News & Updates

Junior Bailey Wood, a George Rogers Clark High School graduate and Clark County native, joined EKU’s ROTC Program to build confidence and leadership, growing from a high school JROTC student into a cadet who now leads training exercises, mentors other students, and prepares to commission as an Army officer while pursuing her aviation management and professional flight degree.

EKU dedicated Gen. James Rainey Way on Oct. 3 in honor of Gen. James E. Rainey, ’87, a four-star Army general and accomplished alumnus who dedicated more than 35 years to serving the United States.

In the 2027 release of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, EKU was ranked among Best Undergraduate Teaching and Top Public Schools in the South, among several other categories.

This project strengthens the EKU School of Education-Model Lab School partnership.

With feedback from the Colonel community, EKU launches an updated and modernized Colonel logo, replacing the previous logo that was unveiled 20 years ago.

Model Laboratory School at EKU reaches a landmark anniversary, setting the course for future generations of young learners and educators.

From current students to thousands of alumni, EKU’s roots in Madison County span generations.

Laurel County has the fourth-largest Kentucky student population at EKU, with 478 students in degree programs ranging from nursing and education to social work and criminal justice.

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 […]