News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is breaking new ground in college affordability with the launch of a new highly competitive scholarship model beginning in Fall 2026, which provides financial support valued between $1,000 and $9,000 for every in-state, on-campus, full-time freshman. Through increased merit awards and the introduction of the Promise Award, EKU becomes the only […]

With federal changes to financial aid programs as part of Title IV of the Higher Education Act, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced adjustments to its EKU BookSmart textbook program for Fall 2026, ensuring maximum financial aid benefits for students. Since Fall 2021, EKU has provided free textbooks to students through the BookSmart program in partnership […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) hosted a Healthcare Forum on Oct. 15 at the Kentucky State Capitol to discuss EKU’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine and how it can help address Kentucky’s physician shortage. According to the Kentucky Physician Report from the Center of Excellence in Rural Health, 94% of the state’s counties are experiencing a […]

Dyslexia refers to a language-based learning disability, affecting as much as 15-20% of the population, according to the International Dyslexia Association. October as Dyslexia Awareness Month brings to light resources and learning support while celebrating dyslexia excellence. Motivated by her passion for helping children to learn—and inspired by her daughter who has dyslexia—Dr. Kellie Ellis, […]

In recognition of National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 20–24, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) highlights students who have found their home at EKU after transferring. For Fall 2025, EKU welcomed approximately 1,200 transfer students. Amber Dennis and daughter Kaili Dennis transferred to EKU together to continue their academic journeys. Amber, a social work major, and Kaili, […]

With Homecoming right around the corner, there’s no better time to discover Richmond — the place Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) proudly calls home. Whether you’re an alum returning to campus, a parent visiting for the weekend, a student looking to explore beyond your usual routes or a future Colonel, you’ll find the perfect mix of […]

Born in Detroit and raised in Kentucky, Kahlilah Mitchell became a mother at 17, a turning point that sparked a deep motivation to build a better future for her son. She began her college journey at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). By the time she earned her associate degree, Mitchell said her […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is set to kickoff Homecoming weekend Oct. 24-25, bringing students, alumni, faculty, staff and the Richmond community together for celebration and tradition. Events include the annual parade, the block party and the much-anticipated football game. “We’re excited to welcome our entire Colonel Family to campus for Homecoming weekend,” said EKU President […]

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September and World Mental Health Day on October 10th, EKU Public Health continued its outreach with a Kindness Tabling Event focused on promoting mental health awareness and fostering compassion across campus. The event featured “kindness gumballs” each containing an encouraging action to brighten someone’s day—such as “call […]

In the U.S. News and World Report release of 2026 Best Colleges, EKU once again ranked among Best National Universities, Top Public Schools, Top Performers on Social Mobility and Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs. For the third consecutive year, EKU landed first among Kentucky’s public universities in the Top Performers on Social Mobility […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Associate Professor Dr. Jason Fry has secured more than $1 million in research funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), allowing students to gain hands-on experience in physics research at EKU and laboratories around the world. “When students come to EKU, they have opportunities to work alongside renowned faculty in state-of-the-art […]

A nursing career offers the opportunity to care for others, meet critical needs in healthcare and build a rewarding career with room to grow. “Our graduates are highly sought after,” said Dr. Lisa Jones, associate chair of nursing at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). “We have a 100% employment rate for our BSN graduates. By the […]

Originally in the horse industry, Devon Moody, ’15, felt drawn to teaching because it combined her love of literature and writing with a desire to make a difference. After moving from Orange County, California, to Kentucky in 2012, her path to the classroom began at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in the Master of Arts in […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) was once again recognized for affordability and accessibility, ranking in Washington Monthly’s “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” and “2025 Best Bang for the Buck: South.” “We’re constantly looking for opportunities to remove barriers and to increase access and increase affordability for students each and every day,” said EKU […]

In today’s digital marketplace, a single bad review can determine whether a customer walks through the door or walks away. In fact, 94% of consumers say they will avoid a business because of a negative review, according to ReviewTrackers. Recognizing the real-world stakes, a recent study at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) by Assistant Professor of […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) alumna Jeri Isbell donated $500,000 to establish the Isbell Global Scholars Program in the College of Business. The program provides business students with opportunities to study abroad and gain international experiences to lead in a global economy. At the gift announcement on Thursday, Sept. 25, the Isbell Conference Room in the […]

Suicide Prevention Month in September brings awareness to one of the leading causes of death in the United States, especially among young adults. According to Best Colleges, suicide causes about 21% of all injury-related deaths in ages 18-24. Evidence-based practice within Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Clinical Psychology program sheds light on strategies to deliver life-saving […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) dedicated a campus landmark on Tuesday. ‘Fanfare’ is a stainless steel sculpture approximately 22 feet tall and stands proudly in front of the EKU Center for the Arts. Further recognizing EKU’s commitment to serving the Commonwealth, Jane Marie Violette Schlater’s donation of ‘Fanfare’ honors her family. Jane is a staunch advocate […]

“Being a first-generation college student means I’m a trailblazer,” said Sheridan Nash, a senior nursing major from London, Kentucky. “It means I’m able to have this opportunity that my parents didn’t.” First-generation students, whose parents have not completed a four-year degree, continue to shape Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), making up more than half of the […]

As a kid, Tony Cole, ’93, never imagined his dream of becoming a firefighter would lead him to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), then across the world meeting foreign dignitaries as a fire protection engineer for Saudi Aramco, and now operating a fire protection firm in Lexington. When Cole graduated high school in the late 1980s, […]

In Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Business, the journey from idea to enterprise begins in the classroom, where students sketch out business plans, form LLCs and pitch startups with support from faculty and mentors. With real-world applications and hands-on learning, EKU prepares aspiring entrepreneurs to turn passion into purpose. Here are five ways to […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomes Jordan Smith as associate vice president for public affairs. With almost two decades of experience, Smith brings extensive academic, public policy and business expertise to EKU. “We are pleased to have Jordan Smith join our public affairs team at EKU,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “His expertise in higher education […]

Dr. Tom Martin, dean of Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Business, has been honored with the Thomas M. Martin Visionary Award by Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) at its inaugural Innovation Celebration in June. The award recognizes Martin’s role in shaping the vision for KCV’s founding. An initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, […]

A historic transfer agreement between Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) will help more students begin at a community college and transfer seamlessly to EKU and earn four-year degrees. Officials announced Tuesday that EKU will expand its 23 transfer pathways to students at any of the state’s 16 […]