Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomed the class of 2028, which is projected to be the largest freshman class in EKU history at nearly 3,000 students. The freshmen come from 108 Kentucky counties, 34 states and nine countries. More than 50% of the incoming class are first-generation college students. Since 2020, during a time of national enrollment decline, EKU has maintained steady growth, increasing freshman enrollment by 24%.
“Every year, when Big E Welcome and the new school year begins, we are reminded of what is at the heart of EKU,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “And that is our students. We’re excited for our record-breaking freshman class this year, and for the transformative experience each student will have here at EKU.”
With Colonels converging on the Campus Beautiful, new students like Faith Santini, Erika Rubio-Rojo and Hunter Rosenbaum are looking forward to new opportunities, fresh starts, building connections and much more.
Santini, who is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is starting her time at EKU at 53 years old. She is a first-generation college student, transferring to EKU from Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC). She decided to come to EKU because she believes there is more support for non-traditional students than at other schools.
“I have received help and support from everyone I have met,” she said. “I am excited to be part of this college and to complete my degree.”
Santini began her journey in higher education in her 30s, when she moved to Kentucky in 2010. Though she applied to BCTC when she first moved, she said her time was mainly dedicated to raising her children.
“Now, at 53, I am only a few semesters away from my bachelor’s degree in psychology,” said Santini. “I will be 54 when I graduate and am looking forward to a new career and growing even more.”
Rubio-Rojo is also a first-generation student. She said college was not always something she thought would be a reality. As the child of two immigrant parents who did not finish elementary or middle school, she said there were times even finishing high school seemed out of reach. However, her determination to help and provide for her family kept her motivated. She will be pursuing a degree in nutrition.
“Being accepted into EKU gave me hope and encouragement to continue my path of education,” said Rubio-Rojo, from Paint Lick, Kentucky.
Rosenbaum, who is from Carrollton, Kentucky, said EKU was the right choice for him because it offered variety in his fields of interest. He added his grandmother was his greatest inspiration when considering college because she earned a degree while caring for her family and used it to continue providing for them.
“I’ve wanted to go to college since kindergarten to carry on my grandma’s legacy,” said Rosenbaum.
At EKU, Rosenbaum will be studying graphic design.
Before the start of the semester, students enjoyed a jam-packed weekend with Big E Welcome events designed to get students acquainted with campus and provide opportunities to meet and engage with others. Fall semester classes started Monday, Aug. 19.