In the Spring of 2007, the Kentucky State Legislature allocated funds to being a Regional Stewardship Program. Each of the six comprehensive higher education institutions (Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Nothern Kentucky University, and Western Kentucky University) were granted funds to begin an initiative that would bring together representatives from the region- higher education, K-12 education, government, business, and non profit sector- to identify how they could work together to make life better for the citizens of the region.

The main goal of Regional Stewardship Program is to promote regional or statewide economic developement, livable communities, social inclusion, creative governance, and civic participation through public engagement activities initiated by postsecondary institution faculy and staff. To help accomplish this goal, campus administrators are expected to design and implement programs that align institutional priorities, resources, and infrastructure to support their missions as stewards of place, and to create partnerships and undertake engagement activities that address regional and state needs, while specifically targeting the needs of public schools, employers, grant agencies, small busincesses, and nonprofit organizations. Program funds will be allocated and distrubuted based on 2006-08 Regional Stewardship Program Guidelines that will be presented to the Council in January 2006.

To access the Regional Stewardship Forum and discussion board, click here.

To access the Regional Stewardship Group Office that contains calendars, shared files, address books and much more, click here.