By Richard LeComte 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Claire Dzan took full advantage of her stint at the University of Kentucky: She double-majored in neuroscience and Spanish; she was elected homecoming queen and sorority president; and she revitalized a key source for students who need clothing for job interviews. 

And she did all that as a first-generation college student. During her time at UK, she received multiple scholarships from the College of Arts & Sciences and other financial support. Now she hopes UK donors will contribute to a fund that will help students who follow in her footsteps. 

“With all the financial support I received, I was able to get involved,” Dzan said. “I’m passionate about leadership and mentorship, and if I didn't have that scholarship, who knows? I may have never really got involved at UK and been able to focus on growing UK.” 

On

By Elizabeth Chapin

The University of Kentucky is hosting its fifth annual Substance Use Research Event (SURE) April 24 in the UK Gatton Student Center. This free event showcases translational research conducted at UK focusing on substance use and substance use disorder.

Cannabis research is a focus of this year’s event, which will include an update on the new UK Cannabis Center, a breakout session on emerging cannabis research, and a keynote from a national cannabis expert.

“This annual event was created five years ago to highlight the depth and breadth of substance use and related research happening all over campus, and it provides an opportunity to bring together experts from many different backgrounds to build networks and continue to spur future collaborations,” said William Stoops, Ph.D., 

By Richard LeComte 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – As a nontraditional student, Meghan Turner took six years to complete an undergraduate journey, first at Somerset Community College and then as a neuroscience major at the University of Kentucky. The journey paid off: She went on to earn a master’s at UK and is now a doctoral student in biomedical sciences in the College of Medicine. But she needed some help to get across that bachelor’s finish line.  

“I was out of Pell Grant money,” Turner said. “My scholarships had expired. I had transfer scholarships, and I ended up taking out quite a bit of loans to finish up after that.” 

Students like Turner will benefit from the new Finish Line Fund, which will help College of Arts & Sciences students get the funds they need to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Donors can give to this fund during the

In the United States, World War II is often regarded as a time of unrivaled national unity and optimism. In reality, however, this traumatic period tested the American resolve in the most significant way since the Civil War. How did the nation rise to the occasion? Author and historian Tracy Campbell examines the critical year of 1942. Campbell is the E. Vernon Smith and Eloise C. Smith professor of American history in the University of Kentucky's College of Arts & Sciences. The program is "History With David Rubenstein."

By Richard LeComte 

Nevaeh Eggleston

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans may look like the best running back in the NFL as he barrels down the field, but sports statistics may say otherwise, according to University of Kentucky student Nevaeh Eggleston. By analyzing statistics for NFL running backs, she can discern how Henry, while great, may not be the best in certain circumstances.  

“For football in particular, people look at rushing yards, and for a while Derrick Henry was rated as the No. 1 rusher until his numbers fell,” said Eggleston, a UK College of Arts & Sciences senior math major from Huntsville, Alabama. “But if you look at someone like (Cleveland Browns running back) Nick Chubb and everyone else, their yards after hits are higher than Derrick Henry’s as of right now.”  

Eggleston aims to bring her statistical skills to

By Richard LeComte 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Maine Alumni Association will honor D. Allan Butterfield, the University of Kentucky Alumni Association Endowed Professor of Biological Chemistry, with its 2023 Alumni Career Award. 

The award is given to a University of Maine graduate whose life’s work is marked by outstanding achievements in professional, business, civic or other public service areas. 

“Butterfield has been credited with numerous breakthroughs regarding the study of Alzheimer’s disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment, the precursor to Alzheimer’s,” the alumni association’s website states. 

Butterfield has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, which President Bill Clinton gave to him in 1998, and an honorary doctorate

By Whitney Hale 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 7, 2023) — Taylor Hamilton, a 2016 international studies graduate, is one of only 18 to be named a 2023-24 Luce Scholar. The Henry Luce Foundation hopes to enhance understanding of Asia by offering work opportunities across Asia. Hamilton’s field of interest will be in community development and urban resilience.

“I am very much looking forward to becoming a part of the Luce Scholar community as I further develop leadership skills to aid in my career,” Hamilton said. “My goals for my Luce year are furthering my international network of colleagues and developing a social proficiency in a language other than English. I anticipate that

​By Lindsey Piercy 

​LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 3, 2023) — When’s the last time you asked yourself, what’s next?

As children, we’re encouraged to ask questions — to think, explore and be curious. But as we become adults, sometimes, that curiosity diminishes.

Not for Mario Maitland. From the time he could walk, Maitland remembers being on a court.

“We’re a basketball rich family,” he said. “I grew up watching and playing basketball.”

When Maitland wasn’t dribbling a ball, he was still watching, learning and appreciating the game. Originally from Long Island, New York, and growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, Maitland had a surprising love for the University of Kentucky.

“All the stars go to UK, so I watched them on TV,” he said. “No matter

By Richard LeComte 

Priscilla McCutcheon

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Priscilla McCutcheon, assistant professor of geography in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky, has been named a 2023 Fellow in the American Association of Geographers.  

The association recognized 16 geographers in a variety of practice areas for their contributions to geographic research, advancement of practice and careers devoted to strengthening the field of geography, including teaching and mentoring. The title of AAG Fellow is conferred for life. 

