Babbage becomes new member of the Board of Regents
By Jennifer K. Perkins
Bob Babbage, Laura Babbage and Julie Babbage at the special called Board of Regents meeting on Monday, March 19. Laura Babbage was sworn in during the meeting.
Eastern Kentucky University’s newest regent was sworn in at a special called Board of Regents meeting on Monday, March 19.
Laura Babbage was appointed by Gov. Matt Bevin, and her term will last until June 30, 2021. She has not been affirmed by the Senate, but “I am filling out that paperwork now,” said Babbage.
Babbage considers herself a continued learner. She graduated from EKU with a degree in nursing in 1981 and has pursued further degrees such as a master’s degree in international business from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Business at the University of Kentucky, and a master’s of divinity degree from Lexington Theological Seminary, according to a press release from March 2.
During her time at EKU, she was involved in The Eastern Progress, served as president of her dorm, was involved in theatre and played club volleyball.
“So much of my presence and life today can be attributed all the way back to Eastern,” said Babbage.
She has maintained close ties to the university since her graduation. She has served as a founding member of the EKU Business Advisory Council since 1994.
Her family has ties to the Board of Regents dating back to her husband, Bob Babbage, who was a student regent during his time at EKU. Her husband and daughter, Julie, were in attendance when she was sworn in.
Babbage said that she hopes to work well with the Board of Regents and participate fully.
“The primary goal of this organization, which is so close to my heart is that the first priority are our students and the student experience. That is, in fact, the business that we are in. Caring for our students, getting them here,” said Babbage.
Babbage wants to grow programs at EKU in the face of the pending budget cuts.
Outside of her work at EKU, Babbage is known for her volunteer work and the numerous boards and committees she serves on. She has served as chief executive officer for Urgent Treatment Centers of Kentucky Inc. and regional vice president for Women’s Health Partners Inc., according to a press release from March 2.
Babbage is an avid traveler. She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with her oldest son, Robert, in 2010. Babbage has cycled the hills of Tuscany, Italy, and segments of the Tour de France, according to a press release on March 2.
In 2016, Babbage suffered a traumatic head injury while cycling with her son,
Brian, in France. The injury forced Babbage to face challenges, such as relearning how to walk and getting her eyes re-coordinated, according to an article from The Herald-Leader. Babbage has made a full recovery since her accident.
By serving as a regent, Babbage said she hopes to continue the EKU story of “encouraging and supporting students coming here to get educated and to go out into the world and make the world a better place.”
