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Campbellsville University hosts workshop on rural economic development

by Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications

Campbellsville, KY (02/12/2025) — When Dr. Roger Huston joined the administration of Campbellsville University as assistant vice president for strategic relations and rural advancement in August of last year, he noted that the university was in prime position to make a positive impact on the local, regional, and state economy.

Now, CU has taken another leap forward in leading rural economic development for the heartland of Kentucky - hosting a rural economic development workshop Wednesday, Feb. 5, in CU's Heilman Welcome Center.

Speaking to a crowd that included economic developers, chamber and tourism professionals, business owners, city and county government officials, state and federal government representatives, nonprofit directors, healthcare administrators and higher education faculty and staff, Huston shared, "This very event is an example of an opportunity that came about because Campbellsville University had the foresight to say, 'How is it that we can best support our community?'

"And so these types of things are ways that we're always thinking ahead of the game and trying to figure out how best to support our communities, and of course in that there's also empowerment that has to occur."

Huston stated rural advancement is "part of a long history of CU's community engagement and university partnerships and work with stakeholders to grow vibrant rural communities."

Huston, who came to Campbellsville University with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and community and economic development, shared the purpose of CU's Rural Advancement initiative.

"So, our goals, basically, to boil it down, are to help our rural communities live the American dream," Huston stated. "I know that sounds a little cliche in this day and age, especially with our politics the way they are, but it's vitally important for us to make sure that our next generation has the opportunity to live the chances and the wonderful benefits that we have had."

Huston noted CU will focus on collaboration as part of its rural economic development efforts.

"Here, it is important for me to reiterate that we are not trying to compete with anybody," Huston emphasized. "We are trying to partner with what economic developers and everyone in the economic development space are doing."

"As a faith-based institution, Campbellsville University is always trying to make sure that we're building people up in the things that they're doing well."

Having conversations on economic issues facing rural areas is just the beginning of the process, according to Huston. Huston said Wednesday's workshop kicked off what will be a series of continuing education programs and professional development services through CU's new Rural Advancement initiative.

"Just having honest conversations about the problems that we have is the start to figure out what solutions we have already in our own community or in other communities to work together to start to solve those problems," Huston said.

Huston added, "You need to have a diverse array of people in rural communities to be able to create and innovate and ideate together. We need to, in rural communities, make sure we're eliciting and engaging with as many people as possible."

Those in attendance also heard from a panel of economic development veterans. The panel consisted of Terri Bradshaw, president of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development; Dr. John Chowning, senior advisor to the president of Campbellsville University; Ron McMahan, executive director of the Team Taylor County Economic Development Authority; and Brett Traver, executive director of Southeast Kentucky Economic Development.

McMahan, who has worked in economic development for over 20 years, shared that working across county and regional lines is a good practice in economic development. McMahan referenced the Heartland Parkway project that converted the road between the Cumberland Parkway in Adair and the Bluegrass Parkway in Washington County into a 2+1 highway.

"Road projects can take quite a long time to get appropriated," McMahan said. "We're just now seeing the fruits of that regional coalition that started the Heartland Parkway Foundation probably 15 years ago. Regionalism is the way to go.

"These companies, they don't care what the county line is, where the city line is. They just need to know that they've got abundant resources and that the community is supportive."

Bradshaw echoed McMahon's remarks, saying, "I think that we have seen the biggest successes coming from regional projects, from communities that recognize that having partners, whoever they are, will make them better and stronger."

Traver shared the importance of bringing new individuals with new perspectives into the world of economic development.

Chowning shared the importance of having a vision in economic development.

"You've got to have some vision," Chowning said. "And you've got to be willing to look at this thing long-term. There are no quick fixes. It doesn't exist."

Traver provided his insight on where he sees economic development in 10 years.

"I hope that we do break down more of these imagined barriers between city, county, and county, state, things of that nature," Traver said. "Those folks that are thinking more regionally will do better.

Traver added, "Our rural communities have got to figure out how to break down the barriers, punch above their weight in everything they do and be more professional in everything they do."

CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins also shared his hopes for the future of the University's efforts in rural economic development.

"The event was a window into what can happen when we come together for the good of our communities," he said. "I was filled with hope by the enthusiasm of Central Kentucky leaders as we shared strategies for growing and enhancing one of the great places to live and work in the USA."

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

Media Attachments

From left, Dr. John Chowning, senior advisor to the president of Campbellsville University; Ron McMahan, executive director of the Team Taylor County Economic Development Authority; and Brett Traver, executive director of Southeast Kentucky Economic Development, participate in a panel discussion during CU’s rural economic development workshop. Also participating in the panel discussion was Terri Bradshaw, president of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development.

Dr. Roger Huston, CU’s assistant vice president for strategic relations and rural advancement, shared that the purpose of CU’s Rural Advancement initiative is to make sure that the next generation has the opportunity to live the chances and the wonderful benefits of previous generations.

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