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Legislative Update

The House proposal includes increases in the general funds — or base budget — UK would receive from the state as well as more investment in the performance funding model. House members will consider that proposal in the coming weeks, before turning to the Senate for its review.

Honoring MLK's Legacy

On Monday, thousands came together in downtown Lexington to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s profound legacy. I had the privilege to share with the crowd that 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the March on Frankfort. In 1964, Kentuckians — some 10,000 strong — marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson and UK staff, faculty and students. Their footprints helped carve the path for the Kentucky Civil Rights Act of 1966. 

Welcome Back

I hope you had a rejuvenating winter break and a great start to 2024. The beginning of a new semester is always exciting. It's a chance to set new goals or double down on your progress with renewed energy — or both. As you begin 2024, I encourage you to learn more about how to start strong.

The State Budget Process Begins

Last night, Governor Andy Beshear unveiled his budget proposal for the Commonwealth for the 2024-2026 biennium. The proposal details continued investments in higher education, including annual appropriations over the next two years to help fund general operations on our campuses. The proposal also contains funding for what we call “asset preservation,” dollars that would be devoted to renovations of facilities in the core of our campus.

Thank you for the hope you bring to our campus and to Kentucky

The momentum from this past year is palpable across our campus. We are educating and graduating more students than at any other time in our university’s history. We are making life-changing discoveries in our $476 million research and development enterprise, generating $873 million in economic activity across Kentucky.

Nursing grad, Army sergeant earns degree after deployment

Ashland resident Travis Fannin has experienced a long, whirlwind journey toward earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.

Accelerating our purpose

As part of last week's Board of Trustees meeting, we provided an update regarding our work to accelerate UK's purpose. Our five workgroups — comprised of dedicated faculty, staff and students — have worked diligently to kickstart this effort with vigor and intentionality. We plan to provide a second progress update to the board during the February meeting. 

Advancing Kentucky: UK alumnus Colby Hall working to better his Appalachian home

When Colby Hall graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and biological sciences, he had no idea his career path would lead him to his current position as executive director at Shaping our Appalachian Region Inc. (SOAR), a position he has held since 2020.

UK alum honored with prestigious award for excellence in agricultural youth education

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 7, 2023) — University of Kentucky alumnus and Carter G. Woodson Academy agriculture teacher Jacob Ball was recently recognized with the national Milken Educator Award — honoring exceptional educators across the country for their innovation and excellence, including a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize.  

Affirmation of UK’s commitment to students, Commonwealth

In March representatives of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges visited our campus for the process known as reaffirmation.