T
he co-founders of the Partnership for Kentucky Schools made a huge commitment in 1990 that reflected a belief in the future of our state. These three men, CEOs of the largest companies in Kentucky, knew that putting education first was the key to ensuring a thriving economy for the Commonwealth.
Over the years, David A. Jones, Chairman, Humana Inc.; Kent C. "Oz" Nelson, Chairman and CEO, United Parcel Service (Retired); and John R. Hall Chairman and CEO, Ashland Inc. (retired) have delivered a strong message to the national business community: that a world-class education system isn't a luxury, it is an absolute necessity. Not only by their actions, but also by their words, these leaders have inspired many to support education improvement.
From left to right: David A. Jones, John R. Hall, and Oz Nelson.
"Kentuckians' strength of character, independence, and sense of place have long fashioned the rich fabric of our society. But it was clear that the fabric was being weakened by an educational system marked by poor performance. Kentucky deserved better, and the first step toward achieving excellence in our schools came with the 1990 passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act."
"In all cases, our efforts have centered on the need for high academic achievement by students and continual improvement by the education system that serves them. We believe all Kentucky students should have every possible opportunity to grow intellectually, to prepare for a modern world that demands lifelong learning, and to achieve at the highest level. Out commitment to Kentucky's education system remains as strong today as it was when the first meeting of the Partnership was called to order."
David A. Jones, Co-Founder, Partnership for Kentucky Schools
Chairman, 1997 — present
Chairman, Humana Inc.
"Nothing has motivated me more than becoming personally involved in Kentucky's education reform movement."
"When education reaches a crisis point, a lot is at stake. That's exactly what had happened in Kentucky and that's why I co-founded the Partnership for Kentucky Schools. We must all do more than sit idly by and watch our workforce of the future continue in mediocrity. Taking the time to correct things now means literally thousands of children will benefit for years to come, as will the businesses that employ them."
"Let's keep our vision focused on the goal of raising the achievement of all Kentucky's children. I believe our new system of education is moving us toward that goal."
Oz Nelson, Co-Founder, Partnership for Kentucky Schools
Chairman, 1991 — 1997
Chairman and CEO, United Parcel Service (Retired)
"Change is the only thing that you can be sure of, and there is only one thing that can prepare you for change, and that is a strong education foundation."
"Education is the only way to break the cycle of poverty. People can't pull themselves up by their bootstraps if they don't know how."
"Business follows where education leads. Provide the kind of resources that business and industry need, and they'll beat a path to your door."
"With the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA), we have an unprecedented opportunity to make our state more competitive in today's global economy. We also have an opportunity, for once, to set an example for the rest of the nation."
John R. Hall, Co-Founder, Partnership for Kentucky Schools
Chairman and CEO, Ashland Inc. (Retired)