"AAG Fellows light the way for the pursuit and advancement of geography," said Gary Langham, executive director of AAG. "Their work and experience offer insights into the interaction of space and place with the key issues human societies must understand and help solve. We are grateful for their leadership and advice in

By C.E. Huffman 

Frank X Walker pictured with his new book "A Is For Affilachia." Mark Cornelison | UK Photo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 21, 2023) — Appalachia has a rich history and culture. According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, the region spans north from New York, down the expansive mountain range as far south and west to Mississippi with Kentucky in the middle. Many times, lost in the overall conversation of Appalachia are Black Americans contributions to the region.

Frank X Walker, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences English professor, wanted to make sure the region’s Black

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Rainbow, a Round Table of the American Library Association, has recognized author-illustrator Rachel Elliott, lecturer in the Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies Department of the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts & Sciences, for her debut graphic novel, “The Real Riley Mayes.” 

The novel, published in May 2022 by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of Harper Collins, was named a Stonewall Honor Book for 2023. The Stonewall Book Awards recognize English-language books that relate to the LGBTQIA+ experience.  

“I’m very grateful to all the librarians supporting books for LGBTQ youth," said Elliott, who received an MFA from the Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts at Bard College.  

In addition, the New York Public Library named “Riley Mayes” as a Best Book of 2022, and the Junior

By Justin Williams

ApppalachiaCorps connects students with organizations in Eastern Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region, providing them a summer internship opportunity concentrating on their career goals.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 13, 2023) — The University of Kentucky Appalachian Center and the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement's AppalachiaCorps program will continue for Summer 2023.

ApppalachiaCorps connects students with organizations in Eastern Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region, providing them a summer internship opportunity concentrating on their career goals. Participants will acquire valuable leadership and networking skills during this internship,

By Richard LeComte 

A NeuroCATS student shows a brain to schoolchildren.

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Everybody knows University of Kentucky students use their brains. What some people may not know is that a group of UK students keep their brains in a College of Arts & Sciences cabinet — and they frequently take them out to show at area schools. Spinal cords, too. 

Meet the NeuroCATS: These students are on a mission to spread the word about the excitement of neuroscience to kids, one lobe at a time. The club has reached out to more than 5,000 students in the Fayette County area and about 1,700 students each year.  

“There's a bit of a shock factor, but the kids tend to really enjoy it,” said Lilly Swanz, a senior neuroscience major and psychology minor from Paducah, who’s the club’s president. “They love to take pictures and show their friends and family. They’re

By Jenny Wells-Hosley

The University of Kentucky Appalachian Center is showcasing the work of student and faculty researchers through its Sharing Work on Appalachia in Progress (SWAP) series this spring.

The presenting researchers represent four colleges and seven departments from across UK’s campus, as well as a faculty guest presentation from Maynooth University in Ireland.

Many of the presenting students are supported through the center’s James S. Brown Graduate Student Awards for Research on Appalachia and the UK Appalachian Center Eller & Billings Student Research Awards.

"This spring semester we

By C.E. Huffman

Sharyn Mitchell pays tribute to unknown contributions of Black Kentuckians. Photo courtesy Berea College Magazine.

The University of Kentucky community and the public are invited to join Sharyn Mitchell for her presentation of “We, Too, Were Here!” The event will be held at the William T. Young Library’s UK Athletics Auditorium 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Mitchell is a former research services specialist at Berea College Special Collections and Archives.

"I got paid to play,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell's presentation will explore the often-hidden contributions that Black Americans have made to Kentucky history. During the conversation, Mitchell

By Kody Kiser and Lindsey Piercy 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 6, 2023) — Do you notice a shift in your mood when the days are shorter and darker? If so, you're not alone.

It’s not uncommon to experience stress, anxiety or even depression during the winter months. Each year, about 10% of adults in the United States experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The condition can reflect a change in serotonin levels and be linked to depression.

Matt Southward, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky, is researching treatment outcomes for those

By Ryan Girves

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 1, 2023) — In celebrating Black History Month, the University of Kentucky will host events on campus throughout February.

"Black History Month is a time to publicly honor the invaluable contributions of Black Americans. It is also a special time for each of us to focus on and challenge ourselves to growing our own Cultural Intelligence (CQ) — awareness, knowledge and action — toward bona fide inclusion," said Katrice Albert, UK vice president for institutional diversity. "For our campus, Black History Month is yet another opportunity to highlight and celebrate the remarkable people who help us fulfill our promise as Kentucky’s university."

Events include the following in the College of Arts & Sciences:

By Jenny Wells-Hosley 

Gary Ferland (center) with students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 31, 2023) — Gary Ferland, a professor in the University of Kentucky Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals.

Ferland is among 505 scientists, engineers and innovators who have been elected 2022 fellows for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers.

The fellowship honors Ferland’s development of a theoretical astrophysics code, “Cloudy,” which is used across the

Note: Anastasia Curwood, author of “Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics,” and Peter Kalliney, author of “The Aesthetic Cold War: Decolonization and Global Literature,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Joseph-Beth Books in Lexington.  

By Richard LeComte 

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- When Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) became the first Black woman to serve the U.S. Congress, she helped change how the chamber was run and contributed to bringing sides together to pass legislation. Her background in education — and her ability to see bills from different angles — gave her the skills and the boost she needed to represent her Brooklyn, New York, constituency effectively. 

“Chisholm was not just Black. She was not

LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 19, 2023) – The College of Arts & Sciences is the oldest and largest college at the University of Kentucky, at the heart of the university’s mission to educate students and create knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and mathematical and natural sciences.

Home to 19 academic departments that offer major degrees in 29 disciplines and 37 minors, A&S provides education in fundamentals to every undergraduate student at UK and builds foundations for advanced study in every field. Central to undergraduate and graduate education at UK, the College of Arts & