From community and opportunity to affordability and career preparation, EKU offers pathways to help every student reach their goals.

Greg Couch, ’96, turned his Eastern Kentucky roots and standout EKU quarterback career into a global football journey and ultimately a successful role as founder and CEO of Meridian Wealth Management, all while continuing to give back to his home region.

Elementary education student Katie Collett wants to become the kind of teacher who made a difference in her life, and EKU Manchester is helping her prepare for her future in the community she calls home.

Affordability initiatives at EKU this fall include expanded scholarships for Kentucky freshmen and reduced graduate tuition in education, business, criminal justice and public health.

EKU raised a record $12.7 million from 10,925 donors in FY26. This includes more than $5 million for scholarships that help make education more affordable and accessible for students.

Clay County graduate Briley Hooker begins a degree in criminal justice at EKU Manchester this fall, with scholarships and dual credit helping him pursue his goal of becoming a lawyer.

Amy Baumann Sapsford, ’81, turned a spark of interest in nutrition at EKU into a pioneering career in neonatal dietetics, global service and lifelong philanthropy that continues to improve the lives of children.

EKU prepares future dietitians to help Kentuckians prevent and manage chronic disease through nutrition.

A series of unexpected opportunities led Michael Babich, ’78, from EKU to biotech entrepreneurship, where he now advances cancer research and treatment.

Eastern Kentucky University honored its newest Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi inductees this spring, celebrating students whose academic excellence, leadership and service place them among the university’s top achievers.

Through a highly competitive process, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has selected the cohort for the 2026-27 Provost’s Faculty Internship Program. The program offers faculty participants the opportunity to engage in mentorship and collaboration with Academic Affairs leadership as they gain professional experience with fellow interns.  “This program represents an intentional investment in the growth and […]

Before she ever stepped into a nursing classroom, Emma Picklesimer knew what it was like to struggle for survival and to feel unwavering compassion from a nurse. Experiencing this care firsthand, Picklesimer is now preparing to bring that same compassion into her career in nursing.  Picklesimer, a first-generation college student from Flatwoods, Kentucky, is one […]

WEKU, based at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), launched the 1850 Campaign in March 2025 as an effort to generate 1,850 new supporters donating at least $10 per month.  WEKU Executive Director Mike Savage says the 1850 Campaign was developed to increase new station donors to specifically cover the loss of federal funds. “WEKU donors have […]

Through innovative projects, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) advances healthcare discoveries while providing hands-on learning opportunities for students. Faculty and students collaborate together on research projects, from cancer treatment to suicide prevention, aimed at solving some of healthcare’s greatest challenges.   Cancer Treatment EKU Professor Dr. Margaret Ndinguri and University of Kentucky Associate Professor Dr. Lindsay Cormier […]

Saad Sharba, ’99, envisions the future of fire safety as senior manager of emergency management and corporate safety at NEOM. From Saudi Arabia, Sharba first came to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) to study abroad. After meeting students and visiting a class, he decided to stay for EKU’s Fire Engineering program, where he discovered vast opportunities […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is enhancing the student flight training experience by upgrading its aviation fleet with new Piper Aircraft, further strengthening hands-on learning opportunities at Kentucky’s only FAA Part 141 collegiate flight program. “Students come to EKU from all over the nation to learn to fly and pursue an aviation aerospace career,” said EKU […]

Gov. Andy Beshear has appointed Jean Chenault Logue of Richmond, Kentucky, to the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Board of Regents. She will serve on the board through June 30, 2032. Logue’s appointment replaces Alan Long on the Board of Regents, whose term expired.  “We welcome Jean back to her alma mater with her service on […]

An international partnership led by an Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Music professor is creating global opportunities for students while bringing Brazilian music to audiences on one of the world’s most celebrated stages. On July 8, EKU Professor Dr. Bernardo Scarambone served as the featured solo pianist in the world premiere of “Brazilian Music for Piano […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]