John and Carrie Lewis know that connection has the power to transform lives. It’s what brought them together, guided their careers and ultimately inspired their recent gift to EKU in support of the nationally ranked aviation program.  Their story began in the trombone section of the University of Kentucky marching band. “We spent hours practicing, […]

Scott Northcutt, ’84, Defies the Odds, Rising From First-Gen Student to Corporate Leadership In high school, no one believed that Scott Northcutt, ’84, was college material—not his family or his guidance counselor—so he had to believe in himself. He was satisfied with making B’s and C’s until something clicked during his junior year. He realized […]

Kenton Buckner, ’99 ’08, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who have demonstrated a heart of service with EKU or within their communities. Recipients of this award […]

Several rural Kentucky schools are defying barriers to reading outcomes, fueled by teachers educated at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The 74, a nonprofit news organization, recently released the Top 5 Schools in Each State Beating the Odds in 3rd Grade Reading. All five of the Kentucky elementary schools listed are located in EKU’s service region, […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is now the third-largest public university in Kentucky for student enrollment, according to the latest data from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). EKU reported total enrollment of 15,969 students for Fall 2025. With steady enrollment growth over the past few years, EKU became Kentucky’s largest regional public university for […]

Paige Williams, ’87, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting service to their field, earning the respect and admiration of their peers […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been named the No. 1 large public university in the nation in the 2026-27 Military Friendly® Schools rankings.  “EKU has a long history of excellence in veterans education, and we are beyond proud to be recognized as the best in the country for Military Friendly® Schools,” said EKU President David […]

Social workers help people navigate some of life’s hardest moments. For Lexington native Brandy Carr, that calling led her to Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) online social work program. Today, the mom of three balances family life and full-time work while preparing for a career in social work.  “At EKU, we meet our students where they […]

Mollie Harris, ’06 ’13 ’21, was awarded with the Young Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Young Alumni Award recognizes individuals who graduated from EKU in the last 10 years and have demonstrated exceptional talent in their […]

When you sit down with Dr. Geri Polvino, one theme emerges again and again: growth is forged through challenges, not despite them. It’s a conviction that carried her from the classroom to the volleyball courts of EKU to a successful second career in finance, and it’s what continues to fuel her extraordinary generosity to EKU […]

Amy Baumann Sapsford, ’81, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting service to their field, earning the respect and admiration of their […]

Global pop superstar Jason Derulo is bringing his chart-topping hits to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) for a live concert on Friday, April 10, 2026. The event will take place in EKU’s Center for the Arts and promises an unforgettable night of music, dance and entertainment for students and the community. “Enhancing the student experience is […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Humana announced a $125,000 investment to support nursing students and further advance the excellence of EKU’s School of Nursing. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to addressing Kentucky’s healthcare workforce shortage and expanding access to high-quality care across the Commonwealth.  The gift from Humana establishes the Humana Scholars Program at […]

When Curtis Asher recalls his late wife, Hilda Carol Baker Asher, his words are filled with both tenderness and reverence. “She was the sweetest little soul and spirit,” he shared. “Her joy came from doing ‘a little something for someone else.’ If she thought she had helped someone, she was tickled to death.”  Hilda, who […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) cleared initial budgetary review from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) for its proposed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. EKU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (EKU-COM) is one step closer in the approval process as the university continues its plans to address Kentucky’s severe doctor shortage. The funding proposal now moves […]

From teachers in classrooms to nurses in hospitals and clinics, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) educates and trains students to fill critical workforce shortages in Kentucky. EKU statewide employment outcomes are the highest among Kentucky public institutions for certificate, associate, bachelor and doctoral degrees at three years out from degree completion, according to KYSTATS employment data. […]

Dr. Maisha L. Jack, ’95, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting service to their field, earning the respect and admiration of […]

Since 1976, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Occupational Therapy (OT) program has been preparing occupational therapists to enter the workforce equipped with both technical skills and a people-first approach to care. Students in the program benefit from experienced faculty and extensive hands-on learning, gaining exposure to the many paths an OT career can take. “EKU has […]

By: Dr. David McFaddin, President of Eastern Kentucky University The health and wellness of Kentucky is dependent upon our ability to deliver world-class care, and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is ready to answer that call. EKU has been working for three years on a bold proposal to improve healthcare access, especially in rural Kentucky, with […]

Lindsey Cross, ’09, was honored with the Professional Achievement Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. The Professional Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting service to their field, earning the respect and admiration of their peers […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will transition from its traditional general education curriculum to Essential Education beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. Essential Education reimagines EKU’s foundational curriculum by shifting the focus from completing a checklist of courses to ensuring every graduate develops clearly defined, transferable skills that help them beyond the classroom. The EKU Board […]

In a state where heart disease remains a leading health challenge, an Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) researcher is turning to natural alternatives for affordable, effective treatment. “At EKU, we are innovating solutions to common concerns in many areas of healthcare,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our faculty and our reputable healthcare programs provide qualified graduates […]

Ron House, ’69 ’70, was honored with the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in 2025. The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. As EKU’s most prestigious alumni award, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni recognizes those who have achieved considerable success in […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has expanded its investment in faculty research, awarding $159,000 to 17 research projects. With an additional $45,000 available for funding this spring, the university expects to invest more than $200,000 in faculty research during the current fiscal year. Awarded through the University Funded Scholarship (UFS) program, the investments total more than […]