UK EDC News | July 2024

Talent Update

UK offers new Esport Athlete Performance and Management undergraduate certificate

University of Kentucky students can develop skills in the esport and gaming industry with the new Esport Athlete Performance and Management undergraduate certificate.

The 15-hour certificate is open to students in any major and covers fundamental skills related to sport leadership and ethics, managing a sport or fitness program and facility and event management. It also covers skills specific to gaming, such as video game design and fitness and nutrition for esports and gaming.

Innovation Update

IRC program awards nearly $600,000 in pilot grants to support campus research

The University of Kentucky’s Igniting Research Collaborations (IRC) program has awarded nearly $600,000 in pilot grants to support cross-college interdisciplinary research.

The goals of IRC include increasing interdisciplinary scientific engagement and leveraging the breadth of UK expertise to tackle important problems in the Commonwealth.

UK is one of eight universities in the United States with undergraduate, graduate, professional, medical, engineering and agricultural programs on a single campus, providing a distinct opportunity for collaborative research.

Equitable Economic Development Update

Third Cohort of Construction Diversity Accelerator Graduates from program

Twenty participants recently completed the 2024 Construction Diversity Accelerator (CDA), a 10-week program designed to give minority, women and veteran-owned construction and related businesses the skills they need to be competitive in their industry. This is the third cohort to participate in the accelerator, which was developed by the University of Kentucky (UK), Turner Construction and the Kentucky APEX Accelerator, an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation dedicated to helping Kentucky businesses navigate the complex world of government contracting.

Place Update

Markey’s ACTION program expands its reach with latest student cohorts

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center’s Appalachian Career Training in ONcology (ACTION) has expanded its impact – this year including students from five previously unrepresented Appalachian counties.

Launched in 2016, ACTION is aimed at addressing the cancer burden in Appalachian Kentucky by preparing and inspiring high school and college students from the region to pursue careers in cancer research and clinical care.

With 30 more students to begin the program this fall, ACTION has now engaged 155 students from 40 of the 54 Appalachian Kentucky counties.

Partnership Update

Gatton Foundation Supports UK Research to Advance Kentucky

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) recognizes faculty members with the Gatton Foundation Professorship, funded through The Bill Gatton Foundation’s historic $100 million gift.

Through the generosity of The Bill Gatton Foundation, these awards provide faculty with resources to pursue innovative research, extension and instructional programs.

Gatton Foundation professorships are awarded to tenured professors, associate professors or current/recruited faculty and must have demonstrated a successful record in research, extension instruction and/or service, including an emphasis on transdisciplinary efforts.

See Faculty Awarded Here

Meet the Team

Part of a monthly series to introduce the Economic Development Collaborative Leaders

Marilyn Clark is the Economic Inclusion Manager for the University of Kentucky where she works across the enterprise to increase spending with underrepresented and Kentucky-located suppliers. She works closely with the procurement team, project managers, and departments to connect suppliers to opportunities at UK.

In addition, Ms. Clark is on the core committee of the UK Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), a network of campus and community stakeholders who oversee UK’s economic development and business engagement activities. Clark leads the Equitable Economic Development Subcommittee (EED) of the EDC. The EED Subcommittee works to break down barriers and expand opportunities for low-income populations and underrepresented businesses in Lexington.

Ms. Clark has an Executive MBA from a joint program through the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. She completed diversity certificate programs with Cornell University and the University of Houston. And has an undergraduate degree in journalism and broadcasting from the University of North Texas.

Central Kentucky Job Club:

Stream previous Job Club sessions that are relevant to your job search at the recording link below. Live programming will resume in the fall.

Topics Include:

Professional Development Books

HR-Approved Interview Techniques

Writing Resumes that Get Noticed

Leveraging AI in the Job Search

Tips for Negotiating Your Salary

Access Here

EDC Communication

The news featured here does not exclusively represent the work of the EDC, but rather highlights the contributions of various collaborators. We are honored to showcase the remarkable achievements taking place across the University of Kentucky.

The EDC Mission:

To proactively grow economic prosperity in the Commonwealth by focusing on the areas of Talent, Innovation, Place, Partnership, and Equitable Economic Development