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A Message From Jake Karnes

Jake Karnes was the Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the University of Kentucky, a position he held for 44 years from 1970-2015. With decades of experience in disability services, he was instrumental in developing and supervising programs that enhance accessibility and support for students with disabilities. As Director, Karnes devoted his professional life to insure that persons with disabilities were able to access services that will allow them to achieve their education aspirations at the University of Kentucky. He left an indelible mark on the University of Kentucky’s campus and within the student body’s consciousness as he tirelessly - and selflessly - strove to eliminate those physical and societal barriers that prevented persons with disabilities from participating to their fullest capacity within their communities. In his years of service to the University of Kentucky and the community of disability services, Jake established himself as a regional and national education leader regarding campus accessibility and the integration of persons with disabilities into institutions of higher learning. A founding charter member of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Karnes has been an active contributor to the field, serving on its Board of Directors (1991–1992) and as President of KyAHEAD in 2005. He is also a member of regional AHEAD organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Karnes has delivered numerous national presentations on topics such as independent living, campus housing accommodations, substance abuse among students with disabilities, and the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on higher education. His expertise has extended to serving as an expert witness in legal cases involving disability accommodations and campus safety. Beyond his direct professional roles, Karnes has contributed to national reports, participated in community and campus task forces, and remains a dedicated advocate for students with disabilities in higher education. His lifelong commitment to accessibility and inclusion continues to shape policies and programs that foster equal opportunities for all students.

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In Support of ACPA Foundation

Founded in 1994 during the presidency of Charles Schroeder, the purpose of the ACPA Educational Leadership Foundation (501c3 non-profit organization) is “to enhance the student affairs profession and to generate and disseminate knowledge of college students at all levels within higher education” (Article Three of the Articles of Incorporation). The organization is now known as the ACPA Foundation to more concisely communicate its role as the fundraising arm of ACPA College Student Educators International.

The Mission - The ACPA Foundation exists to support the priorities and activities of ACPA by raising funds and developing resources that help the Association fulfill its mission. 

The Vision - The ACPA Foundation will develop sufficient assets to effectively and sustainably fund ACPA’s efforts to provide excellent professional development opportunities to members, advance knowledge in the field, and support the transformative effect of education in the lives of college students.

In order to fulfill its purpose and mission, the Foundation invites members and non-members alike to provide philanthropic support for ACPA's vital initiatives involving research, scholarship, professional development and leadership program.