Published: May 09, 2009 09:28 pm      

Metcalf hired at KCU

1987 graduate new president

GRAYSON — Kentucky Christian University has chosen one of its own as its president.

The school’s board of trustees on Friday hired Jeffrey K. Metcalf, a 1987 graduate, to replace Keith B. Keeran, who is retiring.

“After a nationwide search, we found what God had for us right here at home,” said board chairman Ken Perkins III on Saturday, when the choice was made public.

Most recently provost and vice president of academic affairs, Metcalf has been on the administrative staff of KCU since 1996. “He brings a unique blend of administrative skills and academic excellence,” Perkins said.

Metcalf will be the fifth president in KCU’s 90-year history. After his graduation from the university he completed master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Louisville.

He said he wants to develop KCU as a premier scholarly and academic institution with emphasis on faculty and teaching, “the magical work that happens behind the classroom door.”

Metcalf comes to the position five years after the institution changed from Kentucky Christian College to KCU. The university is poised for further growth, he said. “We have been intentionally expanding our curriculum and have plans for further expansion.”

KCU has seen significant growth in initiatives like its nursing program, which currently has about 100 majors on campus and graduated its fifth class Saturday. Metcalf hopes for similar growth in other programs.

He acknowledged that he takes office in challenging economic times. “We know this institution has existed for 90 years, through multiple recessions and the great depression.

“I feel this institution is blessed by God, and as long as we continue in his will we expect to receive his blessings.”

Under Keeran’s direction, KCU has become more community-centered, increasing its percentage of local students. Metcalf wants to continue the trend through continued partnerships with local schools, such as one that offers dual credit to Carter County high school students.

He also wants to expand the collaboration with King’s Daughters Medical Center, which shares its medical specialties building on Carol Malone Boulevard with KCU’s Nina Yancey School of Nursing and offers nursing students a venue for clinical studies.

The search process took two years and encompassed some 50 candidates. “We shook a lot of bushes,” said Bobby Waters, chairman of the search committee. Waters said he didn’t initially envision Metcalf as the next KCU president.

“As I look back, I can’t see anybody but him sitting in that seat.”

MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2652.