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Known as the Campus Beautiful , Eastern Kentucky University ’ s ( EKU ) main campus is in the heart of Richmond , offering a mix of all the best Kentucky has to offer . Richmond ’ s east-central location in Kentucky provides a variety of bluegrass landscapes , rolling hills and Appalachian foothills .
EKU ’ s campus is part of a thriving community that seamlessly combines small-town charm with the conveniences of a larger city . Just a short drive from Lexington , Louisville , Cincinnati and Knoxville , students at EKU enjoy the convenience of access to larger cities , while maintaining a college-town feel in Richmond .
“ EKU is dedicated to making our communities stronger ,” said EKU President David McFaddin . “ Our EKU Colonels make meaningful contributions in the communities they serve through their careers , and we are
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constantly finding new ways to positively impact the region and people around us .”
The university offers more than 100 academic programs , including Kentucky ’ s only four-year aviation and manufacturing engineering degrees , ensuring students have access to unique and career-focused education . EKU ’ s top-ranked programs — such as nursing , teacher education , criminal justice and business — strengthen the workforce , with the highest rate of graduates staying to work in Kentucky among public universities .
EKU ’ s commitment to affordability and student success is evident in initiatives like EKU BookSmart , which provides free textbooks to all degree-seeking students . The Exceptional Eastern Experience ( E3 ) enhances student life through concerts , special events and hands-on learning opportunities that
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make EKU a destination for higher education in Kentucky and beyond . With approximately 50 % of its student body consisting of first-generation college students , EKU continues to uphold its mission as the School of Opportunity in the Commonwealth .
Beyond academics , EKU plays a significant role in Richmond ’ s cultural and artistic landscape . The EKU Center for the Arts provides entertainment for all members of the local and surrounding communities , hosting concerts , theatrical performances and more . The Giles Gallery features exhibits from students and local , regional and national artists , promoting artistic expression and community appreciation .
For families in Richmond , EKU ’ s Model Laboratory School provides innovative K-12 education as Kentucky ’ s only universityaffiliated lab school . With a focus on hands-on
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education , research-based teaching methods and academic excellence , Model provides an exceptional education for students while also serving as a resource for future educators training at EKU .
EKU ’ s influence extends beyond academics and the arts on the Campus Beautiful . The university contributes to the local economy by fueling the workforce , providing employment opportunities and making significant contributions to the surrounding communities .
No matter what calls you to Madison County , Eastern Kentucky University is an integral part of the community , dedicated to serving the people of the place it calls home and the surrounding region . With its rich history , commitment to innovation and dedication to student success , EKU shapes both the lives of its students and the growth of its community .
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