Northern Kentucky Schools Prepare Students for Workforce

Scott Beseler/NKU Veterans Resource Station

In response to evolving job market demands and workforce needs, Thomas More University and Northern Kentucky University are adapting their programs and course offerings to better serve students and the Northern Kentucky business community. These additions reflect the universities’ commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in industries experiencing rapid growth and transformation. 

Joseph Chillo, president of Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, says 80% of the university’s students are from the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region, and about 75% of its alumni stay there after graduation. 

“As those graduates jump into the workforce, it’s critically important that Thomas More continues to educate students in a variety of different fields to enable them to be contributors to a growing and diversified workforce,” Chillo says. 

Provided by Thomas More University

Meeting Students’ Needs in Northern Kentucky

Thomas More plans to introduce two new degree programs in its School of Education to help meet the growing need for teachers, principals and superintendents. Chillo notes the strong connection between workforce development and teacher preparation, particularly in ensuring that educators are equipped to challenge students academically and prepare them for life beyond high school. 

“When we look across the commonwealth, not just here in Northern Kentucky, we’re facing profound teacher shortages within the next decade. Colleges and universities are going to have to respond to guarantee that our schools have the very best teachers and that our students are learning at a high level,” he says. 

The university recently added three programs within its College of Business. These include a graduate degree in information technology management and two undergraduate degrees – one in management and one in hospitality management. Chillo says the economic growth in the hospitality industry, from food and beverage to hotels, created a direct need for the university to step in and provide the necessary workforce preparation for those fields. 

“We were approached by Columbia Sussex Hotels, along with St. Elizabeth Healthcare, to provide a hospitality management degree program that would help fill their immediate needs,” Chillo says. “Having that direct input from employers is critically important. The hospitality management program was an example of us listening to employers. We also have very intentional conversations with our alumni to hear how their education at Thomas More has prepared them because it allows us to understand the evolution and shaping of the industry.” 

Scott Beseler/NKU Veterans Resource Station

Assisting Veteran Students in Northern Kentucky

Like Thomas More, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Highland Heights is also taking significant steps to meet the needs of its student body and the surrounding region. For example, NKU is offering a minor in veteran leadership aimed at supporting and empowering veterans as they transition into civilian careers. The program is designed to credit the valuable skills and experiences gained by military and veteran students during their service and will help bridge the gap between military training and higher education. 

“Our new veteran leadership minor not only honors the dedication of our military and veteran students, but also recognizes the immense value they bring to our campus community,” says Rusty Mardis, coordinator of NKU’s Veterans Resource Station. “It’s an honor to be a part of this initiative, empowering our veterans to leverage their expertise and seamlessly transition into academic success. This minor will save our students time and money in their pursuit of a degree.” 

Another innovative initiative is NKU’s direct admit program, which streamlines the admissions process for students. NKU is the first public university in the state to offer direct admission, which allows qualified students to bypass the application process and application fee and receive a direct offer of admission. 

“By simplifying the admissions process, including removing the application and application fee, and offering a transparent pathway to enrollment, NKU hopes to empower students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations,” says Ryan Padgett, NKU associate provost for strategic enrollment planning and student success. 

Enriching the Collegiate Experience in the Region

NKU is also expanding its athletic programs, adding six new varsity sports – women’s stunt (a sport that incorporates skills derived from cheerleading), men’s and women’s swimming, men’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s triathlon – to help foster student well-being in Northern Kentucky and offer more opportunities to engage the community. 

“The addition of these programs furthers our commitment to providing diverse opportunities for students and enriching the overall collegiate experience at NKU,” says Corey Best, executive director and chief communications officer for Northern Kentucky University.