Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, to create a partnership that will support citizen soldiers on their path to earning a degree. Through EKU’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (OMVA), this initiative will provide tailored educational resources for members of the Kentucky National Guard.
“At Eastern Kentucky University, we prioritize supporting those who serve our country–as evidenced by our top two ranking in Military Friendly Schools and Best for Vets status,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our partnership with the Kentucky National Guard strengthens that commitment by providing even greater opportunities for service members to pursue their educational and career goals.”
According to the Kentucky National Guard, partnering with universities serves the dual purpose of facilitating their members’ personal growth while also equipping them with skills and knowledge beneficial to their roles in the Guard.
“This partnership underscores the shared commitment of the KYNG and EKU to our veterans and their family members by ensuring they have access to the support and services needed to successfully pursue higher education while simultaneously serving our state and our country through military service,” said Maj. Gen. Haldane B. Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general.
With a dedicated OMVA, EKU offers tailored resources such as priority registration, reduced tuition for active-duty service members and their spouses, specialized advising and the on-campus EKU Veterans Center—a space designed to foster connection and success among military-connected students. Additionally, the new partnership with the Kentucky National Guard will provide a liaison to the EKU Army ROTC program, maximized credits to aid Guard members in completing their educational goals as reasonably as possible, advanced course registration for members and one-on-one guidance to ensure academic and personal success, among other collaborative opportunities.
Military-connected students represent 12% of EKU’s student body. EKU is No. 2 nationally for Military Friendly® Schools and Military Friendly® Spouse Schools, is consistently ranked among “Best for Vets” public institutions by Military Times and was named a Top Veteran-Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine.
By Sarah Bashford