Eastern Kentucky University facts for kids
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| Latin: Universitas Orientalis Kentuckiensis | |
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Former names
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Central University (1874–1901) 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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| Motto | Where Students and Learning Come First |
| 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 | 14,465 (spring 2022) |
| Undergraduates | 12,070 (spring 2022) |
| Postgraduates | 2,395 (spring 2022) |
| Location |
,
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United States
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| Colors | Maroon and White |
| Mascot | Colonels |
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Eastern Kentucky University (often called Eastern or EKU) is a big public university located in Richmond, Kentucky. It also has smaller campuses in towns like Corbin, Hazard, Lancaster, and Manchester. Plus, EKU offers more than 40 different study programs you can take online!
Contents
History of EKU
How EKU Started
EKU's story began in 1874 with a school called Central University in Richmond, Kentucky. This first school had some money troubles and not many students. So, in 1901, it joined up with another college called Centre College.
Later, on March 21, 1906, the Governor signed a law to create a new school. This new school was named the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No. 1. On May 7, 1906, they 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 changed its name a few times. In 1922, it became the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College. The first students earned their degrees under this name in 1925.
In 1930, the name changed again to the Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College. Then, in 1948, it was shortened to Eastern Kentucky State College. Finally, in 1966, the school officially became Eastern Kentucky University.
Making the Campus New and Modern
Between 2012 and 2020, EKU worked hard to build new things and make the campus look even better. This huge project cost millions of dollars. Much of the money came from working with private companies.
These building efforts were the biggest changes to the campus since the 1960s. Many new buildings and updates were made, including:
- 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)
Learning at EKU
What You Can Study
Eastern Kentucky University is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This means it meets high standards for education. In 2010, EKU started offering its first doctoral degree, which is the highest degree you can earn.
EKU helps people in its area by offering ways to finish degrees for adults. It also has many online programs, so you can study from anywhere. Of course, it still has all its traditional classes on campus too!
EKU's National Recognition
Eastern Kentucky University has been recognized nationally for its quality. For example, the U.S. News & World Report 2022 Rankings listed EKU among the best:
- #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 you study. For example, nursing graduates earn around $65,000, and Computer and Information Science graduates earn about $72,000. Many EKU graduates earn more than typical high school graduates in their area.
Honors Program for Top Students
In 1987, EKU started an honors program. This program is designed to attract students who have achieved a lot in their studies. The first 34 students joined this special 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 the 2021–22 school year, EKU mainly competes in the ASUN Conference. However, its football team plays in the United Athletic Conference (UAC). The Colonels used to be in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) for many years.
EKU has 18 different varsity sports teams. These include baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, and track & field for both men and women.
EKU Media
WEKU Radio Station
WEKU is EKU's radio station, which started in 1968. It's a founding member of National Public Radio (NPR). WEKU broadcasts news and talk shows from NPR. It also creates its own local news, arts, and cultural programs.
You can listen to WEKU across Central and Eastern Kentucky on nine different FM stations:
- 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, also known as The EP, is the official student newspaper. It started in February 1922 and is still going strong today!
Famous People from EKU
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J. C. W. Beckham, a former governor and U.S. senator for Kentucky
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Eula Bingham, who worked for the U.S. government to keep workplaces safe
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Leila Feltner Begley, a former Secretary of State for Kentucky
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Elmer Begley, a former Secretary of State for Kentucky
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Mike Harmon, a former auditor for Kentucky
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Mallory Ervin, who was crowned Miss Kentucky in 2009
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Sam Champion, a well-known weather anchor
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Earle Combs, a baseball Hall of Famer who played for the New York Yankees
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Lee Majors, a famous actor from The Six Million Dollar Man
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Roy Kidd, a college football coach in the College Football Hall of Fame
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