Dr. Aaron Thompson

4th President at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Educator, Father, Grandfather, and Blessed.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

The data tell an important story: Most Kentucky adults who stopped out of college did so early in their academic journey. That means state & campus investment in advising, financial support and student success services from day one can have the greatest impact. #KYHigherEdMatters

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

I'm excited about this new feature - CTE is a great way for students to gain valuable skills & enter the workforce quickly. This online tool lets them discover local programs and career pathways, making planning much easier for students and families.

[Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education @CPENews]

CPE announces expansion of https://t.co/MoFCqZBo51 - new Program & Pathway Finder helps students and families better understand how education programs connect to future education and employment.
https://t.co/6rlCKEtIa1

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Renee's retirement is bittersweet. We've worked together for years. I'll miss working with her but am excited to see what this next chapter holds. Best wishes to a top-notch journalist, talented interviewer & very good friend. @reneemshaw
https://t.co/fJfjQ9NDPz

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Identifying and helping more adults turn the credits they have already earned into meaningful credentials is essential to strengthening families, communities and Kentucky’s workforce. We are excited to have this research as a basis for policy change.

[Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education @CPENews]

According to new CPE analysis: Thousands of Kentucky adults who left an in-state college and university without graduating may be closer to earning a degree or credential than they realize. Learn more: https://t.co/69CVglHJDt

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Always a great day when paths cross with great people - loved getting to see Ben Boggs, Christina Whitfield and Shannon Gilkey at the #SHEEO conference. All of these folks have Kentucky education roots, a testament to the outstanding talent our state develops.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Always appreciate the opportunity to participate. Thanks so much, @SHEEOed.

[SHEEO @SHEEOed]

We are in Washington, D.C., for our 2026 Annual Meeting with our state executive officers. We’re kicking off our pre-conference this morning with candid state discussions on varied issues and initiatives happening across the country.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

On the road again - this time, with my good friends at Morehead State University, speaking to the Governor's Scholars students. This program is a great way not only to prepare students for the college experience, but also to give them a venue to learn more about themselves.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Thank you, @universitybiz and Alcino Donadel, for the opportunity to be on your podcast. Always appreciate being able to talk about all the great things that are happening in postsecondary ed.
https://t.co/Ja65Azf3DR

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Every year, I participate as a speaker at Governor's Scholars, and every year I'm blown away by all the talent this program attracts. Pictured are the students who are at Centre College this week, but I just know they'll be Kentucky’s next generation of civic & economic leaders.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Five Ky. public universities increased baccalaureate completion among low-income students over the past 5 years. These gains demonstrate what's possible when we work together - legislators, CPE & our campuses - to focus on success, affordability & opportunity. #KYHigherEdMatters

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Joanne Glasser, former president of Eastern Kentucky University. I served as one of Joanne’s senior administrators during her tenure. As the first permanent female president of my alma mater, she held an important place in EKU’s history.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Thank you to @UCumberlands and President Quentin Young for hosting our @CPENews work session and business meeting today. Your hospitality is much appreciated, as well as what you contribute to helping Kentucky reach our 60x30 goal.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

The data shows it: Dual credit courses give students a head start in both coursework requirements and affordability, making the transition to college easier and more likely. A powerful signal about what access to dual credit means for Ky's students. #KYHigherEdMatters

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Performance funding works best when it rewards progress and keeps students at the center. At @SREBeducation's conference, I shared how KY’s approach is helping align public investment with retention, completion, transfer, workforce readiness and credentials of value.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

We're proud of KAA's team and the work they've done to develop this new advising tool. It's a great example of the Commonwealth Education Continuum in action - helping students connect their interests to meaningful & actionable college and career pathways.
https://t.co/uRtfRUYrWa

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

YES. Kentucky's FAFSA completion rate has rebounded to 56% -> a significant recovery given lows caused by the pandemic and new form rollout. Credit to KHEAA, GEAR UP Kentucky, counselors & our other college access pros whose work is making affordability happen. #KYHigherEdMatters

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

This Memorial Day weekend, we honor and remember the service members who gave their lives for our country. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy every day. We also extend our deepest gratitude to their families, who carry their memory forward.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

It was an honor to speak at the 2026 Whitney M. Young Scholars Senior Banquet. As they move on, may they remember that higher education unlocks human potential and prepares us to lead with purpose. Congrats scholars! Stay strong, stay hopeful, and stay the course.

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

CPE’s Progress Report is out and I’m happy to report our institutions are delivering great results. Higher grad rates, more credentials earned, more debt-free graduates.
Read the report 📰https://t.co/XqXzsDb6Kf

[Dr. Aaron Thompson @cpepres]

Thank you, @KET, for the opportunity to talk about dual credit (https://t.co/yN8LfxVYA8). We are very proud of the progress we've made increasing the number of students taking these courses. It truly is a key strategy to make higher ed affordable and accessible.
@CPENews