News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


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EKU Public Health Leads Evaluation of Kentucky Lung Cancer Screening Program

More Kentuckians screened. Lung cancer detected earlier. Longer, healthier lives. Put simply, that’s the goal of a research project in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Health Sciences.  November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which puts the spotlight on the prevention and education measures being implemented across the country. Kentucky has the highest incidence and […]
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Eastern Kentucky University and Lockheed Martin: More Than a Decade of Community Investment and Partnership

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located in the heart of the state’s manufacturing hub, prepares skilled graduates to enter various areas of manufacturing operations. Committed to meeting workforce demands, the university partners with local businesses to identify ways to support local industries. In 2010, Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific […]
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The Eastern Legacy

Dr. Sanford L. Jones, ’50 Through generations of students and colleagues, Dr. Sanford L. Jones, ’50, represents the best of what EKU strives to be—a community that lasts a lifetime. A Perry County native and WWII veteran, he returned home after completing 35 combat missions as a B-24 nose turret gunner. He finished his high […]
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EKU Celebrates Completion of Alumni Coliseum Renovations

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) officially celebrated the completion of Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum renovations with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 10, highlighting recent improvements to one of the university’s most iconic and beloved buildings. More than just a place for sports, Alumni Coliseum serves a vital, multipurpose role in the student experience. […]
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First Gen, First in Cyber

Ervin Daniels, ’94, sets the standard as a first-gen graduate and cybersecurity expert With First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, Ervin Daniels, ’94, serves as an example of how first-generation students can build powerful firewalls of perseverance to reach their dreams. Daniels has achieved considerable success as a first-generation college graduate and now a […]
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president mcfaddin stands with the homecoming king and queen on the football field at eku

EKU Celebrates Tradition, Crowning 2025 Homecoming King and Queen

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) crowned the 2025 Homecoming king and queen, Jamain York and Nola Lewis, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. York is a senior from Erlanger, Kentucky, representing EKU’s Co-Ed Cheer Team. Lewis, a junior from Lexington, Kentucky, represents Black Student Union. This year’s candidates who placed in the Homecoming royalty court include: “Congratulations […]
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EKU Introduces New Scholarship Model With Awards for Every Kentucky Freshman

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is breaking new ground in college affordability with the launch of a new highly competitive scholarship model beginning in Fall 2026, which provides financial support valued between $1,000 and $9,000 for every in-state, on-campus, full-time freshman. Through increased merit awards and the introduction of the Promise Award, EKU becomes the only […]
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EKU BookSmart to Provide Textbook Discount and Streamlined Service

With federal changes to financial aid programs as part of Title IV of the Higher Education Act, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced adjustments to its EKU BookSmart textbook program for Fall 2026, ensuring maximum financial aid benefits for students. Since Fall 2021, EKU has provided free textbooks to students through the BookSmart program in partnership […]
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EKU Hosts Healthcare Forum at the Capitol to Address Physician Shortages Across Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) hosted a Healthcare Forum on Oct. 15 at the Kentucky State Capitol to discuss EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine and how it can help address Kentucky’s physician shortage. According to the Kentucky Physician Report from the Center of Excellence in Rural Health, 94% of the state’s counties are experiencing a […]
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Making Every Word Count With Dyslexia Research

Dyslexia refers to a language-based learning disability, affecting as much as 15-20% of the population, according to the International Dyslexia Association. October as Dyslexia Awareness Month brings to light resources and learning support while celebrating dyslexia excellence. Motivated by her passion for helping children to learn—and inspired by her daughter who has dyslexia—Dr. Kellie Ellis, […]
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EKU Mother-Daughter Duo Share Their Transfer Experience During National Transfer Student Week

In recognition of National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 20–24, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) highlights students who have found their home at EKU after transferring. For Fall 2025, EKU welcomed approximately 1,200 transfer students. Amber Dennis and daughter Kaili Dennis transferred to EKU together to continue their academic journeys. Amber, a social work major, and Kaili, […]
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Welcome Home: Discover the Best of Richmond During EKU Homecoming

With Homecoming right around the corner, there’s no better time to discover Richmond — the place Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) proudly calls home. Whether you’re an alum returning to campus, a parent visiting for the weekend, a student looking to explore beyond your usual routes or a future Colonel, you’ll find the perfect mix of […]
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EKU Set to Kickoff Homecoming 2025 Weekend

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is set to kickoff Homecoming weekend Oct. 24-25, bringing students, alumni, faculty, staff and the Richmond community together for celebration and tradition. Events include the annual parade, the block party and the much-anticipated football game. “We’re excited to welcome our entire Colonel Family to campus for Homecoming weekend,” said EKU President […]
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Public Health and Kindness

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September and World Mental Health Day on October 10th, EKU Public Health continued its outreach with a Kindness Tabling Event focused on promoting mental health awareness and fostering compassion across campus. The event featured “kindness gumballs” each containing an encouraging action to brighten someone’s day—such as “call […]
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EKU Leads Kentucky’s Public Universities for Social Mobility

In the U.S. News and World Report release of 2026 Best Colleges, EKU once again ranked among Best National Universities, Top Public Schools, Top Performers on Social Mobility and Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs. For the third consecutive year, EKU landed first among Kentucky’s public universities in the Top Performers on Social Mobility […]
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EKU Professor Secures Over $1 Million to Expand Student Research Opportunities

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Associate Professor Dr. Jason Fry has secured more than $1 million in research funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), allowing students to gain hands-on experience in physics research at EKU and laboratories around the world. “When students come to EKU, they have opportunities to work alongside renowned faculty in state-of-the-art […]
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Pathways to Nursing at EKU

A nursing career offers the opportunity to care for others, meet critical needs in healthcare and build a rewarding career with room to grow. “Our graduates are highly sought after,” said Dr. Lisa Jones, associate chair of nursing at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). “We have a 100% employment rate for our BSN graduates. By the […]
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EKU Teaching Grad Goes the Extra Yard

Originally in the horse industry, Devon Moody, ’15, felt drawn to teaching because it combined her love of literature and writing with a desire to make a difference. After moving from Orange County, California, to Kentucky in 2012, her path to the classroom began at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in the Master of Arts in […]
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Eastern Kentucky University Recognized by Washington Monthly for Affordability

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was once again recognized for affordability and accessibility, ranking in Washington Monthly’s “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” and “2025 Best Bang for the Buck: South.” “We’re constantly looking for opportunities to remove barriers and to increase access and increase affordability for students each and every day,” said EKU […]
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Words Matter: EKU Research Reveals the Best Way to Handle Negative Online Reviews

In today’s digital marketplace, a single bad review can determine whether a customer walks through the door or walks away. In fact, 94% of consumers say they will avoid a business because of a negative review, according to ReviewTrackers. Recognizing the real-world stakes, a recent study at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) by Assistant Professor of […]
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Jeri Isbell Donates $500K to Expand Global Opportunities for EKU Business Students

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) alumna Jeri Isbell donated $500,000 to establish the Isbell Global Scholars Program in the College of Business. The program provides business students with opportunities to study abroad and gain international experiences to lead in a global economy. At the gift announcement on Thursday, Sept. 25, the Isbell Conference Room in the […]
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EKU Psychology Highlights Telehealth Strategies During Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month in September brings awareness to one of the leading causes of death in the United States, especially among young adults. According to Best Colleges, suicide causes about 21% of all injury-related deaths in ages 18-24. Evidence-based practice within Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Clinical Psychology program sheds light on strategies to deliver life-saving […]
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