Social workers help people navigate some of life’s hardest moments. For Lexington native Brandy Carr, that calling led her to Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) online social work program. Today, the mom of three balances family life and full-time work while preparing for a career in social work.  “At EKU, we meet our students where they […]

Mollie Harris, ’06 ’13 ’21, was awarded with the Young Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Young Alumni Award recognizes individuals who graduated from EKU in the last 10 years and have demonstrated exceptional talent in their […]

When you sit down with Dr. Geri Polvino, one theme emerges again and again: growth is forged through challenges, not despite them. It’s a conviction that carried her from the classroom to the volleyball courts of EKU to a successful second career in finance, and it’s what continues to fuel her extraordinary generosity to EKU […]

Amy Baumann Sapsford, ’81, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting service to their field, earning the respect and admiration of their […]

Global pop superstar Jason Derulo is bringing his chart-topping hits to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) for a live concert on Friday, April 10, 2026. The event will take place in EKU’s Center for the Arts and promises an unforgettable night of music, dance and entertainment for students and the community. “Enhancing the student experience is […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Humana announced a $125,000 investment to support nursing students and further advance the excellence of EKU’s School of Nursing. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to addressing Kentucky’s healthcare workforce shortage and expanding access to high-quality care across the Commonwealth.  The gift from Humana establishes the Humana Scholars Program at […]

When Curtis Asher recalls his late wife, Hilda Carol Baker Asher, his words are filled with both tenderness and reverence. “She was the sweetest little soul and spirit,” he shared. “Her joy came from doing ‘a little something for someone else.’ If she thought she had helped someone, she was tickled to death.”  Hilda, who […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) cleared initial budgetary review from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) for its proposed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. EKU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (EKU-COM) is one step closer in the approval process as the university continues its plans to address Kentucky’s severe doctor shortage. The funding proposal now moves […]

From teachers in classrooms to nurses in hospitals and clinics, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) educates and trains students to fill critical workforce shortages in Kentucky. EKU statewide employment outcomes are the highest among Kentucky public institutions for certificate, associate, bachelor and doctoral degrees at three years out from degree completion, according to KYSTATS employment data. […]

Dr. Maisha L. Jack, ’95, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting service to their field, earning the respect and admiration of […]

Since 1976, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Occupational Therapy (OT) program has been preparing occupational therapists to enter the workforce equipped with both technical skills and a people-first approach to care. Students in the program benefit from experienced faculty and extensive hands-on learning, gaining exposure to the many paths an OT career can take. “EKU has […]

By: Dr. David McFaddin, President of Eastern Kentucky University The health and wellness of Kentucky is dependent upon our ability to deliver world-class care, and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is ready to answer that call. EKU has been working for three years on a bold proposal to improve healthcare access, especially in rural Kentucky, with […]

Lindsey Cross, ’09, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting service to their field, earning the respect and admiration of their peers […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will transition from its traditional general education curriculum to Essential Education beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. Essential Education reimagines EKU’s foundational curriculum by shifting the focus from completing a checklist of courses to ensuring every graduate develops clearly defined, transferable skills that help them beyond the classroom. The EKU Board […]

In a state where heart disease remains a leading health challenge, an Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) researcher is turning to natural alternatives for affordable, effective treatment. “At EKU, we are innovating solutions to common concerns in many areas of healthcare,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our faculty and our reputable healthcare programs provide qualified graduates […]

Ron House, ’69 ’70, was honored with the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in 2025. The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. As EKU’s most prestigious alumni award, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni recognizes those who have achieved considerable success in […]

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 […]

Matt Evans, ’91, was honored with the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in 2025. The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. As EKU’s most prestigious alumni award, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni recognizes those who have achieved considerable success in their […]

On Oct. 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, causing widespread damage, evacuations and flooding. In the days following a hurricane, rising floodwaters and displaced wildlife can turn entire communities into public health risk zones. Kelli Ann Turner, ’25, a Jamaica-based public health inspector and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) graduate, immediately went to work […]

A hometown education launches global security career for Chris Hacker, ’93 ’95 Chris Hacker, ’93 ’95, director of corporate security programs, executive protection and investigations at Delta Air Lines, built a career around protecting people. Before working in positions spanning from local law enforcement to the FBI and now global security, Hacker earned his education […]

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) annual Spin the Wheel Scholarship event took place on Feb. 2, giving students the chance to win a fully funded study abroad opportunity. Students could submit an entry into the drawing prior to the event, then winners were drawn by the president, associate provost, deans and a member of the Foundation […]

Juan Carlos Castro, ’00, was honored with the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in 2025. The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. As EKU’s most prestigious alumni award, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni recognizes those who have achieved considerable success in […]

Some stories don’t start with a book deal or a big plan. Some start with grief, frustration, and the quiet weight first responders carry home after shift. That’s where EKU alumnus Hannah Spanyer’s book, The Silence We Carry, began. Hannah is a critical care paramedic with Georgetown Scott County EMS, where she has served for […]

Before a swim in a lake or a walk through a creek, few people think about bacteria or toxins from algae. But what lives in that water can affect health days later. At Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), research led by Dr. Jason Marion helps explain the unseen contaminants in waterways and why it matters for […]