FRANKFORT — JR Thompson is the new South Central Kentucky outreach counselor for the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

Thompson will work with students, families, schools and other groups in Casey, Clark, Estill, Garrard, Jackson, Laurel, Lee, Lincoln, Madison, Owsley, Powell, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties.

“I am eager to ensure that Kentucky students are provided the best service in our efforts to bring awareness about financial aid programs, KHEAA resources and anything that would help them achieve success after high school,” Thompson said. 

In addition to schools, Thompson will work with adult education centers, state agencies and other groups. He can be reached at jrthompson@kheaa.com or at (502) 229-1147.

“We are so pleased that JR has joined the KHEAA outreach team,” KHEAA Director of Outreach Services Kim Dolan said. “He has a wealth of college access knowledge and a passion for helping students, which will make him a great asset to the South Central Kentucky region.”

Thompson has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of the Cumberlands. Before joining KHEAA, he was director of scholarships and academic advisor at Somerset Community College.

A native of Marion County, Thompson graduated from Washington County High School. He and his wife, Bethany, have two children, Amelia, 4, and Connor, six months.

KHEAA is the state agency that administers the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), need-based grants and other programs to help students pay their higher education expenses.

To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, go to www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602; or call 800-928-8926, ext. 6-7214.