Dr. David T. McFaddin

14th President of Eastern Kentucky University

Dr. David T. McFaddin is the fourteenth President of Eastern Kentucky University. He was selected as Interim President in December 2019 and unanimously appointed President by the Board of Regents in August 2020. Dr. McFaddin is the third Eastern graduate to ascend to the presidency, after Dr. Doug Whitlock and Dr. Robert Martin. In his role as Interim President, Dr. McFaddin led the University during a global pandemic. Facing unprecedented challenges, he overcame unexpected budget expenses, implemented a successful plan for a return to on-campus instruction, and established the Eastern Advantage, a plan to address college access and affordability. The initiative is the centerpiece of his priorities and will continue as a primary focus throughout his presidency.

Prior to his current role, Dr. McFaddin was responsible for programming and operations at EKU’s regional campuses, student life, EKU athletics, dual credit, conferencing and events, communication and brand management, community relations, Model Laboratory School, Student Government Association, WEKU public radio, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, regional stewardship, and the Center for Workforce Development. He also championed EKU’s legislative and policy agenda at all government levels, addressing issues that include higher education policy, research funding, public-private partnerships, and workforce development.

Leadership and Civic Responsibility

Before joining the University, Dr. McFaddin held regional and statewide leadership posts with AT&T, a Fortune 10 company, and the largest telecommunications provider in the U.S., for nearly 15 years. His tenure there included significant legislative, regulatory, and strategic initiatives that paved the way for billions of dollars of capital investments in Kentucky.

Dr. McFaddin’s civic engagement and professional service includes the Southern Regional Education Board, SOAR, East Kentucky Leadership Foundation, Past President and executive board member for the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Community Trust Bank advisory board, Leadership Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University Chapter Advisor for the Lambda Sigma Honor Society, EKU International Alumni Board, EKU Center for the Arts Community Operations Board, Chemical-Weapon Destruction Community Advisory Board and many other community and professional organizations. In 2012 he was awarded the prestigious U.S. Presidential Service Award for his community volunteerism leadership efforts, and in 2013 he received the Eastern Kentucky University Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

No Place Like Home

Dr. McFaddin and his wife Melissa, a 2002 EKU alum and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, have three children (Isabel, Sophia, and Connor). The McFaddins say they’re blessed to be a part of the Richmond community for over 20 years, and there is no better place to live, work, and raise their family.