UK EDC News | September 2025 | | |
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Enrollment at the University of Kentucky is now pushing 40,000 students, with a preliminary fall enrollment of 38,719, UK President Eli Capilouto told members of the Board of Trustees on September 12th. This number is up from 35,951 last fall.
UK’s student body represents every county in Kentucky, 50 states across the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Additionally, UK continues to make strides in recruiting and educating — and ultimately presenting diplomas — to more Kentuckians than ever before.
First-time, first-year enrollment for Fall 2025 is 7,012 — up from 6,513 last fall and for the first time, more than 4,000 first-year students are from Kentucky.
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The University of Kentucky, through UK Innovate, has a new partnership with LifeSciKY, a nonprofit life sciences incubator, to accelerate innovation, research translation, startup growth and bioeconomy ecosystem development across Kentucky.
LifeSciKY focuses on connecting innovations with critical resources — from affordable lab space and state-of-the-art equipment to collaborative partnerships and networking opportunities.
The goal is to help accelerate science, entrepreneurism, education and economic development to empower innovators with the critical resources and connections they need to bring their work to life.
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Economic Engagement Update
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The University of Kentucky, in partnership with Turner Construction, has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its Construction Business Accelerator, a 12-week program aimed at strengthening local construction-related businesses.
The accelerator provides participants with training in safety, site logistics, insurance, bonding, contracts, subcontracting, estimating, scheduling, construction accounting and bid preparation. The program concludes with a mock bid project and post-bid review by a panel of industry experts. All classes will be held in person at the University of Kentucky Cornerstone building.
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This summer, five University of Kentucky students brought fresh energy and creative vision to Trimble County, working to revitalize the town of Bedford as the community’s vibrant center. The effort was part of the Blueprint Kentucky (formerly CEDIK) Summer Fellows program, a multidisciplinary initiative that places students in rural Kentucky communities to develop strategies for economic development, tourism and improved quality of life.
The program is a nine-week, multidisciplinary internship administered by the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, uniting students from various majors across the university, such as landscape architecture, product design, geography and environmental science. The ultimate goal is to work together to create development plans for rural Kentucky communities.
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“I was a psychology major, and Fischer Homes fully trained me with everything I needed to work in sales with the company,” shared Mehryn Toole, standing at the front of a class of students at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
That moment was part of Fischer Homes’ third Career Builder Day with OneUK, a program that brings the company directly into the student experience. Representatives visited several student groups on campus and engaged with faculty and staff from 5 colleges.
At the heart of Career Builder Day is OneUK, the University of Kentucky’s strategic collaboration program with leading businesses, designed to foster long-term, holistic partnerships that drive innovation, talent development, and economic growth in the Commonwealth.
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What We’re Reading, Watching & Listening To
A monthly peek into the media inspiring EDC members — and how it’s shaping their work.
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Billy Joel: And So it Goes
Type: Documentary Series (HBO Max)
Shared by: Melody Flowers, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development and Real Estate and Co-Chair of the UK Economic Development Collaborative
Summary/How it has shaped Melody's work:
This two-part documentary offers a candid, emotionally rich look at Billy Joel’s life, artistry, and songwriting. What’s lingered with me is how his music is rooted in a fierce commitment to authenticity and a masterful command of narrative. At its heart is a deep respect for human relationships and dignity—even in moments when he fell short of his own ideals. It reminds me that the most meaningful work comes from telling honest stories and staying grounded in the people we serve.
Quote/Takeaway:
“Honesty is such a lonely word / Everyone is so untrue / Honesty is hardly ever heard / And mostly what I need from you.” – Billy Joel, Honesty (1979)
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KY Job Club:
Master the Interview: Proven Strategies for Career Success
October 14, 2025 - 9:00 AM
Presented by Laura Johnson, CEO, LLEJ Careers, LLC
Join this engaging webinar designed specifically for professionals navigating today's competitive job market. It covers the complete interview journey, from strategic company research through successful follow-up.
Designed for: Professionals making comebacks, career pivots, advancing to the next level, or launching their careers.
| | 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 Economic Engagement.
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