Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has expanded its investment in faculty research, awarding $159,000 to 17 research projects. With an additional $45,000 available for funding this spring, the university expects to invest more than $200,000 in faculty research during the current fiscal year. Awarded through the University Funded Scholarship (UFS) program, the investments total more than five times the amount awarded last year.
“As the School of Opportunity, we have a responsibility to invest in ideas and people who drive innovation and discovery,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This significant increase in faculty research funding reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for our students, strengthening our impact across the Commonwealth and building momentum for excellence in research.”
The UFS program supports faculty research with the goal of positioning projects for competitive external funding. A University Research Committee (URC), composed of faculty from all six academic colleges, reviews proposals and recommends projects for funding.
This year, the program received a total of 24 proposals, a 300% increase over the previous fiscal year. The URC awarded 11 major projects—those with budgets up to $15,000— and six mini projects—those with budgets up to $3,000.
Dr. Jason Fry, chair of the URC, said the committee was especially impressed by the strong emphasis on student involvement within this year’s funded projects.
“Our faculty continue to show their dedication to our students by providing them with new research opportunities,” said Fry. “The funding allows students to be employed by our researchers and get more involved with their excellent research.”
In addition to supporting student engagement, seed funding provides faculty with early-stage resources to test methods, generate preliminary data and demonstrate feasibility—critical steps for securing competitive external grants.
The research projects seek to find creative and innovative solutions to issues facing their respective fields, holding potential for community, state and national influence. Spanning a variety of disciplines, the funded research projects include teacher recruitment and hiring, DNA recovery, assessments of law enforcement agencies, deepfake detection and food insecurity, among other topics.
“The university’s increased investment in research underscores our strategic priorities of knowledge, innovation and transformation,” said EKU Dean of Graduate Education and Research Administration Ryan Baggett. “The investment demonstrates confidence in the university’s faculty and students, strengthens capacity for externally funded research and positions EKU to address regional, state and national challenges through impactful scholarship.”
By: Jake Hall
Interested in a degree from EKU?
Earn your undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree from a university that has been an education leader for more than 100 years. Choose from a variety of in-demand and nationally recognized academic programs, offered both online and on-campus.
Whether you want to start, finish or advance your education, EKU has a program that can fit your schedule and your needs. Complete the form to learn more about how EKU can help advance your career.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.