Cumberlands professors speak at leadership programs

History and political science professors from University of the Cumberlands (UC) recently lectured at local colleges to help prepare high school students from across the Commonwealth for their future endeavors. 

Dr. Nathan Coleman spoke at a Kentucky Youth Leadership Conference held at the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center. Dr. Bruce Hicks presented at the Rogers’ Scholars program, which was held at Lindsey Wilson College. 

Coleman’s lecture focused on historical and contemporary elements of America’s constitutional order. He discussed the idea that local governments and communities should work to resolve issues, not solely depend on the federal government to resolve them. Coleman also acknowledged the students who attended the program.

“The ability to teach, discuss, and explore in the historical background and foundations of the Constitution with some of the Commonwealth’s best and brightest high school students is a real honor and treat,” Coleman said. “I believe that if more Americans, no matter their age, knew the historical foundations better, it would improve our society and politics.”

Hick’s participated in the “Civic Engagement” program, where he specified what the particular functions, offices and structures of local governments in Kentucky are. He encouraged students to learn as much as they could at school, then utilize their talents back home. 

“Their communities need them, and the talent and energy that they bring,” Hicks said. “If more of these students can be encouraged to build their careers in their home communities, rural Kentucky will benefit as a result.”

The Kentucky Youth Leadership Conference at which Dr. Coleman presented gathers political leaders, business executives and scholars at the University of Louisville in hopes their insights can be used to serve Kentucky as a whole.

The Rogers’ Scholars program, where Dr. Hicks spoke, provides leadership and college scholarships to high school juniors across Southern and Eastern Kentucky. It was established to service students by developing the skills they’ll need to become the next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders.

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction offering quality undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs. Learn more at ucumberlands.edu.