News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


Dr. Matthew P. Winslow, Dr. Lisa W. Kay, and Dr. Michael Benson

EKU Names 2023 Foundation Professors

The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Society of Foundation Professors inducted professors Dr. Lisa W. Kay and Dr. Matthew P. Winslow on May 2, 2023, during a dinner at the EKU Center of the Arts. Former EKU President, Dr. Michael Benson, was inducted as an honorary Foundation Professor. EKU’s Society of Foundation Professors is the highest […]
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EKU graduate Miguel Bautista works on the job with a firefighter.

Leading the Way for the Next Wave

When Miguel Bautista, ’14, witnessed firefighters responding to a structure fire and watched  how they operated, it jolted his 18 year long career in public safety. Now, Bautista serves as the first Latinx division chief for the Scappoose Fire District in Oregon.  According to a 2020 report by the National Fire Protection Association, only 2% of […]
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Mary Beth Neiser

EKU Announces Mary Beth Neiser as Vice President of University Development and Alumni Engagement

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has selected Mary Beth Neiser as vice president for University Development and Alumni Engagement and executive director of the EKU Foundation. Neiser will join EKU on July 19, 2023. In this position, Neiser will lead the university’s philanthropic efforts, donor and alumni engagement strategies, and administrative operations within the department. “I […]
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EKU staff in a forested area at Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Ecological Research Station

Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Research Station Initiated into the Old-Growth Forest Network

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Ecological Research Station in Letcher County, Kentucky was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) on June 13, 2023. Sarah Adloo, executive director of the Old-Growth Forest Network, conveyed the distinction to Curtis Cox, manager of Lilley Cornett Woods and Dr. Stephen Richter, director, Division of Natural […]
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EKU student Jessica Overbay and Senator Brandon Storm at the Kentucky capital.

Colonel Works Alongside Legislator Serving Her Hometown

Jessica Overbay, senior political science major and pre-law and communication studies minor, is one of the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students selected for this year’s Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program (CCIP). CCIP interns spend Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Kentucky State Capitol working with state legislators.  “The Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program has […]
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EKU graduate Christen Gibson in her cop and gown holding her diploma.

Colonel Community Provides Support for Student Parent to Achieve Career Goals

Times-Tribune Reporter, Christen Gibson, ’22, attributes her success to the Colonel community and the resources made available to her as she balanced life as a full-time student, an Eastern Progress employee and a mother of two children.  Prior to coming to EKU, Gibson attended community college on and off for eight years. When she decided […]
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A group of EKU bilingual students with the event poster outside the Madison County Public library

Bilingual Health Fair Aids Madison County Community Residents

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) hosted a bilingual health fair at the Madison County Public Library on Saturday, May 6, 2023. EKU students in the Spanish program joined faculty and staff to serve as volunteer interpreters and translators. Over 120 people attended the health fair. According to the U.S. Census Bureau brief on health insurance coverage, […]
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EKU political science student Jeffrey bates and State Representative Patrick Flannery in the rotunda at the Kentucky capitol building.

EKU Provides a Foundation for Success in the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program

The Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program (CCIP) allows Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge of the state’s political process while developing professional skills through research, communication and networking. Participants work alongside Kentucky legislators, spending Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort throughout the spring semester. One […]
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A group of EKU faculty and staff, dressed in red and black, attend the 4oth annual KABHE conference.

EKU Staff Elected to Leadership Roles for the Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education

Faculty and staff members represented Eastern Kentucky University at the 40th annual Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education (KABHE) Conference, “Ruby Jubilee Celebration.” The purpose of KABHE is to promote the advancement of Black professionals in higher education by articulating needs and concerns, promoting unity and cooperation and enhancing the personal and professional growth […]
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EKU student Rylee Meachum and State Representative and EKU graduate Ashley Tacket Laferty stand in the House of Representatives in the Kentucky State capitol.

Student Lands Internship at the Nation’s Capitol After Completing State Capitol Internship

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) risk management and insurance major, Rylee Meachum, is one of this year’s selected participants for the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program (CCIP). Throughout this semester, the Harlan, Kentucky native has spent Tuesdays and Thursdays interning under Representative Ashley Tackett Laferty at the Kentucky State Capitol. Laferty graduated from EKU in […]
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EKU student Zachary Weston and Kentucky State Representative Bobby McCool in McCool's office.

Political Science and English Double Major Gains Experience for a Career in Politics

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) junior Zachary Weston has spent Tuesdays and Thursdays of the spring semester at the Kentucky State Capitol. Through the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program (CCIP), Weston works under Representative Bobby McCool. McCool is a 1991 EKU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education. Weston, a political science and English double […]
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EKU graduate Joe Skinner

Graduate Finds Success in Management Information Systems

Joe Skinner, ’11, joined the workforce immediately after graduation, starting in an information technology leadership program through Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati. In this program, Skinner had the opportunity to work in different positions every six months for two years. After completing the program, he received a job placement as a database administrator for the […]
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a smiling EKU student sits beside a microscope and makes notes

Graduate Finds Success in Management Information Systems

Joe Skinner, ’11, joined the workforce immediately after graduation, starting in an information technology leadership program through Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati. In this program, Skinner had the opportunity to work in different positions every six months for two years. After completing the program, he received a job placement as a database administrator for the […]
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Smiling EKU graduate Chia Hui Ouyang (Joanna) stands in her regalia in front of EKU's Business and Technology Center.

Colonel Earns Bachelor’s Degree in Business in Two Years at 19 Years Old

At spring commencement ceremonies on May 12, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognized more than 2,000 graduates from the Class of 2023. Chia Hui Ouyang, who goes by Joanna, was this spring’s youngest graduate at 19 years old. Ouyang earned her degree in two years after starting her collegiate career at 17 years old. During the […]
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EKU graduate Chase Barnes

EKU Public Health Grad Helps Save Lives by Bringing Resources to Communities Across the Commonwealth

With a service mentality, Chase Barnes, ’15 ’22, travels across Kentucky providing resources to prevent drug overdoses as the harm reduction program manager for the Kentucky Department for Public Health.  Barnes chose EKU for the small class sizes and affordability. After he graduated with his bachelor of science in public health, the support from faculty […]
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EKU Carly Frost and Kentucky State Representative Deanna Frazier in the House of Representatives at the capitol.

Colonel Gains an Inside Look of Politics Through Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program

Carley Frost, junior political science and criminal justice major, pre-law minor, is one of this year’s participants in the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program. Through this experience, Frost has gained knowledge about the behind-the-scenes work of legislative processes, as well as helpful life and career skills. “I’ve learned how important relationships are, especially in […]
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General Rainey receiving an honorary degree at graduation from EKU President David McFaddin

Four-Star Gen. Rainey Receives Honorary Doctorate during EKU Spring 2023 Commencement

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognized Four-Star Gen. James E. Rainey for his distinguished service to the public with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D) degree during EKU’s spring commencement ceremony on May 12. Rainey, ’87, came to EKU on a swimming scholarship, then became involved with Army ROTC. While at EKU, he also met his wife […]
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