Hopkins, who worked for KET for four decades, led the statewide public media network for nearly 17 years.
According to a release, Hopkins oversaw a doubling in the use of KET's programs and services. Under her watch, KET as been recognized with 40 regional Emmy awards and 144 nominations, 83 national and state awards, and other accolades.
Kentucky Authority for Educational Television Chair Dan Griffith praised Hopkins, saying, “We are deeply grateful for Shae’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to KET’s mission to serve Kentuckians across the commonwealth. Her dedication, knowledge and experience will be hard to replicate.”
Hopkins called it "an immense privilege" to serve everyone who values the network's work and she has agreed to stay through a transition as a search committee begins its work in the coming weeks to determine her successor.