News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


EKU’s Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine Guided Forward by Dr. Dustin Devers and Community Advisory Committee

As the shortage of primary care providers continues across Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is moving one step closer to addressing the critical need for more physicians in the Commonwealth. Earlier this year, EKU’s proposed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program cleared initial budgetary review from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and was allocated funds […]
READ MORE EKU’s Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine Guided Forward by Dr. Dustin Devers and Community Advisory Committee

EKU School of Aviation Continues to Soar, Adds Air Traffic Management Program

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) School of Aviation continues to grow as one of the university’s most in-demand programs. A new state investment designates EKU to lead an Air Traffic Management program with $5 million in startup funding and $1.5 million in annual operational support. “The EKU School of Aviation is nationally recognized as one of […]
READ MORE EKU School of Aviation Continues to Soar, Adds Air Traffic Management Program

Curiosity Fuels EKU Graduate’s Rise in Healthcare Cybersecurity

When attending his first class as a broadcasting and electronic media major at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Chris Gabel, ’05 ’09, had no idea his career would one day lead to advancing healthcare cybersecurity and even helping develop AI standards at a national level. From Northern Kentucky, Gabel had applied to schools like Duke and […]
READ MORE Curiosity Fuels EKU Graduate’s Rise in Healthcare Cybersecurity

EKU Adds New Drone Technology for UAS Program

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) School of Aviation is expanding hands-on learning opportunities with the addition of a new WingtraRAY unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to its UAS fleet. The professional-grade aircraft will provide students in EKU’s UAS program with experience using advanced mapping, surveying and geospatial technology found throughout today’s unmanned aircraft industry. “EKU continues to […]
READ MORE EKU Adds New Drone Technology for UAS Program

EKU Parks, Recreation and Exercise & Sport Science Professor Earns Hall of Fame Honors

Dr. Eric Fuchs, a professor at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), was inducted into the 2026 Kentucky Athletic Trainers Society (KATS) Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions and devotion to advancing the profession. “The induction of Dr. Eric Fuchs into the Kentucky Athletic Trainers’ Society Hall of Fame is well-deserved and is a testament of the […]
READ MORE EKU Parks, Recreation and Exercise & Sport Science Professor Earns Hall of Fame Honors

EKU Students Volunteer in New Orleans for Alternative Spring Break Trip

Earlier this year, eight Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to New Orleans to participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip, focused on community service and experiential learning. Organized by the Student Life Community and Global Engagement Department, the trip paired hands-on volunteer work with cultural education. The trip exposed students to topics surrounding food […]
READ MORE EKU Students Volunteer in New Orleans for Alternative Spring Break Trip

EKU Awarded Grant to Expand Access to Assistive Learning Tools

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Education and Applied Human Sciences has been awarded funding through the WHAS Crusade for Children to support the project, “ALL Voices Heard: Assistive Learning and Language Tools for Children with Special Education Needs.” Authored by Drs. Kellie Ellis, Jade Robinson, Rebecca Crawford and Jiyeon Park, the grant provides $8,000 […]
READ MORE EKU Awarded Grant to Expand Access to Assistive Learning Tools

4 Reasons to Get a Business Certificate

Thinking about adding something extra to your degree to stand out? Or earning a credential to give your career a boost? A business certificate is a smart move. A certificate is a streamlined, focused set of courses that builds a specific skill set, signaling a specialty without changing your major. It’s an accelerated, practical way […]
READ MORE 4 Reasons to Get a Business Certificate

Setting the Tempo for Kentucky’s Future Teachers

Kentucky continues to face a teacher shortage, creating challenges for school districts across the state. The 2025 Kentucky Educator Shortage Survey noted more than 2,400 total vacancies across school districts in the Commonwealth, including 671 certified teacher vacancies. Also in the survey, 72% of districts reported an observed decrease of the number of qualified candidates […]
READ MORE Setting the Tempo for Kentucky’s Future Teachers

EKU Earns No. 1 National Ranking for Military Friendly® Spouse Schools

Climbing to the top of national rankings, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was named the No. 1 large public university in the nation for 2026-27 Military Friendly® Spouse Schools. This comes on the heels of EKU also earning the No. 1 spot for 2026-27 Military Friendly® Schools.  “EKU’s recognition as No. 1 for Military Friendly® and […]
READ MORE EKU Earns No. 1 National Ranking for Military Friendly® Spouse Schools

College of STEM at EKU Honors Jane Booth

Mrs. Jane Jenkins Booth has been named the 2025 recipient of Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Award — the college’s highest honor, presented to individuals who have made impactful contributions to the college. Together with her husband, Dr. Gary Booth, she has for several years impacted many EKU students through […]
READ MORE College of STEM at EKU Honors Jane Booth

