, classroom, and office area. Starting out, the site will offer one physical class and various online classes, with more options to be added later as enrollment increases.
“The plan is to start out small, then go from there” said Allen Rose, Vice President of Business and Government Relations with Sullivan University.
County Attorney Mike Hogan explained the terms of the contract, and said “I am excited about this. This will be a good opportunity for our students.” A motion to approve and accept the agreement was made by Magistrate, John J. Lemaster, and seconded by Magistrate, Earl Boggs. The motion passed. Fiscal court members present were John J. Lemaster, Earl Boggs, Rick Blackburn, and Judge Executive, John Osborne. Magistrate Morris Howard was not present.
Judge Osborne said, “This is a great opportunity for our kids and for the surrounding area. Osborne envisioned some sort of educational facility in the annex ever since it became vacant when the Lawrence County Circuit Court offices moved to the new judicial center. “We’ve been talking to Sullivan for a year.”
Osborne, along with Economic Development Coordinator, Catrina Vargo, Schools Superintendent, Robbie Fletcher, and Three Rivers Medical Center CEO, Greg Kiser, traveled to Sullivan University in Louisville this past spring, and then hosted the Sullivan folks in several meetings here in Louisa.
“They have all been great to work with” said Osborne. The most recent visit from Sullivan was a community meeting held in October in which representatives addressed the public and answered questions. Dr. Jay Marr, Sullivan CEO, said they intended to offer reduced rates to students at the Louisa site.
Vargo said this was a true team effort, and thanked Osborne, Fletcher, and Kiser for their work and support on this project. She also recognized the Kentucky Association for Economic Development.
“Sullivan is here because of a direct contact made through the KAED last year. This is a perfect example of how important it is to establish good working relationships with our state and regional economic and business organizations,” Vargo said.
She went on to say that the site will start out small, but at least it’s a start, and could mean bigger things for Lawrence County. “What this says to companies who consider locating here, is easy access to education and training for their employees.”
Lawrence County School Superintendent, Dr. Robbie Fletcher said, “The flexibility that Sullivan University offers will be very beneficial to those wishing to get into the job market quickly. Adding an extended campus in Lawrence County gives our community members the advantage of minimizing the commute. I sincerely appreciate the hard work local officials and community members have put into making this happen.”
TRMC’s CEO, Greg Kiser said, “I am very excited about this partnership with Sullivan university! This is a win for our hospital, community and our economy. I want to thank everyone who helped make this happen and look forward to getting this off the ground and building it into something much bigger for all of us!!! Special thanks to Catrina Vargo for pushing us to make this happen.”
Sullivan University is a well known private college based in Louisville, with additional campuses in Lexington and Ft. Knox, KY. The school is known for its world class culinary program as well as advanced manufacturing, pharmacy, nursing, technology and design. The school offers many other programs, and offers everything from a certificate to a doctoral degree, depending on the field of study. Upon program completion, Sullivan provides graduates with assistance in job placement.
Rose said they plan to have a team in the annex sometime in January to begin setting everything up. “We are excited to be in Louisa and look forward to working with students and everyone in the community.”
