Behind The Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (November 14, 2024) – In September 2022, the University of Kentucky launched a groundbreaking initiative: UK Invests.  Designed to help students become healthier, wealthier, and wiser, UK Invests is a first-of-its-kind financial literacy program aimed at building a foundation of financial wellness for all students — undergraduate, graduate, and professional.  Through UK Invests, students can open a brokerage account, access financial wellness resources, and earn rewards for taking steps to improve their financial, physical, and mental health. The program is designed to help students become equipped to make smart financial moves that benefit them now and in the future. Here’s how it works: students can earn up to $500 per year through activities like attending financial literacy classes, participating in wellness events, and engaging with career-building opportunities. And the impact is clear — students in the program show higher GPAs and retention rates compared to those not enrolled, prov

LEXINGTON, Ky. (November 7, 2024) – The interconnectedness of Black arts and cultural institutions is essential to the mission of community impact and affecting change. That’s one of the observations made by University of Kentucky Assistant Professor Jaleesa Wells, Ph.D., from the Department of Arts Administration. For 12 months — from June 2023 through May 2024 — Wells explored the relationships between three East Okland, California, arts organizations: Artist as First Responder, Black Cultural Zone and Eastside Arts Alliance.  “The crux of my project was interviewing the stakeholders, interviewing their community members, board members, artists and the community that they interacted with,” Wells said.  Those groups were cultural institutions, she said, that went beyond the confines of their respective physical spaces.  On this edition of “Behind the Blue,” Tom Musgrave of UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications and Shauna Morgan, Ph.D., an associate professor and director of undergraduate stu

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 31, 2024) – In today’s political landscape, the power of a single post, tweet or video can shift public opinion, drive movements and even shape policies. From trending hashtags to viral tweets, social media isn’t just an accessory in politics anymore — it’s a microphone, a platform and, at times, a battleground. In the social media arena, candidates and voters engage in real-time debates, raise awareness for causes and rally support. But as its role in politics continues to grow, so do questions about its influence. How did we get here? And where is this headed? On this edition of “Behind the Blue,” Annelise Russell, an associate professor in the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, and Maggie Macdonald, an assistant professor of political science in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, explore the impact of the stories lighting up our feeds — and what they mean for the future of democracy. Their research focuses on the complex relationship between social media and

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 24, 2024) – As the 2024 election approaches, voters across the country are preparing for a pivotal year in American politics. While the Presidential race naturally dominates headlines, many states, including Kentucky, are also focusing on crucial down-ballot races that will shape the future of local and national governance.  From state legislative battles to key Congressional seats, the outcome of these elections will influence everything from healthcare to education policy. Cultural issues and voter turnout are expected to play significant roles, with both parties working hard to mobilize their bases in what is sure to be a contentious and highly watched election cycle.  On this episode of 'Behind the Blue', Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, discusses the dynamics of the 2024 elections, including the lack of competitive races at the federal level, the impact of turnout on election outcomes, and key state-level amendments. Voss also explores

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 17, 2024) – 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 wi

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 10, 2024) – In the summer of 2020, UK Football player JJ Weaver lost both his father and high school football coach in successive months. Weaver, a graduate who plays outside linebacker, says he channeled his emotions into football until an injury later that fall sidelined him and left him with no outlet. Struggling with anger and grief, JJ began falling behind in class and regressing from his teammates, until the UK coaching staff pulled him aside to try and understand what was happening. From there, Weaver’s path eventually led him to a senior capstone class with Nicole Breazeale, an associate professor of community and leadership development in the UK College of Agriculture, Food & Environment, where he shared his journey with fellow students.  As a final project in the class, Breazeale connected Weaver and two other students with Emily Johnson, the clinical programs manager at the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families, where they developed a student-led peer su

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 3, 2024) – For over a century, starting in 1915, the University of Kentucky has celebrated Homecoming week – a time for students and alumni to uphold the Wildcat spirit and traditions. Numerous groups, including the UK Alumni Association, Student Organizations and Activities, Black Student Union, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Activities Board, and the Office for Student Success have worked hard to make this a memorable week for all who take part. This year, the UK Alumni Association will also honor the Golden Wildcats from the Class of 1974, with a series of events marking their 50th reunion. For a complete schedule of Golden Wildcat Society reunion activities and details on how to register, visit the UK Alumni Association’s website. Homecoming week runs from October 7-13, 2024 and offers a range of events for the entire UK community, culminating in the Homecoming football game against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 12. Highlights leading up to the game include annual event

