News & Updates

Eastern Kentucky University


A man wearing sunglasses, a checkered shirt, and a blazer smiles in front of a small aircraft. The background features a maroon-tinted image of an EKU Aviation hangar with two airplanes parked inside, and the EKU Aviation logo displayed prominently at the top.

Dr. Tim Holt to Pilot EKU Aviation 

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomes Dr. Tim Holt as chair of the School of Aviation. Holt brings extensive academic, aviation and business expertise to EKU, with more than a decade of experience in teaching and administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a 22-year career with the United States Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer. […]
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Three people observe and photograph a colorful textile art piece displayed on a white gallery wall. The artwork features a vibrant landscape with stylized trees, clouds, and rolling hills in shades of green, blue, yellow, and red. The person in the center is holding a camera, capturing the artwork, while the other two stand on either side, viewing the piece.

EKU’s ICCA: A Destination for the Arts in Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Institute for Creative and Collaborative Arts (ICCA) serves as a destination for creative students in the Commonwealth. With state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration across academic programs and a deep commitment to fostering artistic expression, the ICCA is where students and professionals alike can showcase the rich artistry of Kentucky. “No matter what area […]
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A collage featuring two images. On the left, a group of six diverse healthcare students smiling and posing in front of a mural with the word "Tengo" in large letters. On the right, a photo of a yellow and blue building labeled "Sumak Kawsay Wasi – Instituto de Bienestar Comunitario" with people walking outside. The collage is set against a maroon brick background.

Global Reach, Local Growth: EKU Team Advances Autism Support in Ecuador

A global health initiative in Ecuador became a life-changing experience for Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Haley Hintz and Psychology Professor Dr. Myra Beth Bundy. In March, the two traveled to South America to provide autism assessments and clinical training in a medically underserved community. The CDC estimates 1 in 31 children has autism in […]
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A maroon graduation diploma cover with the gold seal of Eastern Kentucky University in the center, accompanied by a maroon and white graduation tassel. Several $100 bills are partially tucked under the cover, symbolizing the financial value or return on investment of a college degree.

A Degree That Pays: EKU Earns National Spotlight for Student Success and Affordability

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been named an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a national distinction that highlights institutions providing higher-than-expected levels of student access and post-graduation earnings.  EKU was the only comprehensive university in Kentucky to receive this designation in its category. The new 2025 Carnegie […]
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Nicholas County Schools Launches $5,500 Scholarship for EKU’s Option 9 Educators

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Option 9 program aims to alleviate the statewide teacher shortage by making teacher education more accessible to those already working in a school. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, approximately 13% of all teaching vacancies for the 2023-24 school year remained unfilled.  Nicholas County School District in Kentucky joined forces […]
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Dr. Anne Cizmar Appointed as EKU’s First Associate Dean of Research Administration

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announces the appointment of Dr. Anne M. Cizmar as associate dean of research administration. This newly created role is central to EKU’s strategic research initiative, aimed at building a holistic and scalable infrastructure to support the growth of sponsored research for faculty, staff and students across the university. In this new […]
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EKU MFA Student’s Novel Makes the Finalist List for PEN/Hemingway Award

A nationally recognized literary award shines the spotlight on Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Karol Lagodzki. Currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with EKU’s Bluegrass Writers Studio Low-Residency MFA in creative writing program, Lagodzki’s debut novel, Controlled Conversations, was one of only five finalists for this year’s prestigious PEN/Hemingway Award. The honor places […]
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Student Spotlight: Outstanding Applied Human Sciences Graduate Earns Statewide Recognition

Hannah Dunagan, a spring 2025 graduate of EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in dietetics, has received recognition for academic excellence at both the state and local level. Dunagan was awarded the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KAND) Outstanding Dietetic Student award at the organization’s annual conference in Bowling […]
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A Lifetime of Love and Loyalty: Jay and Becky Collier’s EKU Story Started with a Swing

Jay and Rebecca “Becky” Collier’s love story began at Eastern Kentucky University and has blossomed into a life dedicated to each other, their family and giving back to the institution that shaped them. Both Becky and Jay grew up in Kentucky—Becky in Louisville, and Jay in Pikeville—and their shared dedication to education and community brought […]
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Administering Success: EKU Students Take Charge of Healthcare

When visiting a healthcare facility, one might not realize the many components contributing to their care. The nurse, lab technician, physician and other specialists provide direct patient care; however, several professionals also work behind the scenes in administration to create a seamless healthcare experience. From patient communications, such as preventative care reminders to secure data […]
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EKU Inducts Students, Faculty and Staff Into Prestigious Honor Societies

Academic honor societies provide important recognition for students’ achievements during their time at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). EKU offers two prestigious all-discipline honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, each focused on unique aspects of educational achievements and success. This spring, EKU inducted new members into Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi […]
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EKU Offers Relief in Aftermath of Tornado

On Friday night, May 16, an EF-4 tornado ripped through Pulaski and Laurel Counties—merely hours after Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) spring commencement ceremonies. In the aftermath of one the deadliest tornadoes in EKU’s service region, the university offers support and assistance for students affected by the storm. The Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE) provides […]
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Graduation Speaker Perseveres From Academic Probation to Earning Two Degrees

Commencement speaker Ashley Smith overcame personal and academic obstacles on her path to earning two degrees. After failing two semesters, she lost her scholarships and academic standing. At one point, she couldn’t imagine herself walking across the graduation stage.  With her mother’s passing, she lost her focus on completing college and direction for what she […]
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Outstanding Employees Earn EKU President’s Excellence Award

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recently celebrated outstanding faculty and staff members at the annual President’s Excellence Awards on April 23, 2025. Six EKU employees were honored for excellence with a $3,000 cash award, and finalists each received a $1,000 cash reward. EKU also honored those who have achieved 25 and 30 years of service with […]
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Spring 2025 Commencement at EKU: What You Need to Know

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will honor students’ academic success during the spring 2025 commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, in the Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum. Four ceremonies are planned to honor graduates from the university’s six academic colleges, as well as master’s and doctoral graduates from all colleges. The […]
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EKU Recognizes 2025 Society of Foundation Professors

Each year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognizes faculty members who demonstrate the highest standards of teaching through the Society of Foundation Professors. On April 29, 2025, Dr. Scotty Dunlap, professor in the School of Safety, Security and Emergency Management, and Dr. Camille Skubik-Peplaski, professor of occupational therapy, were inducted into the Society of Foundation Professors. […]
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A New Era in Education: EKU Breaks Ground on New Model Laboratory School and Announces Formation of the School of Education

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Model Laboratory School on Tuesday, May, 6, 2025, as well as the announcement of the formation of the School of Education within the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences (CEAHS). “This is an exciting day for EKU and Model […]
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EKU to Offer Word Detective Camp for Children at Corbin Campus, Thanks to $50,000 Gift From Kentucky Association of Health Plans

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) will be expanding community programs and support services at its Corbin Regional Campus and within the service region, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans (KAHP). KAHP is the trade association representing Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurers in the Commonwealth. The gift from KAHP […]
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