The CPE sent out notices of the special called meeting this morning, just a couple of hours before members met with Governor Beshear, apparently to tell him that Brad Cowgill was resigning and they would begin a search for a new president. Cowgill's job was jeopardized by an Attorney General's opinion, sought by Beshear, that said the council broke the law when it hired him without a full blown search, as required by law.

Here's a portion of the statements from Cowgill, the CPE's chairman and Gov. Beshear:

COWGILL: Today I announce my resignation as president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. I do this for one reason: in the foreseeable future, it would be necessary to devote excessive time and effort to unproductive activities, denying me the satisfaction of fruitful work.

During my eight month tenure, there has arisen within the Council a consensus agenda that focuses on affordability, performance funding, accountability and the state's Double the Numbers educational attainment goal. The Council determined from my track record here that my experience and qualifications would be a good match with its long-term agenda.

I am not aware of any dissimilarity between the Council's postsecondary education agenda and that of Governor Beshear. Iin the last two weeks, he has shown a determined interest in the Council's presidency, contending that the organization must duplicate last year's search and must exclude me from it.
I have no desire to wage a battle with the Governor over this matter. It would unduly harm Kentucky's postsecondary education reform efforts, and the positive momentum that has been achieved to this point.

The effective date of my resignation will be worked out with the Council to provide a seamless transition to new leadership.

CPE CHAIRMAN JOHN TURNER: It is with mixed emotions today that I accept Brad Cowgill's resignation as President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

Brad Cowgill took the reigns of the CPE as interim president last fall during a challenging time in the life of the Council. The overarching objective of moving the public policy agenda of Double the Numbers forward received Brad's singular energy and intellect, attention to detail, and unique communication skills. He handled each assignment with distinction and aplomb.

Although "interim" was part of his title, he understood going in this was not a job for someone easily satisfied or simply looking to mark time until the "real" president showed up. He brought to the position the confidence to build honest relationships with key policy and education leaders along with a reputation as a thoughtful policymaker and strong, principled leader.

Most importantly, he has an untiring and unwavering commitment to the goals of postsecondary reform and to the long-term economic and educational interests of Kentucky citizens. As Chair, I wish Brad, Margaret, and their family much good-health and success in the future. I am proud to have him as an esteemed colleague and even prouder to call him a friend.

BESHEAR: "I appreciate Mr. Cowgill's decision, which puts an end to a very difficult situation for everyone. I trust that the Council will now move forward with a nationwide search for a permanent president." That was it from Beshear.