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Campbellsville University to offer Public Leadership Certificate Program

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

Campbellsville, KY (11/18/2025) — Campbellsville University and One Cross Health have come together to introduce the Public Leadership Certificate Program, designed to prepare Kentucky's future leaders with the skills, vision and values needed to build stronger communities, foster economic growth and advance the American Dream.

Community stakeholders looking for skills and solutions to issues facing their communities can take advantage of a new program that's starting at Campbellsville University next month. The one-day program will be delivered on campus by Campbellsville University faculty and professional practitioners. The first cohort will begin on Monday, December 15, at the university's Heilman Welcome Center.

Kim McKenna, president and CEO of One Cross Health, noted, "I've come to understand that everything rises and falls on leadership. That's why I'm so passionate about sponsoring the Public Leadership Certificate Program at Campbellsville University.

McKenna added the program represents an opportunity "to cultivate leaders who lead with authenticity, humility, and purpose."

"I'm thrilled to see this kind of leadership development happening right here in Campbellsville, equipping local leaders to make a lasting impact across Kentucky and beyond," she said.

Dr. Roger Huston, CU's assistant vice president for strategic relations and rural advancement, said, "The partnership between Campbellsville University and One Cross Health emerged from shared values and a recognition that authentic leadership is essential for advancing the American Dream in rural Kentucky."

Participants will learn to drive community growth through bottom-up development approaches and systems thinking. Using an asset-based framework, they'll explore ways to create practical, holistic solutions to complex local challenges.

"The Public Leadership Certificate Program is an amazing opportunity for leaders to hone their skills for the public good," Huston added. "This program would not have been possible without our partners at One Cross Health, and we are very appreciative of their passion for supporting our community."

One Cross Health is sponsoring the program, while the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED), the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE), the Kentucky City/County Management Association (KCCMA), and the Kentucky Rural Education Association (KREA) are partners in the program.

Terri Bradshaw, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED), explained, "KAED is proud to partner with Campbellsville University to equip Kentucky's leaders with the skills and vision needed to strengthen communities and expand opportunity."

She added, "Through CU's Public Leadership Certificate and Rural Advancement initiatives, we're helping more Kentuckians achieve social mobility, foster economic growth, and make the American Dream attainable in every corner of the Commonwealth."

According to Huston, the uniqueness of the program lies in its values-based approach and accessibility in promoting stronger leadership for Kentucky communities. Costs for the program are $299 for non-members, $199 for KAED, KCCE, KCCMA and KREA members, and $99 for students. To register for the program, visit https://cca.kaedonline.org/EvtListing.aspx.

Huston noted the program is still taking registrations. He also noted that additional dates to offer this course will be announced at a later date.

He emphasized that the initiative is designed for local leaders and stakeholders involved in community and economic growth - including economic and community developers, elected officials, administrators, educators, and directors from chambers of commerce, tourism, Main Street, and nonprofit organizations, as well as local business owners.

"The benefits are clear: participants gain access to networking and partnerships with leaders across diverse sector-creating meaningful cross-community collaboration, are equipped to make real community impact by strengthening civic institutions, driving holistic initiatives, and through training leaders who embrace systems thinking and asset-based development, communities gain long-term, sustainable strategies for growth and resilience."

According to Huston, the program is designed to address rural economic stagnation and social mobility barriers, complex and interconnected local issues, and leadership pipeline gaps in Kentucky's rural communities.

CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins reflected on the collaboration's impact in preparing leaders to drive growth and opportunity throughout Kentucky.

"It just seems right that One Cross Health has partnered with our Rural Advancement program to present the Public Leadership Certificate," Hopkins stated. "Since One Cross was established, they have demonstrated uncommon public leadership and service to our community. Together, we aim to help more rural Kentuckians experience the American dream."

For more information about the program and CU's Rural Advancement program, visit https://www.campbellsville.edu/academics/rural-advancement/.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed, Kentucky-based Christian university that enrolls nearly 10,000 students and offers over 100 programs of study, including certificates, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. CU is committed to academic excellence solidly grounded in the liberal arts, that fosters personal growth, integrity, and professional preparation within a caring environment.

Media Attachments

The One Cross Leadership Team, from left, is Rhiannon McQueary, Valeska Craus, Michael Wilson, Shaina Seaborne, Kim McKenna, Benjamin Richards, Leeann Johnson and Jessica Davis.

Kim McKenna, President and CEO of One Cross Health

Michael Wilson, One Cross Health Director of Behavioral Health (right), presents the 2nd Place Award to Kupakwashe Kahiya (center) with Campbellsville University President Dr. Joe Hopkins (left) at the recent Rural Advancement E-Club Pitch Competition.

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