NORTHERN KENTUCKY — We’re continuing our series looking at some of the fastest-growing communities in our state.

This week on In Focus Kentucky, we’re highlighting Northern Kentucky and specifically discussing the importance of city-university partnerships and their impact on the region.

Dr. Ashish Vaidya is the sixth president of Northern Kentucky University. He became the 6th school President on July 18, 2018. 

“The reaction in Northern Kentucky and the Commonwealth of Kentucky is one of appreciation and high regard. This university has had tremendous growth in its very young 54-year history. We know we’re the youngest public university in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky has tremendously benefited from having this university. Its focus is on high valued high demand degrees, creating the workforce and the talent that this institution is producing. So, I’m delighted to when I go around and meet people and introduce myself and introduce the university. We have nearly 75,000 alums primarily in the Northern Kentucky-Greater Cincinnati area, of course, all over the country and, frankly, all over the world. And they are adding to the economic and social vitality of this region. So there is a great deal of appreciation for what NKU has done, and will continue to do,” explains President Vaidya.

Also under his leadership, the university has prioritized making courses at NKU affordable for students from all walks of life to receive the education they’re seeking. From grants and loans to federal financial aid, plus academic scholarships and the EDGE program for new out-of-state and international students to pay in-state tuition, NKU wants to help all prospective students feel capable and confident in affording the degree you want to earn.

“We are focused on student success and regional engagement. Those are our twin objectives. When we talk about student success, we’re talking about creating access and pathways and creating opportunity and making it affordable for learners from all over the Commonwealth, this region to find a pathway to NKU. We’re also focused on completion. Making sure when they choose to come to NKU, we’re providing them the support that they that they need. You know, we still serve many first-generation students. Only 45% of our students are first in their families to go to college. We embrace that mission of access and opportunity because we know there is so much value in creating this college going culture in this region and in the Commonwealth. So, access and affordability completion and making sure that they are on a path to have a successful career and a meaningful life is very important to NKU,” adds Vaidya.

You can watch the full In Focus segment in the player above.