News and Campus Messages

Our colleague, Mitch Barnhart Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Mar 3, 2026

Campus Community, Some people occupy a position. They do good work, create a sense of stability and then move on to the next stop. There’s nothing wrong with that. Still others, though, stay and create something more. They challenge those around them to do things they didn’t think possible. They don’t simply hold a position, they transform it. In so doing, they also make everyone around them better. And they create lasting legacies of excellence that we strive to meet.

This is a photo of the University of Kentucky campus.

Update on the state budget process Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Mar 2, 2026

Campus Messages

Campus Community, I want to provide to you an update on the state budget process and what it could mean for our university. As Kentucky’s university, we are called to advance this state in everything we do. That is an enduring promise we have upheld for more than 160 years, and it is why we were created — to serve Kentucky and her people. And the commitments we make to our students, faculty, staff and communities depend on the strength of our people and the resources that support them.

This is a photo of the UK sign on University of Kentucky campus.

Support for what we do to advance Kentucky Campus Message

Eli Capiouto

Feb 10, 2026

Campus Messages

Campus Community, As president of the University of Kentucky, I often get the opportunity to close on asks and gifts that have been more than 160 years in the making. Over the last few months alone, UK has received a $50 million gift for pediatric care from the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation and $150 million to construct a fine arts district from the Bill Gatton Foundation. Those gifts are a testament to the work you do — and that so many before us have done — to help ensure a Kentucky that tomorrow is healthier, wealthier and wiser than it is today.

A snowplow pushing snow outside of The 90 on UK's campus.

A thank you to those who keep us safe Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Jan 29, 2026

Campus Messages

Campus Community,Thirty-six hours in shifts dedicated to our campus community’s safety.Nearly 800 rides provided to care givers and other essential personnel.Hundreds of acres and thousands of feet of parking lots plowed and sidewalks treated with nearly 400 tons of salt, again and again.Thousands of meals served to students and workers, tired from the cold and exhausted from their efforts to keep us safe.Dozens of employees working at all hours to keep open essential facilities that support our students and extend care to those who need it most.

Our commitment to transparency and accountability Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Jan 16, 2026

Campus Messages

Campus Community, With more than 33,000 employees, the University of Kentucky is one of the state’s largest employers. We serve every community of the Commonwealth. We extend care to each region of Kentucky. And among our nearly 39,000 enrolled students is at least one from each of the state’s 120 counties. We are Kentucky’s university.

This is a photo of the UK medical campus.

Warm wishes for a joyful holiday season Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Dec 18, 2025

Campus Messages

Campus Community, As we head into the final days of the semester, I want to pause and say thank you — and to share how proud I am of this community. A class of students prepares to leave us, as graduates, ready for careers and for lives of meaning and purpose.

Update on Office for Civil Rights agreement Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Dec 9, 2025

Campus Messages, Government Updates

Campus Community, I want to share an update on a mandatory federal review we’ve conducted of university partnerships and memberships. What We Found Over the past 60 days, the Office of Legal Counsel and dozens and dozens of senior administrators and area budget officers have reviewed tens of thousands of records and contracts to determine whether any may be considered discriminatory because they may limit participation based on race, gender or similar characteristics.

Rendering of an area with buildings and people.

An incredible gift, a new College of Fine Arts that will match the talent and dreams of our people Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Dec 1, 2025

Campus Messages

Just moments ago, the Board of Trustees accepted the largest, single gift in the history of the University of Kentucky — a $150 million commitment by the Bill Gatton Foundation to construct a new College of Fine Arts and performing arts theater.

Student holding iPad with CoPilot home page on screen

CATS AI: UK’s leadership in advancing Kentucky through artificial intelligence Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Nov 13, 2025

Campus Messages

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world — expanding access to information, transforming workplaces, reimagining research and innovation and revolutionizing health care. At the University of Kentucky, we must be committed to becoming an AI University — where AI enhances how we teach, learn, research, heal and serve the Commonwealth.

This is a photo of University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, part of the UK HealthCare patient care enterprise.

A historic gift, an enduring promise Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Oct 28, 2025

Campus Messages

Campus Community,Earlier today, I left a lecture hall in Rochester, NY, where it was announced that UK is the recipient of a $50 million gift from B. Thomas Golisano to our Kentucky Children’s Hospital.It is a gift to UK.But in an important sense it is a gift to the children of our state.

Email	pres@uky.edu
Phone	859-257-1701
Fax	859-257-1760