0 President Lewis of Houghton University sitting at desk.

Early College Continued Growth and Impact

September 13, 2025

From 2016 through 2019, I had the honor of serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky in state government, first as an executive policy leader and advisor in education and workforce development, and later, as Commissioner of Education. During my tenure as Commissioner, much of my team’s work centered on reimagining and transforming the high school experience. Our state boasted one of the highest high school graduation rates in the nation, but longitudinal data showed that following high school graduation, too few graduates were achieving success in postsecondary education or the workforce. Further, data and conversations with students and families made it clear that many students’ high school experiences were severely lacking.

To address these challenges, we expanded access to high-quality postsecondary experiences for high school students, including industry-recognized certifications, pre-apprenticeship programs, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework, and most notably, college coursework. Expanding high school students’ access to college courses and providing state funding to make them affordable positively impacted the high school experiences of thousands of Kentucky students. In alignment with educational research findings, it also increased the likelihood of students’ matriculation to college immediately following high school graduation. Obviously, Kentucky’s story is not unique. It is no longer uncommon for students across the U.S. to take some college coursework while still in high school- including many of Houghton’s first-year students.

Students at Picnic Table

When I arrived at Houghton in 2021, there were very few things I insisted should be a part of the institution’s path forward. As a leader, my approach is to build upon the strengths of the organization, team, or unit I lead. Getting to know Houghton’s unique strengths was a top priority for me. I did insist early on, however, that we would expand high school students’ access to high quality Houghton coursework, both through in-person and online experiences. While serving high school students was not new for Houghton, beginning in 2021, we began to intentionally expand their access through the establishment of Houghton’s Early College. Today, through Early College, our Partner Schools Program, and the Hal and Sheila Heiner Early College Scholarship, more high school students are taking and successfully completing Houghton coursework than ever before. Every year, more Houghton Early College students are also choosing to complete their undergraduate degree at Houghton University.

It is a privilege for Houghton to partner with high schools and homeschooling parents who want to provide their capable students with opportunities for rigorous college coursework . Further, having Houghton coursework as an option is incredibly important for students and families who desire an intentionally Christian learning experience. We are thankful for the opportunity to provide that option for students and families.

Houghton University President Wayne Lewis sitting at his desk.

About the Author

A noted teacher, scholar and leader in higher education, government and P12 schools, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. serves as the 6th President of Houghton University. He is recognized as being a champion for students and families. He writes, speaks and teaches on Christian leadership, organizational leadership and federal and state education policy.

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