More than 30 years after a life-changing injury in the U.S. Navy, Shawn Caudill is pursuing a new mission—studying political science at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Told his cognitive abilities would always be limited, Caudill, at 50 years old, overcame challenges to earn the EKU President’s Award with a 4.0 GPA for the spring semester. […]

While interest rates and inflation continue to make headlines, a group of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students tackled these topics head-on in a national banking competition—gaining practical experience with the financial pressures facing banks. Competing in the Community Bank Case Study Competition hosted by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, EKU’s team placed in the […]

This summer, a record number of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Nursing students packed their scrubs and passports for a one-of-a-kind clinical experience abroad. Led by EKU Assistant Nursing Professor Dr. Beth Killian, 22 students spent four weeks in Tanzania, where they provided vital health services from placing IVs and catheters to even delivering a baby.  […]

The fall semester has begun, and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has welcomed the Class of 2029 as the newest members of the Colonel family. The freshmen come from 108 Kentucky counties, 38 states and 10 countries, with more than half of the incoming class being first-generation college students. EKU continues to be a top choice […]

EKU’s Foster Music Camp Celebrates 90 years As the final concert crescendos beneath the stage lights and the last note hangs in the air, there’s a magic that lingers—an echo of growth, talent and unforgettable summer memories. For the young musicians of Foster Music Camp, the grand finale performance is a celebration of everything they’ve […]

In the spring 2025 semester, Dr. Molly McKinney’s HEA 485 Community Organization & Advocacy class collaborated with Enrich, a local non-profit, to plan and implement a needs fair for Richmond community members in recovery or seeking recovery. EKU Public Health students planned and implemented the entire event with guidance from Enrich staff and Dr. McKinney. […]

Little Vicki’s Legacy and the Ferrante Family’s Lasting Gift to EKU Attending an out-of-state college can be a daunting experience. It certainly was for Jon and Vickie Ferrante, who left the New York City area for the rolling hills of Kentucky in 1964. Infant son in tow, not knowing anyone and with scant financial resources, […]

This fall, in a move to expand access to higher education, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will be implementing a new tuition rate for out-of-state students, cutting its pricing by more than 40%. For the 2025-26 academic year, the out-of-state rate at EKU will be $12,000, only slightly more than the in-state rate of $10,440, making […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) raised $12,038,265 from 9,369 donors for the 2025 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, surpassing the goal of $12 million. Additionally, 2,585 donor-funded scholarships were awarded to students, totaling $2,547,082. “We’re excited to announce another historic fundraising year for EKU, with the most raised in a […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is gearing up to welcome its newest Colonels to campus during Big E Welcome on Aug. 13-17. The multi-day event helps new students settle in, make friends and get a feel for college life before classes kick off on Aug. 18. Students get to explore campus, meet new people and enjoy […]

Barry and Paula Ward’s Lasting Impact on EKU Students They attended an alumni gathering at the home of fellow alumnus Dr. John “Lucky” Meisenheimer in Orlando, Florida, in early 2024, with the hope of meeting old friends, beginning new friendships and catching up on recent developments at their shared alma mater.Barry and Paula (Muthler) Ward […]

When EKU senior Esther Sadiki picked up a hammer to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity, she never imagined it would lead to a career decision for her future. But through the volunteer experience, she discovered a passion for hands-on work and found a path in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Construction Management program. From […]

The Enduring Gift of Walters Collegiate Institute From 1901 to 1906, Walters Collegiate Institute served the Richmond area as a bridge between Central University and the establishment of Eastern Kentucky State Normal School on the same location. Many might be surprised to know that the Walters name and legacy lives on more than a century […]

Robert Wood & Judy Layne-Wood Both are first-generation students from Kentucky small towns whose combined population barely tops a thousand. They met and fell in love on the EKU campus – he proposed marriage in the Ravine – and their horizons soon expanded to encompass far-flung locales they could once only imagine.But wherever life and […]

Every semester, students in the B.S. in Public Health program complete a 160-hour required internship. The internship provides an instrumental experiential learning opportunity for students to gain experience and fosters mentorship between students and professionals. Students, along with the assistance of public health faculty, apply and interview for competitive internships at local and state health […]

By day, Florida Attorney Omar Medina, ’81, fights for justice in courtrooms. By night, he steps into the world of storytelling as a film producer. His dual roles are as compelling as the thrillers he brings to life on screen. Medina served as producer of the 2024 hit “Amber Alert,” which claimed the top-trending spot […]

It was once a running joke on campus that freshman orientation activities at Eastern Kentucky University could be led by the Baumann family. After all, it’s where six siblings, all first-generation college students – Mary Jo, Amy, Susie, Mark, Julie and Patty – earned their college degrees. As an incoming freshman, Amy Baumann Sapsford was […]

Dr. Greg Sexton’s Lifelong Journey with EKU For 34 years, Dr. Greg Sexton has served Columbia, South Carolina, as a plastic surgeon, and “can’t imagine doing anything else.” At one time, however, he “would have probably considered life as a basketball coach and been very happy.” His own makeover was made possible by supportive family […]

Once again, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was named second in the nation for Military Friendly® Spouse Schools. This national recognition highlights EKU’s continued success in providing a welcoming and resourceful environment for military families pursuing higher education. In addition, EKU is the only university in Kentucky to make the top 10 Military Friendly® Schools designation, […]

On a typical day of school and homework, high school students across Kentucky earn college credit while completing their regular coursework—an opportunity made possible through Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Dual Credit program. Through EKU Dual Credit, eligible high school juniors and seniors take college-level courses for both high school and college credit—saving both time and […]

Now in its fourth year, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Provost’s Faculty Internship Program has caught national attention as a unique model for leadership development. Through mentoring, hands-on experience and project administration, participants in the program explore pathways to leadership in higher education. “We already know that our EKU faculty are incredibly talented and intelligent, and […]

Whether you want to manage major infrastructure projects or residential builds, a degree in construction management from EKU sets the foundation for a rewarding, results-driven career. Here are the top five reasons you should consider earning a construction management degree from EKU. 1. Scholarships That Lay the Foundation EKU offers valuable scholarship opportunities that help […]

Thanks to the determination of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) faculty and alumni, a major roadblock has finally been removed for fire protection engineers in the Commonwealth. House Bill 306, overwhelmingly passed by the Kentucky legislature, went into effect June 27 and removes a long-standing rule that had kept EKU Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology […]

This year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates the 90th season of the Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp, the second oldest music camp in the United States. Since 1936, the camp has welcomed thousands of young musicians to EKU’s campus in Richmond, Kentucky, offering a transformative experience in music education. “For almost a century, Foster Music […]