News and Campus Messages

This is a photo of the University of Kentucky campus.

Important update on state budget and UK Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Apr 16, 2026

Campus Community,As the General Assembly concluded its work late last night, I want to share an update following an intense and consequential final day of the state legislative session.I am very grateful to legislators, who ultimately restored nearly all the proposed reductions to our operating budget.

The Cornerstone at UK with wet, reflective streets and a partly cloudy sky.

State budget update Campus Message

Eli Capilouto

Apr 2, 2026

Government Updates

Campus Community,State legislative leaders who have been negotiating the last several days agreed to a final version of the proposed two-year budget for the state and sent it to the Governor for his consideration.It is, as always, a complex document, particularly during a time when policymakers are trying to hold down expenses. Most state agencies, for example, would receive cuts over the next two years.Most universities, including UK, are receiving budget reductions as well, even as lawmakers are also investing in critical infrastructure across our campus.

Football coach hugging player on field after a winning game

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.

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.

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