News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


An upward view of EKU's Veteran Memorial with the blue sky and POW MIA flag in the background.

EKU Earns Top Two Ranking for Military Friendly® Schools

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has achieved a significant milestone in the 2024-25 Military FriendlyⓇ Schools ratings, rising to the No. 2 spot from its previous position of No. 3. EKU proudly holds the No. 2 ranking nationwide for Military Spouse Friendly Schools, further solidifying its dedication to providing comprehensive support to the military community. “It […]
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2024 Superintendents of the Year, Billy Parker and Matt Moore, proudly show their awards.

EKU Announces 2024 “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year, continuing a commitment to education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and building on a rich, foundational history of preparing teachers and educational leaders. The awards are given in conjunction with the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) […]
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EKU College of Business Associate Professor Beth Polin

Sorry, Not Sorry: EKU Professor Breaks the Stereotypes of Apologies

Apologies can be like outdated sitcom reruns—overdone and predictable, or falling short of expectations. According to new research, it’s time to rewrite the script and break typical gender stereotypes in order to make apologies more effective. Who knew saying “sorry” could be as refreshing as a plot twist?  Dr. Beth Polin, associate professor of management […]
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EKU President David McFaddin shakes hands with Somerset Community College President Carey Castle after signing an agreement for collaboration.

EKU and SCC to Offer Social Work Degree

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Somerset Community College (SCC) are proud to announce a collaborative partnership to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in social work. The two institutions have entered into an agreement to establish an articulation and transfer plan through the University Center of Southern Kentucky (UCSK), facilitating a seamless transfer pathway […]
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EKU manufacturing engineering student Jocelyn Langdorf, in an EKU sweatshirt, leans agains the Ralph W. Whalin Technology Complex sign on campus.

Students Choose EKU for Manufacturing Engineering

At the beginning of the fall semester, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomed its first cohort of students in the new manufacturing engineering program. The bachelor’s degree program—the first of its kind in Kentucky—prepares students for careers in the expanding manufacturing engineering industry. According to a Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education report, engineering jobs in Kentucky are projected […]
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EKU Announces Closure and Renovation Plans for Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum is officially closed to begin facility renovations. Alumni Coliseum is the longtime home to EKU men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, Big E Welcome, new student orientation, and other marquee university and community events. Alumni Coliseum will temporarily reopen in January of 2025, as students, fans […]
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EKU students study abroad

Study Abroad Offers Transformative Experience for EKU Students

Through study abroad, EKU nursing major Jasmine Gaona shadowed the Red Cross and worked with patients in Mexico. Richmond native Charles Kokinda learned the German language. First-generation student Dustin Tucker explored World War II history in Europe. Studio art major Nomi Smith studied artwork and philosophies in Japan and brought home a new understanding of […]
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A large team of EKU STEM interns trek through the forest

Beyond the Classroom: EKU Students Stand Out in State Internships

Last summer, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) in Frankfort hired more than a dozen interns from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).  “All of these students have sought out interdisciplinary learning and training, and they are great examples of how impactful internship opportunities can be for students,” said Dr. Stephen Richter, executive director of agriculture, […]
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EKU student Lillian Jones smiling

EKU Pre-Med Student Aspires to Serve Barbourville Community

In an effort to combat the severe healthcare provider shortage in the Commonwealth, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is seeking approval from the Kentucky General Assembly to pursue the establishment of an osteopathic medical program, bringing an affordable, public option for Kentuckians who aspire to become physicians and serve their communities.  House Bill 407 passed the […]
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Six EKU mock trial students sit in a courtroom after competition.

EKU Mock Trial Headed to Nationals

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Mock Trial program is going back to nationals. EKU punched its ticket to the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) Opening Round Championships in Chicago, Illinois, with a 5-3 record at the AMTA Regional Tournament hosted by the University of Dayton, Feb. 3-4, 2024. EKU narrowly missed out on a nationals bid last year, […]
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EKU manufacturing engineering student, in an EKU t-shirt, watches as a professor demonstrates cleaning of manufacturing equipment.

EKU is Kentucky’s Manufacturing Hub

Kentucky may be best known for bourbon and horses. However, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state is the No. 1 producer of cars, light trucks and SUVs per capita, and in 2019, Kentucky exported more than $14.6 billion in aerospace parts and products. In a tournament presented by the Kentucky Association […]
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A large group of EKU faculty and staff stand with Governor Andy Beshear in the capital rotunda.