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 26, 2024) – Part of the UK College of Fine Arts, the University of Kentucky Art Museum fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of art from a wide variety of cultures and historical periods, offering meaningful experiences for audiences of all ages. With a permanent collection of around 5,000 objects, the museum serves as a rich resource for the campus community and a cultural hub for citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond.  Rachel Hooper is the new curator of the UK Art Museum. A seventh-generation Kentuckian and native of Lexington, Hooper says a school field trip to the museum was the early catalyst for her love of art.  On this episode of Behind the Blue, UKPR’s Tom Musgrave sits down with Hooper and Art Museum Director Stuart Horodner to discuss the nature of curatorial work, what the mission of the museum is from both educational and cultural perspectives, the significance of student involvement, and much more. "Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play,

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 19, 2024) – 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

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2024) – For Savannah Robin and Ilka Balk, what began as a "happy accident" turned into a major opportunity for students and employers alike. Robin, a lecturer in career and professional development for the University of Kentucky’s Ag Equine Programs, received an email from Balk, associate director of the university’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, noting that both had scheduled career fairs at the Gatton Student Center on the same date and time. Instead of seeing it as a conflict, they recognized it as an opportunity to showcase two of Kentucky’s signature industries—equine and spirits—in a single, unified career fair. The Kentucky Signature Industries Career Fair will bring together members from the equine and spirits industries to educate students on post-graduation career options on September 26, 2024. The collaboration also supported ongoing cross-disciplinary efforts between the Equine Programs and the Beam Institute, as students from the Gatton College of Bus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 13, 2024) – 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. For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email BehindTheBlue@uky.edu 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2024) – Every year, on Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day renews our commitment to addressing the growing mental health crisis affecting millions around the globe.  Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), World Suicide Prevention Day aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of suicide, promote effective prevention strategies and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.  The day has grown significantly in scope and impact over the years — reflecting a broader recognition of suicide as a critical public health issue that requires universal attention and efforts.  According to WHO, an estimated 703,000 people die by suicide each year. And for every person who dies by suicide, there are many more who attempt it or experience suicidal thoughts.  This year's theme, "Building Hope Through Action," emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in creating a supportive environment fo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 4, 2024) – For Eric Monday, the start of a new fall semester is marked by the dynamic energy of returning students, along with the opportunity — and challenge — of creating a lasting first impression as an educator. Beyond his role as UK's executive vice president for finance and administration, Monday also continues to teach an undergraduate course on personal investing and financial planning. Through this teaching role, he directly witnesses the importance of infrastructure investment in fostering student success and supporting the university’s growth. Monday describes the university’s record-setting budget for the fiscal year as a reflection of its values and its mission to advance the Commonwealth. These investments touch every facet of the institution, from academics to health care, underscored by a strategic refresh of the UK HealthCare system. In this initiative, Monday serves as co-executive vice president for health administration alongside Provost Robert DiPaola.  On this

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 26, 2024) – The Office of the Provost serves as the primary resource at the University of Kentucky for faculty, colleges and their leadership to support the core missions of excellence in teaching, research, service and care. Housed within the Office of the Provost are departments and individuals dedicated to supporting faculty as they continue inspiring students in the classroom, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with their research and building up our communities in new and innovative ways. These departments and offices, such as the Office for Faculty Advancement, provide the university’s faculty with the resources necessary to continue advancing Kentucky  UK Provost Robert DiPaola, M.D. leads these initiatives to support faculty with a focus on transdisciplinary efforts, where experts from across disciplines come together early on to not only solve problems and issues, but also identify potential ones. In addition, DiPaola also serves as Co-Executive Vice President for Health Af

