Behind The Blue

 LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 18, 2025) – For more than a century, beginning in 1915, the University of Kentucky has marked Homecoming Week as a celebration of tradition, spirit and community. The week brings together students, alumni, families and friends to honor what it means to be a Wildcat. Homecoming 2025, held October 12–19, once again features the collaboration of the UK Alumni Association, Student Organizations and Activities, Black Student Union, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Activities Board, the Office for Student Success and other campus partners. This year, the Alumni Association will also welcome the Golden Wildcats from the Class of 1975 for a series of reunion activities, including their formal induction into the Golden Wildcat Society. A full schedule of events and registration details can be found on the UK Alumni Association’s website. From the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show to the Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, Big Blue Day at Keeneland, the Alumni Commons Block Par

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 11, 2025) – What began as a happy accident between two separate career fairs has grown into one of the most impactful workforce development events at the University of Kentucky. Now in its fourth year, the Kentucky Signature Industries Career Fair is welcoming a new major player — agribusiness — to its collaborative showcase of opportunity.  Hosted by the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the career fair was originally born from a coincidental overlap in scheduling between the college’s Ag Equine Programs and the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. Rather than competing, they joined forces to highlight two of Kentucky’s most iconic industries — equine and distillation — for a single event that connects students with employers and opportunities they might never have previously considered. This year, the Department of Agricultural Economics is officially joining the fair to represent Kentucky’s dynamic agribusiness sector, offering students an

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 5, 2025) – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day — a moment to highlight the importance of open, honest conversations about mental health and the resources available to help those in crisis. On this episode of “Behind the Blue”, Dr. Lindsey Jasinski and Dr. Marc Woods, two of the key leaders behind the EmPATH program at Eastern State Hospital, discuss their decades of experience in behavioral health and suicide prevention, and share how their team is helping Kentuckians find hope during some of their most vulnerable moments. They discuss the alarming prevalence of suicide—particularly among young people in Kentucky—and offer actionable insight on how to support someone who may be struggling. They also explain how EmPATH, a low-barrier, 24/7 mental crisis emergency unit, is changing the way patients receive immediate, compassionate mental health care—and why that model is quickly gaining national attention. “Behind

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 28, 2025) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students. To receive the award, a candidate must: Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK. Have superior knowledge of the subject matter. Have original and innovative classroom presentations. Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting. Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years.  A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted. This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six Great Teacher Award win

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 21, 2025) – Now in his 15th academic year leading the University of Kentucky, President Eli Capilouto prepares for the start of the fall 2025 semester — a moment he often describes as among his favorite of the year. On this episode of Behind the Blue, Capilouto reflects on the renewed energy and momentum across campus as students, faculty, and staff begin a new year. He shares how UK continues to fulfill its mission of advancing Kentucky through education, research, service, and care; discusses key challenges and opportunities on the horizon for 2025–26; and outlines how UK’s culture of innovation is being shaped by those who call the Commonwealth home. ‘Behind the Blue’ is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.  Behind the Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 14, 2025) – The University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology is marking its 60th anniversary, celebrating a legacy that began in 1965 with a single faculty member and has grown into a nationally respected center for neurological care, research, and education. The department, led by chair Larry Goldstein, M.D., has expanded to more than 70 faculty and built a reputation for advancing clinical care across numerous subspecialties — from general neurology, stroke, epilepsy, and movement disorders to neuromuscular diseases, multiple sclerosis/neuroimmunology, child neurology, neuro-ophthalmology, neuro-oncology and memory disorders. With a strong commitment to serving the Commonwealth, the department partners with hospitals and clinics statewide, including outreach to rural communities through its stroke care network and traveling pediatric clinics, ensuring Kentuckians have access to specialized care without leaving the state. On this episode of Behind the Blue,

