Kentucky Wesleyan College announced Thursday that President Dr. James P. Cousins will conclude his service to the college on July 31 after five years of leadership.
The college’s Board of Trustees is expected to meet in the coming days to appoint an interim president and establish a timeline for the search for Kentucky Wesleyan’s 37th president.
Board Chair Keith Sharber said the college is well-positioned to move forward during the transition.
“I want to thank President Cousins for his five years of devoted leadership in a pivotal time for Kentucky Wesleyan College,” Sharber said. “I especially want to thank him for his commitment to support continuity and protect the interests of KWC during this transition period.”
In a voicemail message to Owensboro Times, Cousins reflected on his family’s five years in Owensboro and highlighted several accomplishments during his tenure.
“Carrie, J.P. and I have loved the five years we’ve spent here in Owensboro,” Cousins said. “The friendships we’ve made are very precious to us, and we’ll have them for the rest of our lives. We’re so grateful to so many people in the community for making Owensboro feel like home.”
Cousins pointed to the launch of Kentucky Wesleyan’s first graduate program, improvements in the college’s financial position, new revenue sources, and the creation of the Center for American Civics among the achievements during his presidency. He also cited expanded healthcare partnerships, new academic programs and the college’s partnership with the YMCA.
According to the college, operations and strategic initiatives will continue without interruption under the leadership of the cabinet, faculty and staff.
Kentucky Wesleyan officials said the institution enters the leadership transition with momentum, citing the development of new graduate programs, the addition of athletic teams and plans for a reimagined undergraduate academic experience.
Among those plans is a shift to a four-credit-hour academic model beginning in fall 2027. The college also plans to offer an optional block-plan course schedule designed to provide students with more focused learning experiences and additional flexibility in completing their degrees.
“There are so many great things coming,” Cousins said, citing the new academic model and additional athletic opportunities, including the return of cross country.
Cousins also praised Sharber’s leadership and commitment to the institution.
“Keith Sharber loves the college,” he said. “His commitment to Owensboro, to civic leadership and to education are tremendous assets to the college.”
Looking back on his presidency, Cousins said he inherited significant challenges when he arrived but credited the campus community for helping position the institution for future success.
“We stepped into a difficult situation, and we were resourceful. We were creative and innovative, and we bootstrapped,” Cousins said. “It wasn’t easy work, but it was made less difficult because of the people I had the pleasure and the honor of working with.”
He added that the college has “set the college off on a great trajectory” and reaffirmed the value of a Kentucky Wesleyan diploma.
Kentucky Wesleyan, founded in 1858 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church, serves students through a liberal arts curriculum and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
