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 […]

Explore the Pathways Offered at EKU Have you dreamt of becoming a teacher since elementary school when a teacher made a lasting impression on you? Or, have you already worked in the classroom or even another field, where you’ve just discovered your passion for teaching? Wherever and whenever you’ve found your calling to teaching, Eastern […]

Towering red rock arches, sweeping canyons and century-old dwellings set the stage for Rachel Dickey’s summer adventure. The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation student interned with the National Park Service (NPS), gaining hands-on experience while helping protect the iconic landscapes of Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Parks and Monuments […]

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announces the 2025-26 Faculty Research Fellowship program—an initiative designed to expand research opportunities and engagement for faculty and students while strengthening EKU’s impact on the region and beyond. “Research is the catalyst for innovation, student success and community impact,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our new research fellowship program is an […]

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 […]