News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


EKU's Giles Gallery with lights shining on several exhibits.

EKU Gallery Celebrates 50 Years with New Renovations and Faculty Showcase

Eastern Kentucky University’s Fred Parker Giles Gallery celebrates its 50th anniversary with a renovated space and showcase of over 30 pieces of artwork from retired, past and present faculty members. The gallery, located in the Campbell Building, serves as the university’s foremost venue for visual art and design. It was founded in 1973 and is […]
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Close up of EKU student Emma Watson as she takes a photo outside on campus.

A Day in the Life of Student Photographer Emma Watson

EKU’s Emma Watson works her magic behind the camera lens to capture stunning photographs of the Campus Beautiful. The sophomore studying elementary education has been working as a student photographer, alongside University Photographer Carsen Bryant, for a little over a year.  “Photography is something I have always been interested in. There are so many things […]
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Group of EKU students pose in front of statue at Harvard University

EKU Students Present Research at Harvard During the National Collegiate Research Conference

EKU students from the College of Health Sciences traveled to Harvard University for the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC) in January. It marked the first time that students from EKU attended the conference to present research from their respective majors. According to the NCRC website, the conference aims to address the need for a cohesive […]
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Two smiling female EKU students look into a book outside on campus.

EKU Announces Expansion of EKU BookSmart Program to all Students

Eastern Kentucky University announced the expansion of its EKU BookSmart program during the university’s fourth annual Giving Day on Wednesday, April 19. Since Fall of 2021, EKU BookSmart has provided undergraduate students with free textbooks. Beginning Fall 2023, the program will be expanded to an additional 2,260 graduate and doctoral students online and on campus. […]
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EKU student Haley Thacker wears Red for STEM Goes Red

STEM Goes Red Events Inspire Young Women

A one-day event at Eastern Kentucky University opened many doors of opportunity for now-freshman Haley Thacker. As a high school senior, Thacker attended STEM Goes Red on EKU’s campus. As a result, she received the Carol Barr Fund Scholarship, established in honor of U.S. Congressman Andy Barr’s late wife to support young women in Eastern […]
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EKU student Emmalee Floyd

Scholars Week Features Student Research

Annually in April, the Eastern Kentucky University Scholars Week promotes a culture of scholarship, research and creative endeavors through several events and showcases. This year, Scholars Week takes place from April 3-14, 2023. One student’s research on the importance of socialization for children with disabilities was showcased on April 12 as part of the 21st […]
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Commonwealth Credit Union presents check to EKU President David McFaddin

Commonwealth Credit Union Gifts $1 Million to Support Banking and Finance Program at EKU

Commonwealth Credit Union (CCU) and Eastern Kentucky University announced on April 12 an agreement of a $1-million gift to support the Evans Banking and Financial Services program and the establishment of a new certificate program in Financial Technology and Cybercrime. In recognition of CCU’s gift, the Learning Commons at Stratton Building will be renamed the […]
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A group of EKU Faculty stand together to display their awards.

University Faculty Award Winners Announced

In a celebration of excellence at Eastern Kentucky University, more than 30 instructors were honored at the 2023 University Faculty Awards and recognition ceremony on April 4. The faculty awards cover several categories, including service-focused awards, teaching-focused awards, scholarship-focused awards, first-year courses awards, EngaGE awards for general education, EKU Libraries faculty partnership award and the […]
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EKU's Joseph Becker filming an interview with EKU students.

A Day in the Life of Student Video Production Assistant Joseph Becher

Broadcasting and electronic media senior, Joseph Becher, has seen firsthand how Eastern Kentucky University is not only the School of Opportunity, but also the Employer of Choice. Becher works for EKU’s Division of Communications and Brand Management (CBM) as a student video production assistant.  Becher first started working for CBM in September 2021, at the […]
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Elizabeth Smith smiles for a professional portrait.

Eastern Kentucky University Announces Dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has selected Elizabeth Smith, Ph.D, as the dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences (CEAHS). Smith will join EKU on July 1, 2023. Smith will lead CEAHS efforts in delivery, assessment, review of programs and courses, budget management, administering policies, procedures and supervision of college faculty and staff.  […]
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Famed EKU football coach Roy Kidd relaxes in his recliner and reads a copy of EKU Magazine with his photo on the cover.

Legendary EKU Football Coach Recognized for his Outstanding Achievements

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) released a special-edition EKU Magazine celebrating legendary Coach Roy Kidd. For almost four decades, Kidd built a legacy as the EKU football coach that led the Colonels to 314 career wins, 37 non-losing seasons, two I-AA national championships and 16 conference titles from 1964 through 2002. His career achievements earned him […]
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EKU Regents, faculty and staff pose in the Kentucky Capital rotunda with Governor And Beshear.

EKU Visits State Lawmakers During Colonels at the Capitol

Eastern Kentucky University Colonels filled the Kentucky State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 15, as EKU hosted the annual Colonels at the Capitol event. The event allowed EKU Regents, faculty, staff and students to visit the Capitol to participate in discussions with Kentucky legislators regarding vital issues impacting the Commonwealth.  The day started in the Capitol […]
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Christian Bustos and EKU President Dr. David McFaddin laugh outside at a campus event.

A Day in the Life of Student Writer Christian Bustos

Eastern Kentucky University Colonels have probably seen Christian Bustos around the Campus Beautiful and his photo on EKU’s publications and website. Bustos, a first generation senior, broadcasting and electronic media major, started getting involved with numerous EKU promotional photoshoots in the summer of 2022 before becoming a university brand ambassador and an intern for EKU’s […]
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A large group of EKU students stand on stage with faculty and administration with spinning wheel for the Spin the Wheel Scholarship awards.

Colonels Spin the Wheel to Land Education Abroad Scholarships

Over 400 eligible students gathered in O’Donnell Hall on Feb. 1, to be entered into EKU’s annual Spin the Wheel Education Abroad Scholarship contest after a two-year hiatus. Excitement was high as students eagerly waited for the scholarship recipient names to be drawn.  The Spin the Wheel scholarship, covering complete program costs and airfare for […]
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A group of EKU faculty award Jeff Saylor as the "Experience Excellence" Superintendent of the Year."

EKU Announces 2023 “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, Eastern Kentucky University is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year. The awards are given in conjunction with the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) and […]
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A group of male and female EKU STEM students gather around a table to work on a robotic arm.

EKU Launches High-Demand Degree Program in Manufacturing Engineering

Eastern Kentucky University students will soon have the opportunity to pursue a degree in the high-demand field of manufacturing engineering. With an anticipated 32,400 new manufacturing engineering jobs nationally by 2029, EKU’s bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering addresses an expanding need within the state and beyond.  “I’m excited to announce that Eastern Kentucky University will […]
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EKU student teacher, Michael Thomas, stands at whiteboard to teach elementary children math.

EKU Becomes First Public University to Offer Option 9 Alternative Route to Teacher Certification

Eastern Kentucky University became the first public university in Kentucky to offer an Option 9 alternative route to teacher certification following recent approval by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). According to the Kentucky Department of Education, “Option 9 is a new alternative route to certification that allows a person to complete a bachelor’s degree […]
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Student wearing EKU hat backwards hikes at Red River Gorge.

EKU’s GONE FISHIN’ Grant Assesses Outdoor Programs for Youth

In a collaborative effort, several Eastern Kentucky University centers, departments and faculty were awarded funding for their GONE FISHIN’ grant proposal submitted through EKU’s Cross College Interdisciplinary Collaboration (CCIC). The purpose of the GONE FISHIN’ project is to assess the feasibility of outdoor programming and wilderness training for youth and young people in Eastern Kentucky, […]
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