U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell delivers dedication address at new Harrodsburg's Conover Education Center

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U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority leader, praised Campbellsville University for being a leader in Christian higher education as he delivered the dedicatory address. (CU Photo by Drew Tucker)

• A plaque honoring Michael and Carol Conover was unveiled by from left: Carol Conover, Michael Conover, Wes Carter, CU regional director; U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader;

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (10/28/2016)(readMedia)-- United States Sen. Mitch McConnell said Campbellsville University has experienced "incredible success" as he complemented the university on providing quality education at the dedication of the Conover Education Center.

"It's nice to have the chance every once in awhile to celebrate something that's uplifting, something that makes us all feel better, something that gives us hope and optimism," McConnell said.

He congratulated his friends, Michael and Carol Conover, benefactors for the new center that has 96 students enrolled for the fall semester. The center, located at a prime location in Harrodsburg on Danville Road (Route 127 South and Bypass), offers face-to-face and online courses in undergraduate and graduate liberal arts, allied health and cosmetology.

McConnell expressed pride in Campbellsville University providing quality higher education to Mercer County at a cost students can afford and providing them with all possible scholarship systems. "This is a big deal," said McConnell, who is the majority leader of the United States Senate.

McConnell revealed that he was in law school with Conover and, "I said to myself this is a guy that is going to go somewhere, and he did.

"Not only has he gone somewhere but he's had an extraordinarily successful life and is now doing what is very much appreciated in our country and that is giving back to help others after we've had considerable success."

He said, "Nobody's done it [provided quality education] like Campbellsville University."

Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of the university, said the Mercer County community has "well filled Campbellsville University with a spirit of graciousness and warmth that has been unsurpassed."

He said Campbellsville University has worked well with the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, the business community, the various civic clubs and others.

"It really has been a spirit of support and advocacy for Christian higher education," Carter said. "We often say that Campbellsville university, while it is a private Christian university, is a university with a very public purpose ... we believe in training Christian servant leaders for this next generation."

Carter thanked McConnell for his help in early 2000 securing a $2 million Congressional earmark to begin the Campbellsville University Technology Training Center which has trained nearly 18,000 individuals for gainful employment.

"There's no better way to do that than to help people to secure a stronger future for themselves and their families," Carter said.

He personified the mission with a story of Cassidy Neeley, the first GED graduate from the Mercer County Adult Education Program, an agency located at the Conover Education Center, and she registered for the cosmetology program at the Conover Center.

"We gather today because we believe it's not just about the bricks and the mortar and interior. It's about changed lives. It's about changing people's lives so that their future can be stronger. And that they can know the power of the Lord Jesus Christ in their life," Carter said.

The festive nature of the dedication was boosted with musical sounds of the CU Steel Drum Band and musicians from Church Outreach. A barbecue luncheon was served to the 350 attendees.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 4,300 students offering over 80 programs of study including 19 master's degrees, six postgraduate areas and seven pre-professional programs.

The university has off-campus centers in Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset and Hodgenville with instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Summersville and a full complement of online programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.

Cutline for 2nd Photo: A plaque honoring Michael and Carol Conover was unveiled by from left: Carol Conover, Michael Conover, Wes Carter, CU regional director; U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader; Dr. Michael V. Carter, CU president, and Dr. Joseph L. Owens, chair of the CU Board of Trustees. (CU Photo by Drew Tucker)