EKU Meets with Kentucky Legislators for Annual Colonels at the Capitol Day in Frankfort

Members of the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) community gained insight into Kentucky’s legislative session during the annual Colonels at the Capitol event held on Jan. 24, 2024. EKU’s board of regents, faculty, staff and students were present at the event, engaging in discussions with state legislators. The event began in the Capitol Rotunda as Gov. […]
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Sarah Davenport, EKU Social Media Assistant, leans against a brick wall on campus.

A Day in the Life: Student Social Media Assistant Sarah Davenport

Eastern Kentucky University is highlighting the unique opportunities available for student employment positions through a series of Day in the Life articles. In this feature, senior public relations major and recreation and parks administration minor Sarah Davenport shares a first-person account of her experience working in social media with EKU’s Division of Communications and Brand […]
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A group of medical professionals in scrubs and white coats smile while looking head on.

EKU Launches Feasibility Study for a College of Osteopathic Medicine

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is seeking vendors to complete a feasibility study to analyze if a public College of Osteopathic Medicine is needed in the Commonwealth. As the School of Opportunity, EKU is committed to meeting the rising health care needs in the state by seeking to introduce a new and cost-effective medical education program […]
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A female and male student, both in maroon, work with a microscope in a lab setting.

EKU College of Osteopathic Medicine Feasibility Study Conducted

Earlier this year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced plans to establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). If approved, it would be the only public osteopathic medical school in the Commonwealth, creating more opportunities to prepare and keep healthcare professionals in Kentucky.  In the spring, EKU sought legislation that would allow the university to offer […]
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EKU Honor students stand on stage and display their first and second place awards.

EKU Honors Student Earns National Award for Appalachia Research

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Honors Program has had more than 1,100 student presenters at the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) annual meeting since 1990—a total exceeding that of any other university in the nation. Over the past decade, EKU students have earned two NCHC poster awards. Notably, at this year’s NCHC awards alone, EKU Honors […]
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EKU student McCarney Derington holds a large bunch of balloons in the Campus Recreation Center and smiles.

A Day in the Life: Student Wellness Assistant McCartney Derington Puts Passion Into Practice

Senior food and nutrition major, McCartney Derington, puts her passion for health and wellness into practice daily at EKU. Derington has been involved with the Student Food and Nutrition Association since her freshman year and was hired onto the Campus Recreation wellness team as a wellness peer educator last year. Over the summer, Derington was […]
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A decorative image of the EKU logo and 150 years of teaching graphic

Celebrating 150 Years of Teaching on The Campus Beautiful

2024 is the sesquicentennial anniversary of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)—marking an impressive 150 years since the inception of higher education on the Richmond, Kentucky campus. Since 1874, the Campus Beautiful has served the Commonwealth, preparing students to make a difference in their communities as teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers, business leaders, first responders, pilots and […]
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A high elevation view of EKU's campus, with the logoed water tower in the foreground

Eastern Kentucky University Ranked Among “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges” by Washington Monthly

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) once again made the list of “Best Bang for the Buck Rankings: South” by Washington Monthly. According to Washington Monthly, schools in this category were “ranked according to how well they help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.”  EKU ranked 109 out of the 228 schools in the South […]
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EKU receiving the 2023 KEMI Destiny Award

EKU Earns KEMI Destiny Award for Workplace Safety for Fifth Consecutive Year

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) earned the Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) Destiny Award for workplace safety for the fifth consecutive year. EKU is one of 25 recipients across the commonwealth to be recognized for its commitment to workplace safety with the Destiny Award.  “Consistently receiving the KEMI Destiny Award over the years is another testament […]
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Richmond, Ky. mayor and reverend Robert Blythe sits at his desk with gavel in hand.

Leading a Life of Service

By the time he served as president of his senior class at EKU, it was obvious that a bright future awaited the 1971 graduate. But, just four years earlier, he had arrived on the Richmond campus “somewhat shy,” as he continued to live at his parents’ nearby home. That reticence quickly faded as the mathematics […]
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Two female agriculture students stand in front of dairy cows in the barn with an EKU flag.

EKU and Mt. Folly Enterprises Partner for $5-Million USDA Climate Smart Agriculture Project

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is collaborating with Mt. Folly Enterprises in its Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities project—a $5-million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to move the region toward climate-friendly agriculture. Mt. Folly Enterprises is led by CEO Ben Pasley, an EKU graduate from the class of 2013. The USDA estimates the Partnerships […]
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