Say Hello to EKU’s New Colonels

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 for students across the Commonwealth and beyond, as the largest regional public institution in Kentucky, according to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

“Our students are what make EKU special,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “I encourage every one of our new Colonels to explore all the opportunities this university provides and make the most of their time here, because they are truly embarking on a transformative journey at EKU.”

As classes get started, students like Sapphire Cagnon, Mikeah Cole and Zeb Slone step into their first college experience. While each student brings a different story, they all expressed eagerness to take advantage of what EKU offers.

Cagnon, from Alexandria, Kentucky, chose EKU because of scholarship and study abroad opportunities, as well as the many options to get involved on campus. Though she has lived in several states, Kentucky has always been where she feels most at home. One of her biggest struggles was figuring out how to fund her college experience, but EKU’s support helped ease that burden through scholarships. Majoring in nursing, she hopes to one day work in a Spanish-speaking country to reconnect with her roots.

“I want to become a nurse, because I want to help people,” said Cagnon. “I specifically want to work in an emergency room or ICU, because I thrive in chaotic environments. Helping people means my work is impactful, and that’s important to me.”

Like Cagnon, Cole’s path to EKU was shaped by a deep desire to help others. She first felt called to EKU in her sophomore year of high school, when she told family and friends she wanted to become a teacher or family counselor. From that point on, she kept hearing recommendations to check out EKU.

“I began to dig into what the EKU experience was all about and immediately fell in love,” said Cole, from Lexington, Kentucky. “I fell in love with the campus, atmosphere, programs and the city of Richmond itself.”

Cole spent two years in foster care before being adopted at age 10. She said the people who supported her during those difficult years inspired her to do the same for others. Majoring in child and family studies and minoring in social work, she views her career path as a way to both support those in need and bring to light issues that often go unnoticed.

Slone, from Louisa, Kentucky, is a proud first-generation college student majoring in fire protection administration, a program offered at only a handful of colleges and universities nationwide. At age 15, he joined his local volunteer fire department and has earned enough hours to be a certified Kentucky Basic 1 firefighter. Earlier this year, he put his training to work by helping rescue people affected by the floods in Eastern Kentucky. He was recently awarded the Wayne Watts Memorial Scholarship from the Kentucky Firefighters Association.

“I hope to follow my love of being a volunteer firefighter and make it my career path,” said Slone. “After I earn my degree at EKU, I hope to pursue a career as an industrial firefighter.”

With Big E Welcome events wrapped up, students are now ready to begin their first semester at EKU. Fall semester classes started Aug. 18.