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 7, 2025) – Fiction has long offered writers a veil—an opportunity to tell deeply personal stories while maintaining a layer of narrative distance. But what happens when that veil is intentionally thin? When the boundaries between memory and imagination, fact and fiction, are not just blurred but teased and twisted? That’s the space explored in If You Love It, Let It Kill You, the latest novel from Hannah Pittard, acclaimed author and professor in the University of Kentucky’s Department of English. Drawing from autobiographical threads, Pittard uses fiction to explore truths that might feel too complex—or too personal—for straightforward memoir.  On this episode of Behind the Blue, Pittard talks about the freedom and risk of writing autobiographical fiction, the influence of teaching and mentorship on her work, and the role that humor and discomfort play in crafting emotionally resonant stories. ‘Behind the Blue’ is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 31, 2025) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students. To receive the award, a candidate must: Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK. Have superior knowledge of the subject matter. Have original and innovative classroom presentations. Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting. Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years. A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted. This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six Great Teacher Award winner

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 18, 2025) – Each year in the U.S., more than 350,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Survival in these moments depends on two critical factors: immediate bystander response and access to life-saving technology. Yet in many communities—especially in rural or under-resourced areas—those tools remain out of reach. At the heart of the solution is the automated external defibrillator, or AED. Small, portable, and easy to use, AEDs can drastically increase the odds of surviving cardiac arrest when paired with prompt CPR. But despite their effectiveness, these devices are still missing in far too many schools, offices, churches, and public spaces across Kentucky and the nation. On this episode of Behind the Blue, we speak with Dr. Shaun Mohan, an electrophysiologist and medical director of Project ADAM at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Dr. Mohan discusses the mission to expand AED access through education and grassroots community partnerships, and how programs l

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 1, 2025) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students. To receive the award, a candidate must:  Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK. Have superior knowledge of the subject matter. Have original and innovative classroom presentations. Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting. Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years. A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted. This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six Great Teacher Award winner

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 26, 2025) – When we think about children's health, we often picture check-ups, vaccinations, and the day-to-day care families receive from their pediatricians. But in Kentucky, the conversation goes much deeper. From rural access to care, to systemic poverty, to the lingering effects of the opioid epidemic, children across the Commonwealth face challenges that begin long before they step into a doctor’s office. At the same time, Kentucky Children's Hospital and the University of Kentucky are stepping up with bold strategies aimed not just at treating illness, but at building healthier communities—starting from the ground up. Through statewide partnerships, data-driven interventions, and a renewed focus on population health, leaders are rethinking what pediatric care can and should be. On this episode of Behind the Blue, we speak with Dr. Scottie Day, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Physician-in-Chief of Kentucky Children's Hospital, and Dr. Bethany Hodge, Vice Chair for Popu

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 19, 2025) – THIS IS AN ENCORE EPISODE. On January 1st, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the ‘Emancipation Proclamation’, but it wasn’t until June 19th, 1865 that the last remaining enslaved African Americans – men and women in Galveston, Texas – learned they were free. Since that time, June 19th, or “Juneteenth”, has been celebrated annually in various parts of the United States to commemorate emancipation as well as celebrate African-American culture. Still, it took until June 17th of 2021 for the day to be recognized as a federal holiday, after becoming more widely celebrated among African-American communities and gaining more and more mainstream attention in the US.  On this episode of Behind the Blue, we’re presenting an encore interview with Dr. Anastasia Curwood, director of The Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies (CIBS) and African American and Africana Studies (AAAS) at UK. In this conversation, originally from June of 2022, Dr. Curwood discusses the Juneteenth holi

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 12, 2025) – As the University of Kentucky continues to evolve – whether through expanding student housing, major medical center construction, or increased sustainability initiatives – so too must the systems that help people navigate it all. With summer offering a brief window for more intensive work, University of Kentucky Transportation Services is executing projects ranging from garage expansions and surface lot renovations to shuttle route adjustments.  “The worst thing to do is wait until [something] hits you and then be reactive. [We] always try to be proactive,” says Lance Broeking, Director of Transportation Services at UK.  Among the more major updates are: A significant expansion of Sports Center Garage, adding over 1,200 spaces through both vertical and horizontal expansion The transition of the Prall Street lot into visitor-only parking, which Broeking hopes will reduce confusion and citation rates The introduction of flexible permit zones to help alleviate overcrowdi

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2025) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students. To receive the award, a candidate must: Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK. Have superior knowledge of the subject matter. Have original and innovative classroom presentations. Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting. Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years. A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted. This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six Great Teacher Award winners

