May EDC Newsletter - Attend the 'Economic Development Across KY' convening | UK celebrates record breaking commencement

UK EDC News | May 2026

EDC to host first quarterly convening, 'Economic Development Across Kentucky: Regional Perspectives from the Field'

Talent Update

UK celebrates a record-breaking commencement

The University of Kentucky marked a milestone earlier this month as thousands of Wildcats crossed the stage during its largest-ever Commencemen t, celebrating the achievements of a record-setting Class of 2026.

Across four ceremonies May 8-9, at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, more than 5,100 graduates took part, surrounded by family and friends.

In all, 6,693* May degree candidates — including 4,427 undergraduates, 1,526 graduate students and 740 professional students — were conferred.

Innovation Update

UK researchers bridge KY's energy past with world’s energy future

Coal has long been the fuel at the heart of energy production in the Commonwealth. Kentuckians often grow up with stories of their grandfather’s days in the mines. But researchers at the University of Kentucky are finding ways to repurpose coal for energy storage — in the form of lithium-ion batteries.

Matthew Weisenberger, Ph.D., an associate director at the UK Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and adjunct assistant professor in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, is at the forefront of this effort, spearheading research into converting coal into synthetic graphite.

Place Update

Turner Construction, University of Kentucky celebrates 5th Construction Business Accelerator cohort

Turner Construction Company and UK honored the latest graduates of the Construction Business Accelerator (CBA) program May 12 at the College of Design's Gray Design Building, bringing the program's total alumni count to 84 participants representing 72 companies since its founding in 2022.

The graduation marked the completion of the program's fifth cohort, which included 19 participants — among them five current UK students — and added to the 65 graduates across 58 companies who completed the program between 2022 and 2025.

The CBA is a partnership between the University of Kentucky and OneUK partner, Turner Construction Company, designed to help small and emerging construction businesses grow through intensive, hands-on training. The curriculum covers safety, site logistics, insurance, bonding, contracts, subcontracting, estimating, scheduling, construction accounting and bid preparation.

Meet the EDC Steering Committee

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

Jennifer Greer joined the College of Communication and Information as dean in August 2019. Prior to coming to UK, Greer served as associate provost, interim dean and department chair at the University of Alabama, and acting dean, graduate director and academic chair at the University of Nevada Reno.

Greer has been a tenured faculty member at all three institutions and started her career as a faculty member and advisor, winning college-wide teaching awards at Nevada and Alabama and a university-wide advising award at Alabama. She serves on two national editorial boards, has co-edited a book and has published peer-reviewed articles related to political communication, media effects and sport communication.

Greer earned a Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Florida. She also holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Kansas and two bachelor's degrees (BJ in News-Editorial and BA in political science) from the University of Missouri.

In her professional career, Greer worked as a reporter for The Kansas City Star and an editor for the Gainesville Sun. She worked in the university relations offices at the University of Kansas and the University of Florida and was a contributing writer for the Reno Gazette-Journal.

See the full committee here

KY Small Business Development Center Training:

Fund Smart: Understanding Business Financing

May 28, 2026 - 7:00 PM

Many of the most significant considerations for starting a business revolve around finance and funding. In this workshop with Kentucky SBDC Training Coordinator JC Phelps, you will have the opportunity to explore the ins and outs of finance and financing for small businesses. Training is provided free of charge and will be held on Zoom.

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:

The EDC seeks to bring the university together by connecting people, sharing knowledge and leading efforts that advance economic impact in alignment with UK’s Advancing Kentucky Together initiative and regional and state goals.