Connections with Renee Shaw

Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles was named the fourth president and CEO of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System in 2023. He talks about his priorities for the system, legislation that could impact KCTCS and a recent audit that found substantial missteps in financial handlings and nepotism violations.

Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball discusses the programs she intends to continue from her previous position as Kentucky State Treasurer, as well as the results of a recent audit of Kentucky's juvenile justice system and an upcoming audit of the Jefferson County Public School system.

Michael Adams, two-term Kentucky Secretary of State, talks about the importance of civics education, expectations for voter turnout for this year's presidential election and state legislation he's watching that could potentially affect the electoral process.

Russell Coleman handily won the election as the state's top cop in November of 2023 and is committed to tackling violent crime and drug addiction. Renee Shaw talks with Coleman about his priorities as attorney general and whether he can find common ground with Democratic governor Andy Beshear, among other subjects.

Kentucky is making significant gains in higher education. But, the president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Aaron Thompson, worries that legislation restricting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at Kentucky's public colleges could lead to academic setbacks. Renee Shaw talks to Thompson about the CPE's budget priorities, recent degree attainment gains and more.

Renee Shaw talks with Nick Rowe, who retired after 35 years as senior vice president of American Water Works Company, Inc., about his first book, "The Goodwill Jar: Reflections on Leadership and Legacy."

The longest-serving Republican Senate Majority Floor Leader in Kentucky history announced he will not seek reelection. Damon Thayer, a Senator from Georgetown, is calling it quits in Frankfort for now. He shares reasons why and what political ambitions might lie ahead for him.

Renee Shaw interviews Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor. Lt. Gov. Coleman discusses her plans for a second term in office after she and Gov. Andy Beshear were re-elected in November 2023.

Paying tribute to our nation's heroes, particularly the women veterans in Kentucky, of which there are more than twenty-four thousand. Renee Shaw speaks with founder Phyllis Abbott and board member Addie Mattox of Lady Veterans Connect, a service organization in central Kentucky assisting female veterans in transitional support to prevent homelessness.

Renee Shaw talks with Rob Beatty, founder of the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild, about the contributions of Blacks in the bourbon industry and the need to broaden its diversity. Kayla Bush, awarded an academic scholarship to further her studies in the industry, talks about her research. Brett Connors, master blender at Castle and Key, discusses the partnership between the distillery and the Guild.

In separate segments, Renee Shaw talks with the candidates running for Commissioner of Agriculture in the 2023 general election: Democrat candidate Sierra Enlow and Republican candidate Jonathan Shell.

Meet the candidates who want to be the state's top election official. One already has the job. The other, a former state lawmaker, wants to replace him. In separate interviews, Renee Shaw talks with Republican incumbent Secretary of State Michael Adams and Democratic nominee Charles "Buddy" Wheatley.

Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky and the Republican candidate running for Kentucky governor in the 2023 general election, talks about his family background, why he wants to be governor, his messages on the campaign trail and if race is a factor in his effort to take up residency in the governor's mansion.

Among the statewide contests voters will cast ballots for in Kentucky's 2023 general election is the office of state auditor. Republican Allison Ball is the current state treasurer and GOP nominee, and the Democratic nominee is Kimberley Reeder. In separate segments, Renee Shaw speaks with each candidate to discuss their background, experience and why they want the job.

The Kentucky State Treasurer is among the constitutional offices that Kentuckians will decide in the 2023 general election in November. The current office holder, Republican Allison Ball, is term limited. Democrat Michael Bowman and Republican Mark Metcalf are each hoping to replace her. In separate segments, Renee Shaw speaks with each candidate.

Renee Shaw talks with David Cozart of the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families, a long-time advocate for fostering fatherhood engagement, about an upcoming summit designed to help strengthen families as well as his efforts to expand his organization's reach statewide. Next, meet the first Black woman to lead the ACLU of Kentucky, Amber Duke. A 2023 KET production.

Renee Shaw talks with Cheryl Nixon, the first woman to serve as Berea College president in the institution's 167-year history, about her position as the 10th president at Berea and her pledge to uphold its Great Commitments. Dr. Nixon has worked in rural and urban settings and takes pride in providing opportunities to students who often think higher education is not for them.

Renee Shaw talks with Jon Akers, executive director of the Kentucky Center for School Safety and Ben Wilcox, the State School Security Marshal, about the progress school districts are making in school security. Then, Rhonda Caldwell, head of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, talks about the group's push to increase teacher pay to attract and retain the workforce.

Renee Shaw talks with Dr. Lyle Roelofs, the ninth president of Berea College, who is retiring at the end of June, about his eleven-year tenure at the storied higher education institution, his greatest accomplishments and what's next.