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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated the Class of 2026 at spring commencement ceremonies held on May 7 and 8, 2026, at the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum. “At EKU, every path is made possible,” said EKU President David McFaddin at the commencement ceremonies. “Each of you took a unique path to get to this […]

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 […]

When it comes to applying for professional school, crafting a personal statement is an important component that can influence the admissions committees’ perception—offering the opportunity for applicants to stand out from the crowd. Students at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) aspiring to attend medical, dental and physician assistant schools crafted personal statements at a free workshop […]

When Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Whitney Brown was growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, her future seemed set. She attended an agricultural school and planned to pursue veterinary medicine, a goal she had held since childhood. During her freshman year of high school, however, her path changed. Whitney’s mother was diagnosed with a malignant brain […]

Mike Karpathakis began his EKU journey pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with encouragement from his then employer’s (Ajax Magnethermic Corporation) generous tuition reimbursement program. In 1998, while working full-time as an electrical engineer, Mike earned an MBA degree from Eastern’s outstanding College of Business with a 3.98 GPA. Mike fondly remembered collaborating alongside […]

From classrooms in Richmond, Kentucky, to the historic streets of Paris and Prague, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students engage in immersive learning experiences designed to prepare them for their careers at home and beyond. During the 2025 academic year, 17 EKU English majors participated in faculty-led study abroad programs across Europe in England, Ireland, the […]

While most 18-year-olds are just starting college, Om Patel is getting ready to walk across the graduation stage at Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony and receive his bachelor’s degree in finance. Patel will be among the youngest graduating Colonels at this year’s ceremony, with graduates ranging from 18 to 72 years old. […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) today expressed gratitude to the Kentucky General Assembly following passage of House Bill 900, which includes $42 million for an escrow account required by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation and $8 million in start-up funding for EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. “This is one of multiple important steps in […]

Eastern Kentucky University’s Spring 2026 commencement will mark a milestone for the university’s growing engineering program as its first cohort of students prepares to cross the stage. These students are ready to begin the next chapter of their journeys, with most having already secured employment following graduation.  “EKU’s engineering program was launched in response to […]

Somewhere in the halls of Lexington Catholic High School, a teenage girl once sat in a math class that changed the trajectory of her life. Her teacher, Mrs. Sally Stevens, nudged her forward, insisting she could be both a girl and good at math—an all too uncommon idea for the time. For Jeri Isbell, that […]

At major events and public speeches, a sign language interpreter interprets in real time, making each word clear for Deaf and hard of hearing viewers. This critical service extends beyond the stage and screen to hospitals, classrooms and workplaces, where interpreters help ensure access to communication every day. Yet across the U.S., there are not […]

Jessica Gutzwiller, ’19, 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 professions.  Growing […]

On March 23, Toyota Kentucky announced a $400,000 grant to support Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Engineering program, helping to advance the next generation of the workforce. The funding was announced during Toyota’s celebration of 40 years at its Georgetown plant, as part of new grant funding further solidifying the company’s commitment to career readiness and […]

Dr. Whitnee Coy, ’15, 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 professions. […]

When Jeffery Humble looks back on his journey, it always comes back to Kentucky. Raised in rural Central Kentucky, his roots run deep in the communities that shaped him, and those roots continue to guide every choice he makes. “My family, giving back and working to make Kentucky a place where everyone has the chance to […]

Lieutenant General Ken Keen and his wife, Mary Ellen, know that life isn’t defined by a single decision—but by the steady choices that shape who we become. At Eastern Kentucky University, those choices led them to ROTC, to lifelong friendships, and ultimately, to each other. Along the way, they discovered something lasting: that the true […]

Service has defined Andy Stofleth’s journey — from serving as a Marine infantryman overseas to rebuilding communities after disasters and mentoring veterans across the country. Now, he’s continuing that legacy of service through the Andy Stofleth Endowed Scholarship at Eastern Kentucky University. After transitioning from military life, Stofleth found both purpose and healing at EKU, […]

For Dr. Jon Draud, education has always been about people. A first-generation college student from Ludlow, Kentucky, Draud found his path at Eastern Kentucky University, where support and opportunity helped shape his future in education and public service. Over a 65-year career—as a teacher, superintendent, legislator, and county commissioner—he worked across political lines with one […]

After winning three tournaments in a row, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Mock Trial team is proving it can compete on the national stage.  During its run, the team earned first-place finishes at the EKU Colonel Classic Invitational, the Mid-Missouri Mock Trial Invitational and the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) Regional Tournament. Those results secured a […]