Kentucky’s 18 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities contributed $2.06 billion to the state and local economies, according to a report released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). Kentucky Wesleyan College’s economic impact was measured at $54.7 million according to the report. Brescia University’s economic impact was reported at $33 million. Together, contributing of $87.7 million in purchasing power.
AIKCU announced the results of a study of its member institutions for Fiscal Year 2021-22, the most recent period for which data was available at the time of completion. The total economic impact of a university can be measured in terms of the direct and induced economic impact of a university’s activity on the local economy.
“We are proud to be a part of Owensboro’s story, and we know that our impact is amplified by Brescia University,” said KWC President Dr. James Cousins. “The recent AIKCU report underscores this point. While KWC’s individual impact stands at $54.7 million, these numbers represent more than just dollars and cents. They reflect a shared commitment educating future leaders, inspiring innovation, and supporting the future of Owensboro and Daviss County.” (more…)
Online Business Administration Degree Program again earns national recognition
Kentucky Wesleyan College’s online bachelor’s degree program has earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report for the tenth straight year as a 2025 Best Online Program. Wesleyan’s online business administration degree program also earned recognition as a Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Program in the 2025 rankings.
Current KWC students enrolled in online degree programs are residents of 15 states and several are military personnel stationed in other countries.
“We take pride in helping our online students reach their goals and fulfill their dreams,” said Lindsey (Adcock) Crowe ’02, director of online learning. “They are part of the Wesleyan family and receive the same personal attention and encouragement our on-campus students experience.”
U.S. News assessed schools based on four categories: engagement, services and technology, faculty credentials and training and peer assessment. (more…)
The Kentucky Wesleyan College Office of Equity and Inclusion concluded Winter Break with an Alternative Break trip to Washington, D.C. Led by Office of Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Lori Thurman, seven students, including Te’Asia Calhoun ’27, participated in a week-long expedition that combined cultural exploration, service, and personal reflection.
The trip gave students the chance to visit iconic landmarks, including the Washington, Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and the White House. For many, the museum visits were especially impactful. Their museum visits included the African American Museum, American History Museum, Holocaust Museum, American Indian Museum, and Air and Space Museum.
Te’Asia, a freshman psychology major at Kentucky Wesleyan, reflected on her travel and learning experiences.
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Stacy: “We have two college-age sons. As we started paying for their educations, I realized that without the James Graham Brown Scholarship I probably would not have been able to attend KWC (at least not without a lot of student loan debt). I want to give others the same opportunity I had – to attend a great college where I received a top-notch education, made great friends and met the love of my life.”
Jason: “I give to KWC to help other students who might need the financial support to attend. KWC helped shape who I am today, and I would encourage others to give to continue the College’s success in our community.” (more…)
Kentucky Wesleyan College is proud to announce a $5 million gift – one of the largest single gifts in school history – from Keith and Vickie Sharber to endow and name the Communication Arts Program. This landmark investment is a significant commitment to student success and career readiness.
“This endowment is a transformational gift that comes at an historic moment,” said President James Cousins. “We are so grateful to Keith and Vickie for their generosity and their belief in our mission. It affirms the Sharbers’ confidence in the College’s continued growth and the profound impact of the liberal arts. The need for leadership in the production of media, for expertise in media literacy, and for skilled rhetoricians and content producers has never been more pressing. This gift will multiply the advantages of our already strong academic and professional programs, ensuring our students have cutting-edge skills necessary for a rapidly evolving media landscape.”
The Sharbers wish to leave a legacy at Kentucky Wesleyan College through an initial $1,000,000 cash investment followed by a generous estate commitment. The transformational impact of the Sharbers’ generosity will benefit KWC students immediately and in perpetuity. This investment carries deep meaning as Keith’s career began across the street from KWC’s campus when he worked in the radio industry, and the couple is now ensuring stability and programmatic support for KWC communication arts faculty, staff and students. (more…)
Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024 presented by Owensboro Health was a weekend that won’t soon be forgotten! Enjoy the links to the photos/live streamed events and the 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumnus of the Arts honoree videos. Special thanks to our friends at Charles Mahlinger Photography and Wonder Boy Media for capturing these moments for us.
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming & Family Weekend 2025 will be Oct. 3-4, 2025!
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College sets record for sixth straight year, celebrating a decade of impact on global day of giving
Kentucky Wesleyan College raised a total of $1,152,816 on Giving Tuesday, setting a new single-day giving record for the sixth straight year. KWC has now realized over $3.8 million in charitable contributions from alumni, friends, students and employees in its decade of participation in the global day of giving.
“This is an historic milestone but a very real testament to the College’s momentum,” said President James Cousins. “Over the past few months, I’ve heard from so many alumni and friends who are excited about our future. There’s a real sense of community and shared purpose driving our success.”
Donors invested in the Wesleyan Scholarship Fund, the College’s area of greatest need, which provides scholarship support to each KWC student, the W Club to support Panther Athletics including individual athletic programs, academic programs and endowments, Campus Ministries, the Class of 2025 Senior Gift and more. Giving challenges from President Cousins and his wife Carrie, Kirk ’17 and Summer (Crick) Aldridge ’14, and Chemistry Professor Emeritus Dr. W.L. Magnuson were met, while others inspired investors to support scholarship and departmental funding to provide opportunity and enhanced student experiences. (more…)