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 26, 2024) – This year marks the 14th fall semester on campus for UK President Eli Capilouto, serving in a position he says he’s never considered as a job, but instead a life of meaning and purpose. On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Capilouto takes time at the beginning of the new academic year to discuss the momentum of the entire campus to advance Kentucky through teaching, service, research, and care. He shares why this is one of his favorite times of the year and talks about both the aspirations and challenges ahead for UK in 2024-25.  "Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher 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. For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email BehindTheBlue@uky.edu or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 22, 2024) – From college and professional football to thoroughbred racing and basketball to summer and winter Olympics, legendary sports broadcaster Tom Hammond’s voice has painted the picture of some of the most historic and iconic moments of the past 40 years of sports. Now retired, the University of Kentucky alumnus remains involved with projects with personal meaning. He recently served as a member of the Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign committee, which oversaw efforts to raise $2.1 billion dollars to support all parts of the institution’s mission: education, research, service and care. On August 20th, Hammond released his new book – “Races, Games, and Olympic Dreams: A Sportscaster’s Life” – a look at his early life and storied career, co-written by Lexington Herald-Leader sportswriter Mark Story. On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Hammond talks about his lengthy career, the new book, and how the University of Kentucky remains an important part of his personal and

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 15, 2024) – The summer break is nearing its end, and soon the University of Kentucky campus will once again be bustling with activity with the start of the Fall 2024 semester. For many UK students, however, their ambition and drive didn’t stop because it was summer break. Across the nation and world, undergraduate and graduate students alike have been working on expanding their experiences and education. Regardless of whether they’ve been traveling or staying close to home, students have been enhancing what they have already learned at UK, and making plans to bring back their experiences to better their campus and communities. Summer is an ideal time of opportunity for students to take a leap into an experience within their college careers that will propel them into their chosen career field. These experiences can be catalysts in their personal lives, exposing them to new people, environments, and ideas they wouldn’t have been able to explore during the school year. On this episode

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 8, 2024) – On July 30, UK HealthCare opened a new emergency unit dedicated to the treatment of patients experiencing a mental health crisis. The unit, known as EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing), is the first EmPATH unit in Kentucky.  Pioneered by internationally known emergency psychiatry expert Scott Zeller, M.D., only about 30 EmPATH units currently exist in the U.S. Rather than going to a traditional emergency room, where patients seeking care for a behavioral health issue may be waiting for hours in a stressful environment before being evaluated, EmPATH units were created to provide immediate support for patients in a carefully designed, calming environment. UK HealthCare and New Vista have collaborated with leadership from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to bring this new, evidence-based model of emergency behavioral health care to Kentucky. In this episode of “Behind the Blue,” Eastern State Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Lindse

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 1, 2024) – Katherine Hartmann, M.D., Ph.D., is the new director of the University of Kentucky’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS). Hartmann is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), epidemiologist and health services researcher, in addition to leading the UK CCTS.  She graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s epidemiology Ph.D. program and Johns Hopkins University’s M.D. program. Hartmann comes to UK from Vanderbilt University where she recently served as associate dean for clinical translational scientist development. As a physician scientist, Hartmann has years of expertise with research involving large community-recruited cohorts, behavioral interventions and clinical trials. Her work includes groundbreaking results that have answered key questions for women’s health during pregnancy.  Asking questions and finding answers is what initially sparked her interested in health research. Her goal is to improve the quality of health care for all

 LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 25, 2024) – This year marked Kentucky Gymnastics 50th season. Fans were able to watch some incredible talent during the historic season, including the incredibly decorated Raena Worley.   The 2024 SEC Floor Co-Champion graduated in May with a dual degree in Communications and Kinesiology. She is now an assistant coach for Kentucky Gymnastics. Worley is the second-most decorated gymnast in the history of U-K’s program with a long list of accolades. Some highlights include earning five perfect tens this past season of competition — four on floor exercise and one coming on the uneven bars.   Worley also qualified as a national championship individual competitor this year and finished as runner-up on the floor exercise.  Now, the world turns its attention to the Paris Olympics and once again gymnastics will be a must-watch event.   On this episode of “Behind the Blue” we pick Worley’s brain about competing at such a high level and see who she’s eyeing in the competition.  "Behind the