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 29, 2025) – Health isn’t just about treating illness – it’s about access. It’s about education. It’s about the quality of life in every community across Kentucky. In October 2024, the University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees made a bold statement: that UK should become the university that does more than any other in the country to improve the health of the state it serves.  The creation of a new initiative, the Advancing Kentucky Together Network, is the next step in UK’s long-standing work to tackle health disparities, boost regional economies, and build a stronger, more resilient workforce—all through deep and sustained community partnerships.  The Network “builds upon years of work we’ve done on the healthcare side,” said Rob Edwards, UK’s Vice President and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer for UK HealthCare, “building networks of healthcare providers and working together to improve clinical care for patients and to provide that care close to the patient’s home.” The vision i

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 22, 2025) – As federal lawmakers continue to examine the future of Medicaid, universities and health systems across the country are monitoring potential policy shifts that could influence how care is delivered—especially in states like Kentucky, where Medicaid plays a foundational role in supporting healthcare access. At the University of Kentucky, Medicaid is more than a funding stream—it helps fuel a wide range of clinical services, community outreach programs, and care for underserved populations. Nearly 35% of patients served by UK HealthCare are Medicaid recipients, and many of them live in rural areas or face chronic health challenges that require consistent, high-quality care. Helping to lead the university’s strategic and policy response is Mark Birdwhistell, UK’s Senior Vice President for Health and Public Policy. With more than 45 years of experience in healthcare policy and administration, Birdwhistell has played a central role in shaping UK’s efforts to communicate the valu

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2025) – THIS IS AN ENCORE PRESENTATION. The University of Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging is celebrating 40 years of research and community impact. The center is world-renowned for its significant contributions to the field through the decades. As the UK-ADRC celebrates this milestone, we reflect on how the Center has evolved over the years and highlight some of its notable achievements. This episode of Behind the Blue features a conversation with Dr. Linda Van Eldik, Director of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Van Eldik highlights the 40-year journey of the Center, focusing on its origins, community engagement, and the evolution of Alzheimer's research.  The discussion covers the importance of understanding dementia through biomarkers, the significance of translational research, and the center's commitment to preventative strategies and lifestyle interventions. She emphasizes the need for community

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 2025) – As the University of Kentucky prepares to celebrate its newest alumni during Commencement ceremonies on May 9th and 10th, each student walking across the stage carries a unique story of transformation and impact shaped by their time on campus. Earning a degree in any field demands dedication, perseverance and countless hours of study, but the experience of UK often provides much more, equipping students with skills and perspectives gained through community engagement, hands-on research opportunities and impactful experiences with the wider world, allowing them to go on to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Two such students are graduating this spring from the UK College of Public Health, with journeys that show how UK’s supportive environment, coupled with their own initiative, has prepared them to tackle complex health challenges on a broad, even global, scale. Sophia Goodin, a Lexington native, and Sophie Ciaverelli, who grew up partly in Texas and Germany, were drawn to p

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 24, 2025) – University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto often talks about the university’s overarching mission to advance the state of Kentucky. A key part of that mission is educating more and more students to help expand the workforce across the Commonwealth.  Recent enrollment figures reflect this mission with record enrollment, as well as retention and graduation rates.  A team from the University of Kentucky recently earned the National Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) Excellence Award.  The presenting team — made up Dr. Kirsten Turner, Vice President for Student Success…Chief Analytics Officer Todd Brann…Dr. Molly Reynolds, Associate Vice President for Student Excellence…and Anne Marie Bickel, Student Analytics Team Lead, Institutional Research, Analytics & Decision Support (IRADS) — won the “Gold in 2025 Assessment, Persistence, Data Analytics and related category” for their Weekly Retention Meetings.  In this episode of Behind the Blue, two

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 17, 2025) – THIS IS AN ENCORE EPISODE. For those who live and work in urban areas, transportation is often among the top challenges in their daily routines. For Lance Broeking, Director of Transportation Services at the University of Kentucky, addressing these challenges is a constant focus. He leads a department responsible for managing campus parking, transit, and alternative transportation options, working to navigate the complexities of a growing and evolving university environment. In this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Broeking delves into the impact of campus growth and ongoing construction, the importance of collaborating with the city of Lexington, and the vital role communication and education play in addressing parking regulations, fees, and citations. He also explores the integration of new technologies within transportation services and the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.  Behind the Blue is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTun