Dr. Jeffrey K. Metcalf, KCU's President-Elect

Kentucky Christian University Board of Trustees Chairman Ken Perkins III of Caldwell, OH announced to a crowd of people assembled at the University's Spring Commencement services the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey K. Metcalf of Grayson, KY to the position of President-Elect of the University. Among his remarks regarding the appointment Mr. Perkins said, "Dr. Metcalf brings to the office of President a unique blend of administrative skill and academic excellence. He joined the administrative staff of KCU in 1996 and has served in several key positions, most recently being Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He is a man of faith, who believes the best days of Kentucky Christian University are ahead of her. Dr. Metcalf is also a 1987 graduate of KCU and therefore has a very personal love for and attachment to the University."

Following President Keith P. Keeran's announcement of his intended retirement after 22 years of service to KCU, the Board of Trustees began a search for the fifth President in the University's 90 year history.

Mr. Perkins recognized Dr. Keeran's contributions to the University by saying, "Dr. Keeran has been a visionary and a man of exceptional Christian character. Under his leadership, Kentucky Christian University has become an educational institution of national standing. The University will be forever grateful for his leadership, and his legacy will be felt for many years to come."

In closing, Board Chairman Perkins prayed God's continued blessings upon Kentucky Christian University and upon Dr. Jeff Metcalf as he begins to lead KCU in pursuit of her mission of educating students in Christian leadership in the Church and in professions throughout the world.

Remarks from President Keith P. Keeran

The appointment of Dr. Jeff Metcalf as President-Elect will come as no surprise to those who know him. I have worked closely with Dr. Metcalf as an administrative colleague for 13 years and have never ceased being impressed with the thoroughness, professionalism and expertise that he brings to his responsibilities. For the past six years, he has served as the University's Chief Academic Officer. He knows KCU like few others and from the inside out. Dr. Metcalf has already demonstrated the courage to make difficult administrative decisions and has proven himself to be a capable leader and solution provider. His priority is clearly that of protecting the integrity of the University's Christ-centered mission and its educational programs. Dr. Metcalf is also recognized throughout the south as a higher education leader and his appointment as President of the University will be warmly welcomed by other college and university presidents and education agencies throughout the region. I congratulate the Board of Trustees on the thoroughness of its presidential search and their selection of Dr. Jeff Metcalf as the University's fifth President.

Metcalf Biography

Dr. Jeffrey K. Metcalf will be Kentucky Christian University's fifth president in the ninety-year history of the institution. Metcalf (KCU class of 1987) has served his alma mater in a variety of capacities during his thirteen-year span of employment, including six years as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

After graduating with honors from Kentucky Christian University, Metcalf went on to complete master and doctoral degrees at the University of Louisville.

Dr. Metcalf has been particularly active in the accreditation processes of the University, and has maintained an active profile in the broader accreditation community. He is an accomplished scholar, researcher, and writer, whose research interests center on accreditation outcomes and continual quality improvement. He has served regularly as a peer evaluator and evaluative committee chair for the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Education

• 2001 - University of Louisville. Doctor of Education degree with emphasis in Higher Education Administration.
• 1990 - University of Louisville. Master of Education degree with emphasis on Marriage and Family Counseling.
• 1987 - Kentucky Christian University. Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Biblical Studies and Psychology.

Professional Activities and Affiliations

• Member of the FIVCO (Boyd, Carter, Greenup, Elliott, and Lawrence counties) Economic Development Committee.
• Past President of the Kentucky Association of Institutional Researchers (KAIR).
• Chair of Kentucky Christian University Research Review Committee.
• Active evaluator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Service as an evaluator on reaffirmation, substantive change, and special visits. Also as a committee chair on reaffirmation and substantive change visits.
• Independent research consultant to the Association for Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).
• Private consulting work as an expert evaluator for The Commonwealth Alliance for Drug and Alcohol Prevention (regional drug and alcohol prevention center).
• Special Reader for the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Consultative reader for the 77-member Commission on Colleges.
• Member of the faculty of Kentucky Christian University.

Personal

Dr. Metcalf and his wife Debbie (Wolfe) have two children, Molly (20 and a student at KCU) and Ethan (16). The Metcalfs are members of the Oak Grove Church of Christ in Grayson, KY.

A Personal Note From President-Elect Metcalf

"The challenge of leading Kentucky Christian University is one that I accept with a tremendous sense of excitement and determination. The campus of KCU is the most exciting place on earth to me and I look forward to working with our faculty and staff as we seek to honor the Lord as a premier Christian scholarly community. While there are multiple and complex demands upon any university president, my first priority is to function alongside the other dedicated staff members to support the faculty and to protect their ability to do the most important work of the University, that magical work that happens behind the classroom door."

Media: Download full-resolution photos of Dr. Metcalf and his family.