Skip to main
University-wide Navigation

Why I’m Proud of Our Wildcat Family

Campus Community, It’s easy to get lost in the blur and pulse of daily headlines, stories and announcements.  But in recent weeks, I’ve also encountered many moments that demonstrate the best of us and that continually make me thankful for what we do and for who we are.  The UK Men’s Basketball team returns this evening to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen for the first time in several years. Think about it. A new coach. An entirely new ballclub and a daunting schedule through the nation’s toughest conference. 

New Partnership for the Advancing Kentucky Together Network

Last fall, I shared with you the Board of Trustees’ directive calling on UK to be the institution that does more through collaborations than any other in the nation to improve the health of the state it serves. With strong partners across the state, we can do more to improve the health of Kentuckians. As a result, we announced a new partnership with Pikeville Medical Center as part of our Advancing Kentucky Together Network. This morning, I am pleased to update you on the next phase of this important work as we officially welcome Transylvania University as the first academic partner in the network. This collaboration focuses on working with partners to advance Kentucky by expanding educational opportunities and supporting health care for Kentuckians.

Update on Federal and State Issues

I want to provide you with important updates about what we’ve been tracking on the federal and state levels this week. The University of Kentucky has formally notified the PhD Project that UK is canceling any contractual relationship that exists between our institution and this organization. Last week, I informed campus that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights notified us that UK is among 45 universities under review regarding the use of “racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.”

Federal Policy Updates; Telling Your Story

This morning, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights distributed a news release indicating that 45 universities — including the University of Kentucky — are under review regarding the use of “racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.” You can read the news release here. We believe the review with respect to UK and a number of other institutions concerns the relationship with an organization called “The Ph.D. Project,” which provides networking opportunities for doctoral students.

Public Review Process Begins for Draft ARs

As I communicated in my message to campus last semester, the Board of Trustees has directed us to proceed with next steps in reviewing and revising the Administrative Regulations (ARs) to ensure they align with the institution’s updated Governing Regulations (GRs).

Q&A Video about Federal and State Policy Changes

Campus Community,As we continue to monitor the potential impacts of federal and state legislation — along with executive orders and litigation — on the University of Kentucky, I want to share with you a video that addresses some frequently asked questions.

Update on federal and state policy changes

Campus Community, I know many of you are concerned and anxious about the landscape that confronts us in higher education right now. As an official at another institution recently remarked, he has been advised to stop using the word “comfortable” because issues are changing so rapidly the word no longer makes sense to use.

Potential Impact of Federal Research Cuts

Campus Community,We are committed to keeping you updated on the latest information regarding executive orders from President Donald Trump’s administration, the potential impact of the executive orders on our campus, the work we do and how we are responding.Late Friday afternoon, the federal National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the rate for what are known as “indirect costs” would be lowered to 15% for all existing and new NIH contract awards. Earlier today, litigation was filed by multiple states challenging this decision.

Update on federal policy changes

Campus Community,   I communicated with you yesterday about a pause — issued by President Donald Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) — on agency grant, loan and other financial assistance programs related to our research efforts. That directive was rescinded by the White House this afternoon. 

Update on federal policy changes

Campus Community,We’ve pledged to keep you informed as a community as we know more regarding details and potential impacts of executive orders and other actions undertaken by President Donald Trump and his administration.The following is what we know today and how we are working to ensure continuous and up-to-date communication with you about these issues: