Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been named to the 2023 Transfer Honor Roll list by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes 208 colleges and universities for the dynamic pathways created to support community college transfer students.
“EKU has a holistic approach to recruiting transfer students,” said Heather Davis, EKU’s director of transfer services. “EKU is a place where transfer credit will be fairly evaluated and will likely have direct equivalencies. We work hard to ensure that students' journeys are honored from where they started to now. Transfer advisors help students understand why EKU could be a great fit for them and then see them over the finish line to enrollment for a smooth transition.”
According to PTK, the Transfer Honor Roll is determined by 40 key metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion. The Transfer Honor Roll was based on analysis from the National Student Clearinghouse, and on data submitted through the four-year institution profiles on PTK Connect—PTK’s online tool designed to help students find their best-fit colleges and career pathways.
Junior Brittany Collins transferred to EKU after completing an associate degree at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
“The process of transferring to EKU was smooth and efficient for me,” Collins said. “Whenever I had questions or needed assistance at any step, I felt comfortable reaching out to the appropriate individuals at EKU. The transfer office maintained open lines of communication, and I was able to meet with an advisor who helped me determine the best program for my academic journey.”
Collins also found support through the Eastern Scholar House and the Center for Student Parents. The Center for Student Parents helped her find access to daycare, which allowed her to focus on her studies and job. Additionally, she received assistance in securing employment aligned with her career aspirations.
“I am grateful for the resources on campus and remarkable individuals for their unwavering dedication and their commitment to ensuring my success as a student and a parent,” Collins said.
Similarly, student Jessica Sarty found a clear path to achieving her goals by transferring to EKU.
“College was never something I thought was in the cards for me,” Sarty said. “Most of my family received their GED equivalent and focused on working to survive instead. I followed the same footsteps and quit school at 15 to work full time at a restaurant so we wouldn't lose our apartment.”
Sarty, originally from Connecticut, moved to Kentucky in 2019 after becoming a single parent. She worked on earning her GED and enrolled in Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. After several trials and tribulations, Sarty graduated with an associate degree in applied human sciences. Now, she is pursuing a psychology degree through EKU.
“Being the first in my family to ever graduate, or even go to college, was such a huge accomplishment, and I'm so proud to be able to show my children that anything is possible if you just believe in yourself,” Sarty said.
EKU offers transfer pathways through several community colleges that allow students to seamlessly transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Students who are PTK members from their previous college, and can provide documentation of membership, may be eligible to receive a $1,500 renewable PTK scholarship when they transfer to EKU.
Through EKU’s Transfer Center, student support services and resources are available to ensure success along the way. As the School of Opportunity, EKU provides an affordable education—including transfer scholarships—along with free textbooks through EKU Booksmart to help ease financial barriers to higher education.