News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


EKU student take photos with a giant EKU Gen 1 photo frame outside Powell at the First Generation College Celebration Day.

EKU Honors First-Generation Students on National First-Generation College Day

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students gathered at a tabling event outside the Powell Building in honor of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, 2024. More than half of EKU’s freshman class are first-generation students, and 39% of EKU’s spring graduating class were the first in their families to attain a higher education degree. […]
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EKU President David McFaddin speaking at EKU's Flight Training Center Conference.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for EKU’s New Flight Training Center Welcomed State Leaders

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new flight training center at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport (CKRA) on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The $25 million facility, funded by Kentucky’s General Assembly, is expected to be completed by early 2027. State leaders including Governor Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker […]
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A group of male and female students collect water samples on EKU's campus with their professor.

EKU Joins $20-Million CLIMBS Project to Build Climate Resilience in Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has joined seven universities and the Kentucky Geological Survey to collaborate on a $20-million initiative aimed at improving climate resilience throughout the region. Through cutting-edge data analysis, education and workforce development, the Climate Resilience through Multidisciplinary Big Data Learning, Prediction and Building Response Systems (CLIMBS) project looks to address Kentucky’s vulnerability […]
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EKU President David McFaddin speaks at the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

EKU President David McFaddin Shares Vision for the Region

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) President David McFaddin was the keynote speaker during the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon in Corbin, Kentucky on Tuesday, Nov. 12. McFaddin shared updates from EKU, such as enrollment from the region and opportunities available at EKU Corbin and Manchester Regional Campuses. Additionally, he discussed campus enhancements, including the […]
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Professional photos of 3 EKU Board of Regents members on a maroon background.

Distinguished Community Members Appointed to EKU’s Board of Regents

Gov. Andy Beshear appointed three distinguished community members to Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Board of Regents. Appointees to EKU’s Board of Regents include Garth Bustle, Lori Cooksey and Teresa Trimble Hail. The new regents will be sworn in between now and the regularly scheduled board meeting on Nov. 14, 2024. “EKU welcomes our new board […]
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Dr. Wilma Walker stands next to a small plane.

EKU’s Women in Aviation Soar High

As a young girl, Wilma “Willi” Walker would look up at the sky and dream of flying as she watched the airplanes fly over. In high school—at a time before any major United States airlines had hired women pilots—Walker wrote letters to airlines inquiring if they had women commercial pilots. “Believe it or not, two […]
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Homecoming 2024 king and queen stand with President David McFaddin on the football field at the homecoming game.

EKU Crowns 2024 Homecoming King and Queen

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) crowned the 2024 Homecoming king and queen, Garrett Jenkins and Gracie Agee, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Jenkins, a sophomore from Olive Hill, Kentucky, represents NOVA, an organization dedicated to supporting first-generation college students and others and providing a transformative undergraduate experience. Agee, a senior from Berea, Kentucky, was chosen to […]
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A photo of a student using lab equipment from EKU's fire protection and safety engineering program.

Investigating the Impact of Fire Exposure on Wall Lining Materials

Under the direction of Drs. Shijin Kozhumal and Greg Gorbett and with support from a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant, student research assistants, Maggie Fluharty and Molly Morrow, are engaged in a unique opportunity that will prepare them for future careers. The faculty-student research team is collecting thermophysical property data for the purpose of […]
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EKU President David McFaddin and Former President Michael T. Benson

EKU Honors Former President Benson With Portrait in Keen Johnson

During Homecoming weekend festivities and the Alumni Awards and Pioneer Celebration, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) honored President Emeritus Michael T. Benson with a portrait unveiling in the Keen Johnson Building on Saturday. “It is humbling to see all the portraits of EKU’s former presidents here and think about the legacy that each made on our […]
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A teacher and students in a classroom setting.

EKU Continues Addressing Teacher Shortage With Option 9 Competency-Based Education Courses for Elementary Education Certification

With the state’s on-going teacher shortage, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers innovative approaches to place educators in classrooms across the state. The Kentucky Department of Education’s School Report Card notes a nearly 25% teacher turnover rate for the 2022-23 school year. To help address the shortage, EKU became the first public university in the state to announce […]
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EKU Transfer student Alexander Zacarias flashes the Big E hand sign in front of the colorful mural at Powell Student Plaza.

