Thank You for All That You Do
Campus Community,
Winter Storm Blair packed a punch across Kentucky and the region over the last few days.
As always, I am so gratified and appreciative — but never surprised — at how our community responds to those we treat and serve. Although the brunt of the storm’s initial wave has passed us, bitter cold temperatures and challenging weather remain in the forecast. Because of the incredible work of so many people on our campus over the last three days, we anticipate — as our message last night indicated — that we will be open on Wednesday and fully operational, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Please visit our UK Alerts website — https://www.uky.edu/alerts/ — for the latest about UK operations and follow our social media channels on X and Facebook for up-to-date information.
Facilities crews have been working 12-hour shifts since this weekend, keeping our campus as safe as possible. Dining employees have provided meals to sustain their efforts.
UK Police have been the backbone of emergency operations, working with Transportation Services, UK HealthCare, Information Technology Services and other vital areas, to ensure services could continue — whether that involved rides for health care employees, supporting cleanup operations or working with weather officials to make sure we had the latest and most accurate information to make decisions in the best interest of our community.
Team members from the Office for Student Success have been responding to calls from students, with a variety of challenges, while working with UK Housing to prepare for move-in this weekend and the start of a new semester next week.
Team members with our Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment have maintained farms, research facilities and other infrastructure to ensure that our presence — where it matters most — continues to be felt in every corner and community of Kentucky.
And, of course, our health care team members — here in Lexington and throughout the state, including our partners in Ashland and Morehead — have been working around the clock to treat and support those who need the critical care that only we provide.
Dozens of UK HealthCare team members have essentially lived at our hospitals for days to ensure continuity of operations. Many more traversed often treacherous conditions to make it to work because our hospitals and many of our clinics simply can’t close.
Those are only a few examples, among countless others on our campus and throughout our Commonwealth, of how we come together in common purpose to keep Kentuckians safe and well.
And you see that commitment most when the challenges are the greatest.
This, of course, is who we are. It is what we do.
It’s you.
During this time, we also want to reinforce how important it is that you stay safe and that you communicate with your managers and colleagues, if and when issues arise. While for many of you, work continues — whether in person or remote — regardless of the weather, nothing is more important than your health and well-being. We will get the work done, but we also will extend a sense of grace and understanding to those who are juggling so much during challenging conditions.
As our weather conditions could change quickly in the days ahead, it is important to let us know if you notice slippery spots on sidewalks, building entrances or parking lots. Please email snow@uky.edu to report any areas that need attention.
Thank you for all you do for this community and for the state that we seek to make stronger and healthier, every day, in all that we do.
Looking forward to warmer days ahead,
Eli Capilouto
President