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 […]

Circling parking lots in search of an open space presents a familiar challenge for many college students. To reduce this challenge and enhance the campus experience, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has partnered with ParkZen to launch the EKU Park app. While many universities offer mobile parking payment tools, EKU is the first institution in Kentucky […]

Blood spatter analysis, fingerprint analysis, forensic serology and DNA analysis. While these processes are often shown and discussed in television crime shows, students in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Forensic Science program put the concepts into practice for real-life crime investigation. “EKU’s renowned forensic science program is one of the longest-running in the country and the […]

About 3 million people work in insurance and related jobs in the United States, yet few enter the field with a degree focused on insurance. Graduates of Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) program gain a specialized education that helps them stand out, with a 100% job placement rate. Prepared for leadership […]

For Diane Cruze, retirement was a starting point. After a career that spanned news, grant writing and education, the Louisville native decided it was time to cross a lifelong dream off her bucket list and earn a master’s degree. Now, at 70 years old, Cruze is an Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student and award-winning writer […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was awarded nearly $110,000 from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to purchase essential equipment for healthcare workforce training.  “EKU is grateful for this investment in our programs to strengthen Kentucky’s healthcare workforce,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This funding allows us to place the latest tools directly into the learning […]

Adam MacPhàrlain, ’05, Proves “If You Can Dream it, You Can Do it” Adam MacPhàrlain, ’05, didn’t have to wish upon a star to secure his dream job as an Imagineer at Walt Disney World in Orlando in August 2024. He submitted his impressive résumé, reflecting his diverse background in clothing, textiles and art, which […]

The Fall 25 Eastern Kentucky University Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony was held Friday, December 5th 2025 at Whitlock in the O’Donnell Auditorium. This semester the department had six cadets commission and become 2nd Lieutenants in the US Army. The official Commissioning party included EKU Professor of Military Science LTC James Plutt and Senior Miliary Instructor […]

With a sales minor at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), you learn more than how to sell a product; you learn how to sell yourself.  Many careers call for some level of sales skill. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 1.8 million openings for sales roles each year, and the National Association of Colleges […]

For the seventh consecutive year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has earned the Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI) Destiny Award for workplace safety. EKU is one of 27 recipients across the commonwealth to be recognized for its commitment to workplace safety with the Destiny Award.  “Earning the KEMI Destiny Award yet again is a testament to […]

As drone usage among professionals and hobbyists becomes more common, concerns about flights in restricted airspace continue to grow. When a drone unexpectedly appears near a sporting event, parade or any large crowd, it can cause safety risks, delays or even evacuations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates 822,039 drones registered as of July 2025. […]