EKU Recognizes 2026 Society of Foundation Professors

Every year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognizes faculty who demonstrate the highest standards of teaching through the Society of Foundation Professors. For 2026, the Society inducted Dr. Ray Richardson, professor of engineering and technology, and Dr. Brad Wood, professor of history. Dr. David Hayes, professor of biological sciences, received the Dr. John D. Rowlett Award […]
READ MORE EKU Recognizes 2026 Society of Foundation Professors

EKU Recognizes Outstanding Employees at 2026 President’s Excellence Awards

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognized outstanding faculty and staff at its annual President’s Excellence Awards on April 16, 2026. Seven EKU employees were awarded for their exceptional commitment to students and the university. “Every day across EKU, our employees demonstrate what commitment and excellence look like in action,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Their work […]
READ MORE EKU Recognizes Outstanding Employees at 2026 President’s Excellence Awards

EKU Celebrates Another Record-Breaking Giving Day, Raising More Than $1.12 Million

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated its seventh annual Giving Day on April 22, marking another record-breaking year of support for students, programs and initiatives across the university. EKU exceeded its goal of 2,134 donors, reaching 2,485 total donors and raising more than $1,120,000. Support came from people across the country, with gifts received from all […]
READ MORE EKU Celebrates Another Record-Breaking Giving Day, Raising More Than $1.12 Million

EKU Recognizes 2026 “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year

Continuing a commitment to education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced the recipients of the “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year. The awards are given in conjunction with the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) and Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative (SESC). “These awards reflect EKU’s deep commitment to working alongside Kentucky’s educational […]
READ MORE EKU Recognizes 2026 “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year

From Freshman Involvement to Senior Leadership: Aaron Barker’s Path in EKU Student Government

When Aaron Barker first walked into a Student Government Association (SGA) interview during his first weeks at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), he never expected that moment would begin a leadership journey spanning nearly every corner of EKU’s student government. “Working with students who are passionate about EKU and the Campus Beautiful is one of the […]
READ MORE From Freshman Involvement to Senior Leadership: Aaron Barker’s Path in EKU Student Government

From Service to Success at EKU

For military student Makenzie Doyle, the transition from deployment to college came with challenges, but also strong support from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Her experience reflects the commitment that earned EKU national recognition as the No. 1 large public university in the 2026-27 Military Friendly® Schools rankings.  “Military-affiliated students represent about 12% of EKU’s student […]
READ MORE From Service to Success at EKU

EKU Students Showcase Research at Posters-at-the-Capitol

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) undergraduate students presented their research to legislators at the 24th annual Posters-at-the-Capitol on March 5 at the Kentucky State Capitol.  Four EKU students joined 32 other undergraduate students from across the state to showcase the results of their research. The research showcase was hosted collaboratively with the University of Kentucky, the […]
READ MORE EKU Students Showcase Research at Posters-at-the-Capitol

EKU Pep Band Goes National With Music Student Recording for Video Game

Most students cheer for their team on gameday, but one Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) pep band member will be heard by millions in the new EA SPORTS College Football ’27 video game.  Silas Feeback, a junior music education major from Nicholas County, Kentucky, recently spent three days in Nashville recording over 15 songs for the […]
READ MORE EKU Pep Band Goes National With Music Student Recording for Video Game

EKU Honors Outstanding Instructors at Faculty Awards

In celebrating faculty at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), several instructors were honored at the 2026 EKU Faculty Awards on April 13. This event also included the Sabbatical Showcase which highlights the research, scholarly and creative accomplishments of faculty returning from sabbatical leave. “Faculty Awards shine a light on the extraordinary work our faculty does every […]
READ MORE EKU Honors Outstanding Instructors at Faculty Awards

Alexandra Szarabajko Honored with EKU’s Young Alumni Award

Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko,’15 ’16 ’18, was awarded with the Young Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Young Alumni Award recognizes individuals who graduated from EKU in the last 10 years and have demonstrated exceptional talent in their […]
READ MORE Alexandra Szarabajko Honored with EKU’s Young Alumni Award

Everything to Know About EKU’s Spring 2026 Commencement

Eastern Kentucky University will celebrate students’ academic success during the Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, at the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum. Four ceremonies are scheduled to honor graduates from the university’s six academic colleges, along with master’s and doctoral graduates representing all colleges. The schedule and […]
READ MORE Everything to Know About EKU’s Spring 2026 Commencement