Mackenzie Maawac and their father have shared a lifelong philosophy that instilled the importance of independence and strength. “No fear!”, a motto adopted by the pair, was inspired by Maawac’s favorite childhood movie.  “We created this phrase because the original Mulan has been my favorite movie since I was a toddler,” said Maawac. “She always […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognized Dr. Aaron Thompson for his distinguished service to humanity with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) degree at EKU’s fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. Thompson, ’78, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, working to ensure […]

On Dec. 2, more than 1,300 Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students will receive their degrees as they cross the graduation stage and celebrate their academic success. Among the diverse group of graduates is Diane Gentry, from Lexington, who will be finishing her education as she prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday. Gentry started working toward […]

On Dec. 2, more than 1,300 Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students will receive their degrees as they cross the graduation stage and celebrate their academic success. Among the diverse group of graduates is Diane Gentry, from Lexington, who will be finishing her education as she prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday. Gentry started working toward […]

On Nov. 8, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) hosted its third Gen 1 conference, marking National First-Generation College Students Day with an event dedicated to supporting and empowering first-generation college students.  “I am a first-generation college graduate, and more than 50% of this year’s freshman class are also the first in their families to attend college,” […]

Ashley Norman, ’11, half of the husband-and-wife team that created Dirty South Pottery in Winchester, Kentucky, didn’t choose pottery as her profession. It chose her.  Originally, Ashley came to EKU with plans to pursue nursing. That’s in sharp contrast to today’s career calling, where she sits contentedly at her pottery wheel, elbows deep in wet […]

Carson England, a senior from Paducah, Kentucky, has become a significant presence on campus, including being crowned as Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) 2023 Homecoming King! England actively participates in campus life through his involvement in the Sigma Nu fraternity, the Maroon Platoon student organization dedicated to school spirit, and serving as a Student Life and […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) ranks first in Kentucky in the 2023 Best for Vets: Colleges. Additionally, EKU came in as the No. 4 best college for military service members and veterans in Appalachia. According to Military Times, the Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive annual ranking of schools for military service members […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) commemorated the newly relocated Veterans Memorial during a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Nov. 4. With key elements from the previous memorial located in Powell Plaza, the new Veterans Memorial in Carloftis Garden displays the American flag and the service flags to represent the branches of the military; a granite slate […]

The Eastern Kentucky University School of Nursing announced a 100% pass rate in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) by the latest Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) cohort.  “This accomplishment reinforces EKU’s commitment to meeting the needs of the Commonwealth’s workforce. We’re producing highly skilled nursing professionals who are equipped to meet today’s […]

When disaster strikes—whether as a flood, wildfire, hazardous material incident, pandemic or other emergency—EKU’s Homeland security graduates stand ready to respond. Homeland Security senior Hannah Gabbard is already making a vast impact locally and nationally in her field of disaster management. While working as a technical support specialist with Jackson County Emergency Management, Gabbard produced […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) awarded 17 students the Bud Fugate Endowed Scholarship for Letcher County.  An anonymous donor gave EKU $1.6 million to establish the scholarship in memory of Bud Fugate. Fugate, a native of Mayking, Letcher County, Kentucky, dreamed of attending college when he graduated high school but was unable to afford it. Instead, […]

Whether it’s keeping the power on, setting up events, or ensuring Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) lives up to its reputation as the Campus Beautiful; EKU’s Facilities Management is the hardworking team behind the smooth operations on campus. They’re on campus early in the mornings before the hustle and bustle of the school day begins, and […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) crowned the 2023 Homecoming king and queen, Carson England and Ainye Rogers, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. England is a senior from Paducah, Kentucky, and represents the Maroon Platoon, EKU’s student organization dedicated to school spirit and cheering on the Colonels. Rogers is a senior from Frankfort, Kentucky, and was chosen […]

Gov. Andy Beshear has appointed Michael Garland, of Crestwood, Kentucky, to the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Board of Regents. Garland was officially sworn in during a special-called meeting held through video teleconference on Monday, Oct. 16. Garland will serve on the board through June 30, 2029, and replaces Juan Castro.  Garland graduated from EKU with […]

Throughout the football season, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Roy Kidd Stadium hosts thousands of Colonel fans. This year, one proud EKU alumna and mom, Kim Hatley, plans to attend every home game.  She will be cheering for more than the football team, though. Kim’s son Caleb, who just started his freshman year at EKU, plays […]

From its beginnings less than a decade ago, the campus space, “El Centro,” has quickly become a key component of the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) experience. The Bobby Verdugo and Yoli Ríos Bilingual Peer Mentor and Tutoring Center, more commonly referred to as El Centro, started as a room in McCreary Hall in 2016. Recently, […]

As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household of Latino heritage, Ivan Olivas found a sense of community and began to envision the exciting possibilities while being a student at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Olivas became very involved with the Latinx community on campus through El Centro, which has grown to be a significant […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was once again listed among the 2024 Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report. EKU ranked in the following categories: Nursing, National Universities, Top Public Schools and Top Performers on Social Mobility.  EKU moved up 23 spots from last year in the Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing ranking, tying […]

Housing at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been an integral part of student Torrey White’s Eastern experience. Beyond being her home away from home—like it is for many students—White also found a fulfilling student worker position with Housing & Residence Life. The senior homeland security and criminal justice double major has been working for housing […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has gone through many changes since the 1930s, including a few name changes, the addition of sports programs, rapid student enrollment growth, construction of several campus buildings and so much more. However, in that same amount of time, one thing that has stayed consistent is a family’s nearly 90-year history of […]

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) recognized retired faculty member, Dr. Barbara Ramey, as part of the college’s Iconic Professor initiative. Ramey joins the ranks of Dr. Sanford L. Jones Sr., the late Dr. John L. Meisenheimer Sr. and the late Professor Meredith J. Cox, who were honored as […]

Akron, Ohio native, Gen. James E. Rainey, ’87, came to EKU on a swimming scholarship—a decision he claims formed the launchpad for his successful career in the United States Army and marriage of 35 years with his wife, Tracy, ’88. “It all started here,” Rainey says about his time at EKU. “It’s where I fell […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) launched a $1.5-million fundraising initiative to establish a scholarship for students attending the EKU Manchester Regional Campus in Manchester, Kentucky. The fundraising goal, along with a $100,000 gift from East Kentucky Power and its 16 Owner Member Cooperatives, was announced yesterday at the EKU Manchester Regional Campus.  “As an institution, serving […]