News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


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From Campus Roots to Surgical Heights

Dr. Greg Sexton’s Lifelong Journey with EKU For 34 years, Dr. Greg Sexton has served Columbia, South Carolina, as a plastic surgeon, and “can’t imagine doing anything else.” At one time, however, he “would have probably considered life as a basketball coach and been very happy.” His own makeover was made possible by supportive family […]
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Saluting Success: EKU Named a Top School for Military Families

Once again, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was named second in the nation for Military Friendly® Spouse Schools. This national recognition highlights EKU’s continued success in providing a welcoming and resourceful environment for military families pursuing higher education. In addition, EKU is the only university in Kentucky to make the top 10 Military Friendly® Schools designation, […]
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A Head Start on Higher Ed: EKU’s Dual Credit Program Saves Students Time and Money

On a typical day of school and homework, high school students across Kentucky earn college credit while completing their regular coursework—an opportunity made possible through Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Dual Credit program. Through EKU Dual Credit, eligible high school juniors and seniors take college-level courses for both high school and college credit—saving both time and […]
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EKU’s Faculty Internship Program Promotes Academic Leadership

Now in its fourth year, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Provost’s Faculty Internship Program has caught national attention as a unique model for leadership development. Through mentoring, hands-on experience and project administration, participants in the program explore pathways to leadership in higher education. “We already know that our EKU faculty are incredibly talented and intelligent, and […]
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Top 5 Reasons to Earn a Construction Management Degree from EKU

Whether you want to manage major infrastructure projects or residential builds, a degree in construction management from EKU sets the foundation for a rewarding, results-driven career. Here are the top five reasons you should consider earning a construction management degree from EKU. 1. Scholarships That Lay the Foundation EKU offers valuable scholarship opportunities that help […]
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Path Cleared for EKU Fire Protection Engineer Grads in Kentucky

Thanks to the determination of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) faculty and alumni, a major roadblock has finally been removed for fire protection engineers in the Commonwealth. House Bill 306, overwhelmingly passed by the Kentucky legislature, went into effect June 27 and removes a long-standing rule that had kept EKU Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology […]
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90 Years in Harmony: EKU Celebrates Foster Music Camp Legacy

This year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates the 90th season of the Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp, the second oldest music camp in the United States. Since 1936, the camp has welcomed thousands of young musicians to EKU’s campus in Richmond, Kentucky, offering a transformative experience in music education. “For almost a century, Foster Music […]
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Dr. Tim Holt to Pilot EKU Aviation 

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomes Dr. Tim Holt as chair of the School of Aviation. Holt brings extensive academic, aviation and business expertise to EKU, with more than a decade of experience in teaching and administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a 22-year career with the United States Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer. […]
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EKU’s ICCA: A Destination for the Arts in Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Institute for Creative and Collaborative Arts (ICCA) serves as a destination for creative students in the Commonwealth. With state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration across academic programs and a deep commitment to fostering artistic expression, the ICCA is where students and professionals alike can showcase the rich artistry of Kentucky. “No matter what area […]
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Global Reach, Local Growth: EKU Team Advances Autism Support in Ecuador

A global health initiative in Ecuador became a life-changing experience for Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Haley Hintz and Psychology Professor Dr. Myra Beth Bundy. In March, the two traveled to South America to provide autism assessments and clinical training in a medically underserved community. The CDC estimates 1 in 31 children has autism in […]
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A Degree That Pays: EKU Earns National Spotlight for Student Success and Affordability

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been named an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a national distinction that highlights institutions providing higher-than-expected levels of student access and post-graduation earnings.  EKU was the only comprehensive university in Kentucky to receive this designation in its category. The new 2025 Carnegie […]
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Nicholas County Schools Launches $5,500 Scholarship for EKU’s Option 9 Educators

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Option 9 program aims to alleviate the statewide teacher shortage by making teacher education more accessible to those already working in a school. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, approximately 13% of all teaching vacancies for the 2023-24 school year remained unfilled.  Nicholas County School District in Kentucky joined forces […]
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Dr. Anne Cizmar Appointed as EKU’s First Associate Dean of Research Administration

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announces the appointment of Dr. Anne M. Cizmar as associate dean of research administration. This newly created role is central to EKU’s strategic research initiative, aimed at building a holistic and scalable infrastructure to support the growth of sponsored research for faculty, staff and students across the university. In this new […]
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EKU MFA Student’s Novel Makes the Finalist List for PEN/Hemingway Award

A nationally recognized literary award shines the spotlight on Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Karol Lagodzki. Currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with EKU’s Bluegrass Writers Studio Low-Residency MFA in creative writing program, Lagodzki’s debut novel, Controlled Conversations, was one of only five finalists for this year’s prestigious PEN/Hemingway Award. The honor places […]
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Student Spotlight: Outstanding Applied Human Sciences Graduate Earns Statewide Recognition

Hannah Dunagan, a spring 2025 graduate of EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in dietetics, has received recognition for academic excellence at both the state and local level. Dunagan was awarded the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KAND) Outstanding Dietetic Student award at the organization’s annual conference in Bowling […]
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A Lifetime of Love and Loyalty: Jay and Becky Collier’s EKU Story Started with a Swing

Jay and Rebecca “Becky” Collier’s love story began at Eastern Kentucky University and has blossomed into a life dedicated to each other, their family and giving back to the institution that shaped them. Both Becky and Jay grew up in Kentucky—Becky in Louisville, and Jay in Pikeville—and their shared dedication to education and community brought […]
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Administering Success: EKU Students Take Charge of Healthcare

When visiting a healthcare facility, one might not realize the many components contributing to their care. The nurse, lab technician, physician and other specialists provide direct patient care; however, several professionals also work behind the scenes in administration to create a seamless healthcare experience. From patient communications, such as preventative care reminders to secure data […]
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EKU Inducts Students, Faculty and Staff Into Prestigious Honor Societies

Academic honor societies provide important recognition for students’ achievements during their time at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). EKU offers two prestigious all-discipline honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, each focused on unique aspects of educational achievements and success. This spring, EKU inducted new members into Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi […]
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EKU Offers Relief in Aftermath of Tornado

On Friday night, May 16, an EF-4 tornado ripped through Pulaski and Laurel Counties—merely hours after Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring commencement ceremonies. In the aftermath of one the deadliest tornadoes in EKU’s service region, the university offers support and assistance for students affected by the storm. The Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE) provides […]
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Graduation Speaker Perseveres From Academic Probation to Earning Two Degrees

Commencement speaker Ashley Smith overcame personal and academic obstacles on her path to earning two degrees. After failing two semesters, she lost her scholarships and academic standing. At one point, she couldn’t imagine herself walking across the graduation stage.  With her mother’s passing, she lost her focus on completing college and direction for what she […]
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