Bridging the Gap: Celebrating Success and Community During National Transfer Student Week at EKU

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Adult and Transfer Center is celebrating National Transfer Student Week (NTSW) from Oct. 21-25, recognizing the unique experiences of adult and transfer students.  “At EKU, we understand the transformative power of education and the unique paths many of our students take to achieve their goals,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Supporting […]
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A photo of a student demonstrating how to properly use a DNA collection tool during a lab on EKU's campus.

Development of a DNA Collection Tool

Dr. Jamie Fredericks (Chemistry) developed a novel DNA collection tool and received funding from the Kentucky Network for Innovation & Commercialization (KYNETIC) program to continue refining the tool with a goal of bringing it to market. Traditional DNA typing requires a multi-step process with testing completed over several hours. Using a direct DNA amplification approach […]
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Two EKU firefighter students wear protective gear and monitor a burn at EKU's fire investigation lab.

EKU Awarded Grant for Fire Investigation Research

Faculty in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Justice, Safety and Military Science, Dr. Shijin Kozhumal and Dr. Greg Gorbett, received a competitive research grant from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the U.S. Department of Justice’s research, development and evaluation agency, to research drywall and burn patterns. The NIJ forensic science research and development […]
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EKU president David McFaddin shakes hands with Allegiant Air's Tyler Hollingsworth, senior vice president of Flight Operations at a press conference in front of an EKU backdrop

Eastern Kentucky University and Allegiant Air Announce Accelerate Pilot Pathway Program Partnership

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has officially joined Allegiant Air’s Accelerate Pilot Pathway Program, offering EKU students an exclusive fast-track to the airline industry. EKU’s Aviation program, known for its impressive 100% job placement rate and innovative program, now stands alongside other prestigious institutions in the Accelerate Pilot Pathway program, including Purdue University, Kent State University […]
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EKU color guard team marches and performs with giant EKU flags at 2024's Big E Welcome walk.

EKU Earns Spot Among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges for Another Consecutive Year

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was named in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges List for another consecutive year. EKU ranked in the following categories: National Universities, Top Public Schools, Top Performers in Social Mobility and Nursing.EKU moved up from last year’s ranking in the National Universities and Top Public Schools lists. For […]
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A group of EKU animal studies students hold a banner promoting EKU's program in the Homecoming parade.

EKU Animal Studies Offers Unique Perspective on Animal Relationships

For many people, watching a black bear take a nap is not part of everyday life, let alone part of their daily education. For students like Emily Howard, a senior in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) animal studies program, it’s an educational opportunity. Howard, from Winchester, Kentucky, never doubted that EKU was the school for her, […]
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A close up of the red brick wall and corner of the roof of Model, with silver letters reading "Model Laboratory School" and five stars.

Eastern Kentucky University Announces Location for New Model Laboratory School

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced the location of the new Model Laboratory School (Model Lab) on Friday, September 27, 2024. Model Lab, named no. 3 among all Kentucky high schools in the Kentucky Board of Education’s annual report card for the 2022-23 academic school year, is currently located on 929 Lancaster Avenue in Richmond, Kentucky. […]
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Dr. Sally Chambers, in an EKU t-shirt, shows materials to a female and male student at a desk.

EKU Herbarium, Largest Collection in Kentucky, Highlights the Region’s Biodiversity

Fall Foliage Week begins at the end of September, kicking off the start of “leaf-peeping” season, meaning many people will be driving to see fall foliage. The show of fall colors highlights the beautiful landscape of Kentucky, while also bringing focus to the biodiversity of plant species in the region.  Nestled within Eastern Kentucky University’s […]
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EKU professor addresses EKU students in yellow safety vests and hard hats on a construction site.

EKU’s OSHA Training Institute Education Center Renewed by U.S. Department of Labor

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the renewal of Eastern Kentucky University’s OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTI Education Center). According to the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development, in the past five years manufacturers announced over 1,100 facility locations or expansion projects with a reported capital investment of more than […]
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EKU president David McFaddin shakes hands with Allegiant Air's Tyler Hollingsworth, senior vice president of Flight Operations at a press conference in front of an EKU backdrop

Eastern Kentucky University and Allegiant Air Announce Accelerate Pilot Pathway Program Partnership

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has officially joined Allegiant Air’s Accelerate Pilot Pathway Program, offering EKU students an exclusive fast-track to the airline industry. EKU’s Aviation program, known for its impressive 100% job placement rate and innovative program, now stands alongside other prestigious institutions in the Accelerate Pilot Pathway program, including Purdue University, Kent State University […]
READ MORE Eastern Kentucky University and Allegiant Air Announce Accelerate Pilot Pathway Program Partnership