EKU’s own Grant Minix is one of three students nominated to serve as the student representative for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) board for 2019-20. His passion for helping other students succeed in college comes from his own experience and struggles. Minix was inspired by his great-grandmother Erma Lee Ward, who was an administrator and instructor at Mayo Vocational School in Paintsville, Ky. She helped countless students in eastern Kentucky get a university education.
"Growing up in a poor family in Prestonsburg, Ky., I know what it feels like to be unsure whether or not you will be able to afford college," said Minix. "I have found so many students just like me. I believe that higher education is one of the best tools a person can have in life and that is why I am committed to helping others obtain this goal."
In his role as Student Government Association (SGA) executive vice president, he worked on EKU’s student tuition survey. The survey gave students a voice to express their thoughts on how tuition is spent. He was instrumental in gathering student input for the new tech commons, which is funded by the student tech fee.
As a CPE board member he "would help make a higher education degree attainable to all students across the Commonwealth. I would also emphasize all the great options high school graduates have," Minix explained, "and would not only represent students of four-year institutions, but community colleges and trade schools as well. I would most importantly want to reach out to students to ensure that they know they have someone standing up for them who understands their everyday challenges."
In addition to serving as SGA executive vice president, he has taken on leadership roles in other organizations such as Interfraternity Council vice president of recruitment, the former president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and a Lambda Chi Alpha National Student Advisory Committee member. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards including the 2018-19 Robert R. Begley Outstanding Senator Award and the EKU Regents Scholarship Award.
Minix is majoring in political science with a minor in history. He will graduate in 2020.
The Council on Postsecondary Education has multiple responsibilities to ensure a well-coordinated and efficient postsecondary and adult education system in Kentucky. The Council is composed of 13 citizen members, one faculty member and one student member, all appointed by the Governor. The commissioner of education serves as an ex-officio member.