Transylvania University alumna Jennifer Price ’97 has been named the new executive director of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program.
Price has been involved with the summer residential program on every level for more than 30 years — from scholar to campus director to academic dean. Designed to enhance the state’s next generation of leaders, GSP sessions are held each year for rising high school seniors who attend classes at one of several colleges.
Transylvania, which values the program’s investment in Kentucky’s future, offers a guaranteed scholarship of at least $25,000 a year for participants, as well as for those in the GSP sister programs: Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts and Kentucky Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs.
“My experience as a governor’s scholar changed the trajectory of my life, helping to grow my confidence as a leader and showing me the rich diversity of perspectives across the Commonwealth,” said Price, who is a psychology professor at Georgetown College. “Witnessing the profound and dynamic impact on thousands of scholars during my history with the program has provided me a unique understanding of the GSP’s mission and value in the lives of Kentucky’s next generations.”
At Transylvania, Price was a William T. Young Scholar, psychology major and member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She went on to earn her master’s and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Arkansas.
“Her passion for students and the program impressed the board as well as recent alumni who assisted with the search,” said Trey Grayson, a former secretary of state, GSP alumnus and the board chair. “To paraphrase a statement made by another recent hire in the Commonwealth, Jen understands the assignment.”
Price succeeds longtime Executive Director Aris Cedeño. “Aris’s leadership has been instrumental to maintaining the integrity of the program while cultivating its continued success, and I can think of no one more suited to take over the GSP reins than Jen,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, who announced Price being named to the position earlier this month.
Centre, Morehead State and Murray State are hosting this year’s sessions.
“The GSP has meant so much to me, and I am deeply honored to serve in this new capacity,” Price said.