News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


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Eastern Kentucky University Recognized by Washington Monthly for Affordability

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 […]
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Words Matter: EKU Research Reveals the Best Way to Handle Negative Online Reviews

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 […]
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Jeri Isbell Donates $500K to Expand Global Opportunities for EKU Business Students

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 […]
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EKU Psychology Highlights Telehealth Strategies During Suicide Prevention Month

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 […]
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EKU Dedicates ‘Fanfare’ at the Center for the Arts

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 […]
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EKU Builds Community With First-Generation Students

“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 […]
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‘Go Here, Go Anywhere’: Fire Engineering Takes EKU Grad Around the World and Back

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, […]
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Jordan Smith Joins EKU as Associate Vice President for Public Affairs

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 […]
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EKU Dean Honored with KCV Thomas M. Martin Visionary Award

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, […]
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EKU and KCTCS Partnership Reduces Time and Cost for Transfer Students

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 […]
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How to Become a Teacher

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 […]
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Igniting a Career: Fire and Arson Student Interns with National Park Service

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 […]
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Faculty Fellowship Builds Momentum for EKU Research

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 […]
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Veterans Find Support and Success at EKU

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. […]
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EKU Students Deposit Knowledge, Earn Experience in Banking Competition

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 […]
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Global Rounds: EKU Students Expand Nursing Practice Overseas

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.  […]
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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 […]
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Fostering the Future of Music

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 […]
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Enrich Needs Fair

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. […]
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Hard Work, Heartbreak and Hope

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, […]
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