Eastern Kentucky University facts for kids
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Former names
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Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No. 1 (1906–1922) Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College (1922–1930) Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College (1930–1948) Eastern Kentucky State College (1948–1966) |
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| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1874 (predecessor college) 1906 (current institution) |
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Academic affiliations
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Space-grant |
| Endowment | $78.8 million (2022) |
| President | David McFaddin |
| Provost | Sara Zeigler |
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Academic staff
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563 full-time (spring 2022) and 410 part-time (spring 2022) |
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Administrative staff
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1,554 full-time |
| Students | 15,673 (fall 2024) |
| Undergraduates | 13,448 (fall 2024) |
| Postgraduates | 2,225 (fall 2024) |
| Location |
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United States
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| Colors | Maroon and White |
| Nickname | Colonels |
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Sporting affiliations
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| Mascot | Colonels |
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Eastern Kentucky University (often called Eastern or EKU) is a public university located in Richmond, Kentucky. It also has smaller campuses in Corbin, Hazard, and Manchester. EKU offers more than 40 online programs for students.
Contents
EKU's History
How EKU Started
On March 21, 1906, the Governor of Kentucky, J. C. W. Beckham, signed a law to create the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No. 1. A "Normal School" was a place where people learned to become teachers. On May 7, 1906, a special group chose the old Central University campus as the perfect spot for this new college. EKU is still located there today.
Changing Names Over Time
Over the years, EKU's name changed a few times. In 1922, it became the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College. The first degrees under this new name were given out in 1925. In 1930, it changed again to the Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College. Then, in 1948, it was shortened to Eastern Kentucky State College. Finally, in 1966, it was officially named Eastern Kentucky University.
Making the Campus New and Modern
Between 2012 and 2020, EKU's campus got a big makeover. Many new buildings were added, and old ones were improved. This huge project made the campus look much better. It was the biggest building effort since the 1960s!
Here are some of the new or updated places:
- Powell Student Center (2019–20)
- New Rec Center (2019–20)
- Case Dining Hall (2018)
- New Gertrude Hood Stadium (Softball Field) (2017)
- Scholar House (2017)
- Turner Gate (2016)
- John Grant Crabbe Main Library's Noel Reading Porch (2015)
- Lancaster Avenue Pedway (2015/2017)
- 1971 Verdin Carillon bells (Keen Johnson Building) (2014)
- New Science Building (Phase I) (2012)
EKU's Leaders: The Presidents
Many leaders have guided Eastern Kentucky University throughout its history. Here is a list of the people who have served as president:
| No. | President | Term |
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| 1 | Ruric Nevel Roark | 1906–1909 |
| 2 | Mary Creegan Roark | 1909–1910 |
| 3 | John G. Crabbe | 1910–1916 |
| 4 | Thomas J. Coates | 1916–1928 |
| - | Homer Cooper (interim) | 1928 |
| 5 | Herman L. Donovan | 1928–1941 |
| 6 | William F. O'Donnell | 1941–1960 |
| 7 | Robert R. Martin | 1960–1976 |
| - | Julius Cherry Powell (interim) | 1975–1976 |
| 8 | Julius Cherry Powell | 1976–1984 |
| 9 | Hanley Funderburk | 1984–1998 |
| 10 | Bob Kustra | 1998–2001 |
| - | Eugene Hughes (interim) | 2001 |
| 11 | Joanne Glasser | 2001–2007 |
| - | Charles D. Whitlock (interim) | 2007–2008 |
| 12 | Charles D. Whitlock | 2008–2013 |
| 13 | Michael T. Benson | 2013–2020 |
| - | David T. McFaddin (interim) | 2020 |
| 14 | David T. McFaddin | 2020–present |
What Students Learn at EKU
EKU is officially approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This means the university meets high standards for education. In 2010, EKU started offering its first doctoral degree, which is the highest level of education you can get.
EKU helps many different students. They have programs for adults who want to finish their degrees. They also offer many online classes, so students can learn from anywhere.
EKU's Rankings and Student Success
Eastern Kentucky University has received national recognition for its programs. Here are some of its rankings from U.S. News & World Report in 2022:
- #52 (tie) in Regional Universities South
- #29 Best Graduate School – Occupational Therapy
- #24 Best Colleges for Veterans
Forbes Magazine also ranked EKU in 2019:
- #641 Top Colleges
- #248 in Public Colleges
- #160 in the South
After ten years, EKU graduates earn a median salary of about $42,000. This amount can change depending on what they studied. For example, nursing majors earned around $65,000, and computer science majors earned about $72,000. Many EKU graduates earn more than typical high school graduates in the same area.
Honors Program for Top Students
In 1987, EKU started an honors program. This program is designed to attract students who have achieved high grades. The first 34 students joined the program in 1988.
EKU Sports: The Colonels
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The sports teams at Eastern Kentucky University are called the Colonels. Before the mid-1960s, they were known as the "Maroons." EKU is part of NCAA Division I, which is the highest level for college sports.
Since 2021, most EKU teams compete in the ASUN Conference. The football team plays in the United Athletic Conference (UAC). Before this, EKU was part of the Ohio Valley Conference from 1948 to 2021.
EKU has 18 different sports teams. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football, and golf. Women's sports include basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball.
EKU Media
WEKU Radio Station
WEKU is a radio station that started in 1968. It is a founding member of National Public Radio (NPR). WEKU broadcasts NPR news and talk shows. It also creates its own local news and cultural programs.
WEKU broadcasts across nine FM stations in Central and Eastern Kentucky:
- 88.9 FM Richmond /Lexington
- 90.9 FM Hazard
- 88.5 FM Corbin
- 90.1 FM Pineville
- 106.7 FM Frankfort
- 96.3 FM Harlan
- 96.9 FM Barbourville
- 95.1 FM Pikeville
- 102.5 FM Middlesboro
The Eastern Progress Newspaper
The Eastern Progress is a media network run by EKU students. It started in 1922. Students create a monthly print newspaper, online articles, videos, photos, and podcasts. This media group is part of the School of Communication at EKU.
Famous People Who Went to EKU
Many notable people have attended Eastern Kentucky University. Here are a few examples:
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J. C. W. Beckham, former Governor of Kentucky and U.S. Senator
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Eula Bingham, former Assistant Secretary of Labor
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Leila Feltner Begley, former Secretary of State of Kentucky
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Elmer Begley, former Secretary of State of Kentucky
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Mike Harmon, former Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts
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Mallory Ervin, Miss Kentucky 2009
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Sam Champion, a well-known weather anchor
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Earle Combs, MLB Hall of Famer for the New York Yankees
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Lee Majors, Actor, known for The Six Million Dollar Man
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Roy Kidd, College Football Coach, in the College Football Hall of Fame
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Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand
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Danny C. Reeves, Chief Judge of a U.S. District Court
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Gregory N. Stivers, Chief Judge of a U.S. District Court
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Silas House, a Novelist
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Ken Keen, a Military General
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