Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (OMVA) sought nominations for dog tag additions to EKU’s Fallen Soldier Cross statue in the new Veterans Memorial. During an event on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, eight fallen soldiers were honored as their dog tags were added to the Fallen Soldier Cross statue. “At […]

For Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan, ’06, life’s dance with adversity offered her a gift—ultimately leading to a scientific breakthrough, which saved her son’s life.  Dr. Annabelle’s first major experience with adversity, however, presented itself when she came to EKU as a displaced student from Hurricane Katrina. “We did not know the impact this storm was going […]

Rosalie (Rose) Richburg, ’23, moved from Texas to Richmond with her family when she was 8 years old. The Richburg family thought the biggest adjustment to moving would be getting acclimated to a new environment, but it turned out to be something far different: stray cats, with one large population located right across the street […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recently celebrated exceptional faculty and staff members at the annual President’s Excellence Awards on April 24. Five EKU employees were honored for excellence with a $3,000 cash award, and finalists each received a $1,000 cash reward. These awards recognize employees who go above and beyond in their work to make EKU […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated its fifth annual Giving Day on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This year, donors from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico contributed. With this widespread support, EKU surpassed its goal of 2,324 donors, reaching 2,477 donors and raising over $720,000. This was the most funds raised during a single […]

At Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring commencement ceremony on May 10, Honors Scholar Gracy Kelley stood before her fellow graduates encouraging them to embrace the “firsts” in life. With the support of her friends, family and peers, she navigated challenges from COVID-19 to the complexities of student life. “My firsts did not come without a […]

During Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring 2024 commencement ceremony, Emma Thomas took center stage to address her fellow graduates, praising the community that she said, “pushed us to become educated, professional and resilient to whatever may come our way.” While speaking to her classmates, Thomas, who is an Ewing, Kentucky native and a first-generation graduate, […]

While this year Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates 150 years of teaching in the Commonwealth, every year for almost four decades EKU recognizes the faculty who demonstrate the highest standards of teaching through the Society of Foundation Professors. On April 30, 2024, Dr. Todd Gooch, professor of philosophy and religious studies, and Dr. Jason Koontz, […]

Richmond, Kentucky native and now Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) graduate Jenna Riel shared the value of support, community and opportunities as she took the stage for spring commencement. “This sense of community and the network of support that EKU has granted us has been the foundation for our success,” she said.  Riel expressed gratitude for […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognized author Kim Michele Richardson for her distinguished service to arts and culture with an honorary Doctor of Humanities (L.H.D) degree at EKU’s spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024.  A native-born Kentuckian, Richardson is a New York Times, Los Angeles Times and USA Today bestselling author and has written […]

Despite dropping out of high school and facing mental and physical challenges while raising a family, Jody Denny never gave up on her dream of getting a college degree. At Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring commencement ceremony, Denny will stand with her diploma in hand, the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance finally etched […]

Lexie Barth, a senior public relations major, has gained valuable experience while working as the student assistant in the President’s Office at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Reporting to the president’s manager, the executive director of the president’s office, and chief of staff, Barth gets unique insight into how a university operates at its highest levels. […]

Just over a year ago, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced a manufacturing engineering degree program, making it the only program of its kind in the state. The program, which was offered for the first time in the fall semester, has quickly made the school a destination for students interested in engineering across the Commonwealth. “Because […]

Students from healthcare and first-responder fields scattered behind yellow caution tape, while bystanders watched the events unfold. First-responder vehicles with loud and bright sirens quickly rolled into the center of campus as the chilly rain began.  This was the scene at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) on Tuesday, April 9, at Powell Plaza. While it may […]

Wylie Caudill, ’18, is the official artist of the 2024 Kentucky Derby. “Since before I can remember, my parents tell me I have been drawing,” he said. As Caudill grew up, he started exploring various art forms on all kinds of surfaces. He made the world his canvas, using sidewalks, canvases, whiskey bottles, horse statues […]

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 […]

“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 […]