A crucial part of the College of Arts & Science's new five year academic plan is to invest in the study of risk-related behaviors. President Lee Todd has identified a series of issues critical to the well-being of U.S. citizens in general, and Kentuckians in particular. Many of these issues are tied to risk-related behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse, academic failure and poor health maintenance.

The college has invested in a series of faculy positions focusing on the study of risk management, primarily in the Departments of Psychology and Sociology. This cluster of faculty is working closely with colleagues in the College of Medicine, Education, Public Health and Social Work to identify strategies for the management of risk-related behaviors. Based on the success of these endeavors to date, the college plans to continue its investment in this area, which directly promotes the well-being of state residents, thus reinforcing UK's position at the forefront of interdisciplinary social-science research.