Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Option 9 program aims to alleviate the statewide teacher shortage by making teacher education more accessible to those already working in a school. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, approximately 13% of all teaching vacancies for the 2023-24 school year remained unfilled.  Nicholas County School District in Kentucky joined forces […]

A life like Dr. Martha Mullins’ is difficult to succinctly define. Most hear her name and immediately associate her with Title IX implementation. Some emphasize her coaching career and accolades, along with her love of a well-organized state or national conference. Others would tell you of her passion for education, a value instilled by her […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announces the appointment of Dr. Anne M. Cizmar as associate dean of research administration. This newly created role is central to EKU’s strategic research initiative, aimed at building a holistic and scalable infrastructure to support the growth of sponsored research for faculty, staff and students across the university. In this new […]

A nationally recognized literary award shines the spotlight on Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Karol Lagodzki. Currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with EKU’s Bluegrass Writers Studio Low-Residency MFA in creative writing program, Lagodzki’s debut novel, Controlled Conversations, was one of only five finalists for this year’s prestigious PEN/Hemingway Award. The honor places […]

Hannah Dunagan, a spring 2025 graduate of EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in dietetics, has received recognition for academic excellence at both the state and local level. Dunagan was awarded the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KAND) Outstanding Dietetic Student award at the organization’s annual conference in Bowling […]

Jay and Rebecca “Becky” Collier’s love story began at Eastern Kentucky University and has blossomed into a life dedicated to each other, their family and giving back to the institution that shaped them. Both Becky and Jay grew up in Kentucky—Becky in Louisville, and Jay in Pikeville—and their shared dedication to education and community brought […]

When visiting a healthcare facility, one might not realize the many components contributing to their care. The nurse, lab technician, physician and other specialists provide direct patient care; however, several professionals also work behind the scenes in administration to create a seamless healthcare experience. From patient communications, such as preventative care reminders to secure data […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated its sixth annual Giving Day on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. With support from across Kentucky and all 50 states, EKU exceeded its goal of 2,425 donors, representing the 2024-25 academic year. In the best year yet, 2,441 donors participated in Giving Day this year, reaching $1,015,000 raised, for a historic […]

Academic honor societies provide important recognition for students’ achievements during their time at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). EKU offers two prestigious all-discipline honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, each focused on unique aspects of educational achievements and success. This spring, EKU inducted new members into Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi […]

EKU celebrated more than 2,100 spring graduates at its commencement ceremonies held on May 15 and 16, 2025, at the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum.  “Today marks the end of a chapter on resilience, determination and success, and it also marks the beginning of a new, rewarding chapter in the story of your life,” […]

On Friday night, May 16, an EF-4 tornado ripped through Pulaski and Laurel Counties—merely hours after Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring commencement ceremonies. In the aftermath of one the deadliest tornadoes in EKU’s service region, the university offers support and assistance for students affected by the storm. The Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE) provides […]

Commencement speaker Ashley Smith overcame personal and academic obstacles on her path to earning two degrees. After failing two semesters, she lost her scholarships and academic standing. At one point, she couldn’t imagine herself walking across the graduation stage.  With her mother’s passing, she lost her focus on completing college and direction for what she […]

Today, when Luke Fletcher, a Madison County native, walks across the stage to receive his diploma, he will continue a more than 100-year family history with Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) as a fifth-generation EKU Colonel. When Luke’s mother, Anisha Fletcher, ’95, a fourth-generation Colonel, reflects on her time at EKU, she sees more than her […]

The first time on campus. The concert of a lifetime. The thrill of a Colonel basketball game. The walk across the stage at graduation. These memories form the foundation of the Eastern Experience, and for many alumni, they likely include EKU’s iconic Alumni Coliseum. Representing the continual beginning and end of the campus experience, Baptist […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recently celebrated outstanding faculty and staff members at the annual President’s Excellence Awards on April 23, 2025. Six EKU employees were honored for excellence with a $3,000 cash award, and finalists each received a $1,000 cash reward. EKU also honored those who have achieved 25 and 30 years of service with […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will honor students’ academic success during the spring 2025 commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, in the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum. Four ceremonies are planned to honor graduates from the university’s six academic colleges, as well as master’s and doctoral graduates from all colleges. The […]

Each year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognizes faculty members who demonstrate the highest standards of teaching through the Society of Foundation Professors. On April 29, 2025, Dr. Scotty Dunlap, professor in the School of Safety, Security and Emergency Management, and Dr. Camille Skubik-Peplaski, professor of occupational therapy, were inducted into the Society of Foundation Professors. […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Model Laboratory School on Tuesday, May, 6, 2025, as well as the announcement of the formation of the School of Education within the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences (CEAHS). “This is an exciting day for EKU and Model […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will be expanding community programs and support services at its Corbin Regional Campus and within the service region, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP). KAHP is the trade association representing Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurers in the Commonwealth. The gift from KAHP […]

“I’ve never been a person that wanted to sit in a cubicle to make a living,” said Tyler Collet, ’17. “I wanted to be active and moving in my career. I’ve loved golf ever since I was little, so that’s the main reason I pursued a career in golf.” Collet has achieved that goal with […]

Chris Hacker, ’93 ’95, shared his professional journey with students and others at the Alumni Spotlight speaker event on April 8, as part of Scholars Showcase at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). After graduating from EKU with associate and bachelor’s degrees in police studies, Hacker started his career as a police officer, then transitioned to the […]

At EKU’s Model Laboratory School, education majors move beyond theory. Picture stepping into a classroom where seasoned teachers bring educational theories to life, demonstrating strategies and techniques with real P–12 (pre-K through 12th grade) students. Then, it’s your turn—guiding lessons, managing a classroom and connecting with students right on campus. This immersive experience offers EKU […]

Continuing a commitment to education throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and building on a rich, foundational history of preparing teachers and educational leaders, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announces the recipients of the “Experience Excellence” Superintendents of the Year. The awards are given in conjunction with the Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) and Southeast South-Central Educational […]

Carrie Lewis, director of research and prospect management at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), and her husband, John Lewis, a pharmacist, are establishing a new scholarship to support EKU Aviation students. The couple made their inaugural gift to the John H. and Carrie A. Lewis Aviation Scholarship today—on EKU’s Giving Day. “Our dedicated employees serve and […]