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Our Mission, 160 Years Strong

The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving people's lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service and health care.

The University of Kentucky:

  • Facilitates learning, informed by scholarship and research;
  • Expands knowledge through research, scholarship and creative activity; and
  • Serves a global community by disseminating, sharing and applying knowledge.

From Paducah to Pikeville, Covington to Cumberland, the University of Kentucky touches lives across the Bluegrass State, providing education, cultural stimulation and economic development in all 120 counties. As Kentucky's flagship institution, UK plays a critical leadership role in the Commonwealth by contributing to the economic development and quality of life within Kentucky's borders and beyond. 

We were created — and we exist — to advance Kentucky in everything that we do, as we work with partners across this state for a stronger, healthier and more secure Commonwealth.

President Eli Capilouto
Eli Capilouto
President

Board of Trustees

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees consists of 16 members appointed by the Governor, two members of the faculty, one university staff employee and one member of the student body.

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Executive Team

The president's Executive Team includes the provost and vice presidents, who collaboratively guide the institution’s academic, administrative and operational priorities.

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President's Staff

The president’s support staff provides essential administrative and logistical assistance, ensuring efficient operations and enabling the president to focus on advancing the university’s mission and strategic goals.

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Important Updates

Open Searches

The University of Kentucky is recognized worldwide for excellence in teaching, research and service and as a catalyst for intellectual, social, cultural and economic development. There are currently no cabinet level searches.

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Monitoring Federal Changes 2025

The new presidential administration has recently signed dozens of executive orders and personnel actions. This page will communicate with campus important updates impacting our community.  

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Campus Messages

Our Principles and Priorities as Kentucky’s University

Campus Community, We are moving quickly into the final two weeks of the spring semester, a time that has traditionally been filled with anticipation, joy and celebration. But I realize that, for many, the recent policy changes facing our university — and higher education across the country — have resulted in questions and uncertainty. 

Honoring the Legacy, Future of Memorial Coliseum

The speech below was presented by University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto at the Grand Re-Opening of Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, April 26, 2025. A video recording of this speech is available to view here.  You can view all the speakers here. 

A Community Focused on Each Other, and Our State

I know the past few months have caused feelings of uncertainty and strain for many members of the UK family. Today, at the Board of Trustees meeting, I presented the President’s Report (PR 1) that addressed the challenges facing higher education and how, together, we will move forward — with our mission to advance Kentucky as our guide.