THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY AND GARRARD COUNTY SCHOOLS CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE NEW THOMAS MORE UNIVERSITY BLUEGRASS EDUCATION CENTER

CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky (May 26, 2026) – On May 13,Thomas More University and Garrard County Schools officially opened the new Thomas More University Bluegrass Education Center in Lancaster, Kentucky with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The center features three classrooms that will offer dual credit college-level courses for students throughout central Kentucky, helping to create new academic pathways by giving them access to higher education. There are currently 100 students in Garrard County who are already enrolled at Thomas More through its dual credit program.

“Thanks to this partnership with Garrard County Schools, we are bringing More Pathways, More Workforce, More Development, and More Impact to the forefront of higher education here in the Bluegrass region,” Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D., President of Thomas More University. “Together, we are building a future where students can learn, grow, and thrive close to home while preparing to make a difference far beyond it.”

More than 30 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured remarks from elected and community leaders including Judge Executive Elman, Mayor Gaffney, Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, Superintendent Stull, and incoming Garrard County Schools Superintendent Dr. Kalem Grasham. Thomas More University President Chillo, LP.D., and Senior Vice President for Mission & University Advancement Kevin Reynolds, Ed.D., also spoke, highlighting the center’s benefits and the opportunities it will provide for students across the region.

This partnership is the first in a series investments Thomas More will be making in the bluegrass region of the commonwealth, reflecting the University’s commitment to:

• Expanding access to higher education for students in Garrard County and across central Kentucky
• Strengthening workforce excellence in healthcare, business, education, and public service
• Developing faith-formed leaders guided by Christian values and a spirit of service
• Encouraging sustainable regional growth through innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose

“This partnership is more than opening a building,” said Dr. Kevin Stull, Superintendent of Garrard County Schools. “It’s the beginning of new opportunities for our students, giving them new ways to build stronger connections that will help shape their careers and lives now and in the future. We are excited to see the positive and lasting impact this will have on our community for generations to come.”

Through this collaboration, access to higher education is expanded, overall tuition costs are reduced, and students benefit from a seamless pathway from high school to college completion.

Event photos can be found here

Event recording can be found here

About Thomas More University

Founded in 1921, Thomas More University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, challenging students to Make It More. Deeply rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, this timeless foundation supports a transformative educational experience as students looking to Be More are guided in the pursuit of knowledge, ethical leadership, and the integration of faith and reason. Through the high-quality, liberal arts education provided at Thomas More, students examine the ultimate meaning of life, their place in the world, and their responsibility to others which leads to the ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the world. Serving more than 2,300 students, Thomas More takes its place as the premier Catholic university in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, being named one of the 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal. For more, visit thomasmore.edu.