Its not unusual for good news to originate in the halls and on the campuses of Kentuckys colleges and universities. This time, though, the good news is about the states institutions of higher learning. A report from the Council on Postsecondary Education shows that enrollment is up at nearly every Kentucky public college and university this fall. Thats good news for the state of education here, even if it can be an awkward revelation for those having to house, feed and provide instructors for the bulging numbers of students. Nearby Western Kentucky University registered the biggest percentage gain in enrollment over last year, jumping 7.1 percent to 17,770 students this fall. Im proud of the numbers, but certainly challenged to keep everything in perspective, Western President Gary Ransdell told The Associated Press. Likewise, the statewide Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), of which Hopkinsville Community is a part, showed a 4.8 percent increase to 66,370 students on some 25 campuses from Hazard to Paducah. There can be few downsides to increased enrollment numbers, even if it is partially fueled by changes in the traditional student profile and by a sluggish employment economy. Either factor leads to a better-trained work force. And thats good news for everyone. Lets just hope that standards dont decline and that campuses evolve into diploma mills in the name of statistics and reports. A thinking, well-trained work force is the best investment an individual, family, community, state or society can make. Education breaks endless cycles that poverty, indifference and the status quo have created and in which so many people find themselves trapped. Anything we collectively can do to get and keep people in quality classrooms should be encouraged. And that, too, would be good news for everyone. Kentucky New Era