Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is home to one of the top Occupational Therapy (OT) programs in the nation, boasting a 99% graduation rate since 2020. Recently, EKU ranked No. 22 in Best Occupational Therapy Programs for 2024 Best Health Schools by U.S. News & World Report, moving up from a previous No. 29 position. The […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) made a groundbreaking announcement in April 2023, expanding its free textbook initiative and saving students a staggering $43 million. This move is a game-changer considering that the average undergraduate spends over $1,200 annually on books and materials, a cost that often influences students’ degree choices. Traditionally, high textbook expenses have steered […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Aramark, the school’s food service provider, recently announced that EKU will be the first school in the Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Midwest Region with a convenience store (POD) accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides food benefits to low-income families […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Emeritus Professor and Communication Department Chair Dr. Deborah Taylor Givens was inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame on Tuesday, April 9. Givens began her journalism career as an editor at the Green River Republican in Morgantown, Kentucky. Later, after founding the Butler County Banner, she purchased the paper where […]

President David McFaddin joined Congressman Andy Barr to announce that Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)’s application for $3.5 million in federal funding was awarded to construct a $4.5 million general aviation terminal at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport. Congressman Barr advocated for and secured this funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding process. The […]

Dili Sitanonth’s journey took her from Thailand, to Scotland, to Eastern Kentucky University, where she is thriving on the golf course and in EKU’s renowned aviation program.  Sitanonth grew up in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. As a kid, she dabbled in ballet and piano, but soon discovered that her real passion was golf. […]

The U.S. Department of Education updated the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, widely known as the FAFSA, for all college applicants for the 2024-25 school year for the first time in over 40 years. Student services staff at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) have been helping students as well as parents navigate the new changes. […]

In a celebration of excellence at Eastern Kentucky University, several instructors were honored at the 2024 University Faculty Awards and Recognition Ceremony on April 9 in the Keen Johnson Building. The evening’s festivities also included the Sabbatical Showcase and Faculty Club Open House. The faculty awards cover several categories, including teaching-focused awards, scholarship-focused awards, first-year […]

In Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) nursing program, students get hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment in the Nursing Clinical Skills Laboratory and Simulation Center (CSLSC).  Thanks to a donation from Baptist Health Richmond in July 2022, the lab now includes seven new Stryker hospital beds, allowing students to have access to beds currently found in modern […]

“You are capable of way more than you think,” Senior Julia Day says in the weekly strength circuit class that she teaches at Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Recreation Center.  As a group fitness instructor, Day fuels her goal to transform the fitness industry through her work and education at EKU. The exercise and sport science major […]

From Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) reached its highest retention rate in history at 79.62%. With a total enrollment of more than 15,000 for the Fall 2023 semester, the university has been experiencing steady growth over the past two years, consistent with statewide trends. In early 2024, the Kentucky Council on […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has achieved a significant milestone in the 2024-25 Military FriendlyⓇ Schools ratings, rising to the No. 2 spot from its previous position of No. 3. EKU proudly holds the No. 2 ranking nationwide for Military Spouse Friendly Schools, further solidifying its dedication to providing comprehensive support to the military community. “It […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year, continuing a commitment to education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and building on a rich, foundational history of preparing teachers and educational leaders. The awards are given in conjunction with the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) […]

Apologies can be like outdated sitcom reruns—overdone and predictable, or falling short of expectations. According to new research, it’s time to rewrite the script and break typical gender stereotypes in order to make apologies more effective. Who knew saying “sorry” could be as refreshing as a plot twist?  Dr. Beth Polin, associate professor of management […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Somerset Community College (SCC) are proud to announce a collaborative partnership to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in social work. The two institutions have entered into an agreement to establish an articulation and transfer plan through the University Center of Southern Kentucky (UCSK), facilitating a seamless transfer pathway […]

At the beginning of the fall semester, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomed its first cohort of students in the new manufacturing engineering program. The bachelor’s degree program—the first of its kind in Kentucky—prepares students for careers in the expanding manufacturing engineering industry. According to a Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education report, engineering jobs in Kentucky are projected […]

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum is officially closed to begin facility renovations. Alumni Coliseum is the longtime home to EKU men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, Big E Welcome, new student orientation, and other marquee university and community events. Alumni Coliseum will temporarily reopen in January of 2025, as students, fans […]

Through study abroad, EKU nursing major Jasmine Gaona shadowed the Red Cross and worked with patients in Mexico. Richmond native Charles Kokinda learned the German language. First-generation student Dustin Tucker explored World War II history in Europe. Studio art major Nomi Smith studied artwork and philosophies in Japan and brought home a new understanding of […]

Last summer, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) in Frankfort hired more than a dozen interns from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).  “All of these students have sought out interdisciplinary learning and training, and they are great examples of how impactful internship opportunities can be for students,” said Dr. Stephen Richter, executive director of agriculture, […]

In an effort to combat the severe healthcare provider shortage in the Commonwealth, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is seeking approval from the Kentucky General Assembly to pursue the establishment of an osteopathic medical program, bringing an affordable, public option for Kentuckians who aspire to become physicians and serve their communities.  House Bill 407 passed the […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was named as one of the best employers in Kentucky in the Forbes fifth annual list of America’s Best Employers by State. The university was among 49 employers across the Commonwealth recognized for worker satisfaction. EKU employs nearly 2,500 full- and part-time faculty and staff, making it one of the largest […]

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Mock Trial program is going back to nationals. EKU punched its ticket to the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) Opening Round Championships in Chicago, Illinois, with a 5-3 record at the AMTA Regional Tournament hosted by the University of Dayton, Feb. 3-4, 2024. EKU narrowly missed out on a nationals bid last year, […]

Kentucky may be best known for bourbon and horses. However, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state is the No. 1 producer of cars, light trucks and SUVs per capita, and in 2019, Kentucky exported more than $14.6 billion in aerospace parts and products. In a tournament presented by the Kentucky Association […]

Members of the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) community gained insight into Kentucky’s legislative session during the annual Colonels at the Capitol event held on Jan. 24, 2024. EKU’s board of regents, faculty, staff and students were present at the event, engaging in discussions with state legislators. The event began in the Capitol Rotunda as Gov. […]