He meant it as a good-natured joke.

But when Chris Butcher, a senior at South Laurel High School, tweeted, “@EKUAdmissions better step up their game because (a rival school) sent me some candy,” he soon found out just how seriously Eastern Kentucky University was taking his interest.

Eastern Kentucky University recruitment publications received top recognition in the 2014 Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s District III competition.

As Eastern Kentucky University has continued to expand in recent decades, it has become more difficult for admissions staff to show prospective students and their families on a walking tour all the Richmond campus has to offer.

Spencer Barrett, an Eastern Kentucky University senior from Lancaster, is putting his public relations major to good use with social media in the Office of Admissions.

Lt. Col. Brett Morris, Ret., has been named director of admissions at Eastern Kentucky University.

Eastern Kentucky University is one of 14 colleges and universities nationwide selected to participate in the Tillman Military Scholars Program for the 2012-13 academic year.