Education Is Our Middle Name
Shae Hopkins Takes KET into the Future
Shae Hopkins is the executive director and chief executive officer of KET, the only statewide broadcast and multimedia network in Kentucky, used by more than one million Kentuckians each week and reaching 3.5 million households in eight states.
KET is a national leader in public media, a prominent producer of instructional multimedia, and is Kentucky's definitive source for quality, educational programs and services.
Hopkins was appointed the fourth leader of KET in its 44-year history in January 2010. Under her leadership, KET has restructured, increased efficiencies, and implemented new technologies to expand local and educational content on all platforms.
In 2011, Hopkins received the National Advocacy Award from the Association of Public Television Stations and was appointed by U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan to the inaugural board of Digital Promise (National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies).
She also currently serves as Vice Chair and Chair-elect of the National Educational Telecommunications Association Board, as well as serving on the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development Advisory Committee, Governor's Post-Secondary Education Nominating Commission, Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Kentucky Film Commission, Organization of State Broadcast Executives Board, PBS LearningMedia Station Advisory Board, and the University of Kentucky College of Communications and Information Studies National Advisory Board.
Hopkins is focused on developing innovative educational resources and strengthening KET's partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education and other state and national institutions to provide highly regarded and effective professional development resources, distance learning courses, and multimedia content for the classroom that support student achievement.
In addition, Hopkins is continuing to expand KET's production of local content including informative public affairs series, extensive coverage of the General Assembly, engaging health and education policy programs, and inspiring arts and culture programs.
Prior to being named executive director and CEO, Hopkins served in progressive management positions within KET, including Deputy Executive Director of Education, Programming and Production, where she was responsible for KET's day-to-day operations and oversaw the development of a wide range of content and productions. Hopkins attended the University of Kentucky and resides in Lexington, Kentucky.
Recent National Recognition and Awards (2010, 2011)
- 2011 National Advocacy Award from the Association of Public Television Stations
- Hopkins was appointed in 2011 by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan to the inaugural board of Digital Promise (National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies)
- 2010, 2011: five awards from the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), including the prestigious Enterprise and Innovation Award for KET's 2010 reorganization
- 2010 National Friends of Public Broadcasting's Grassroots Advocacy Award (awarded to volunteer and staff team)
- 2010 Community Impact Award for Education from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- KET was recognized by the National Coalition for Literacy with the 2010 Literacy Leadership Award
Current Industry, Civic and Community Engagement
- Vice Chair and Chair-elect, National Educational Telecommunications Association Board
- Collaborative Center for Literacy Development Advisory Committee
- Governor's Post-Secondary Education Nominating Commission
- Governor's Transforming Education in Kentucky Task Force
- Kentucky Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission
- Kentucky Film Commission
- Digital Promise/National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies Board
- Organization of State Broadcast Executives Board
- PBS LearningMedia Station Advisory Board
- University of Kentucky College of Communications & Information Studies National Advisory Board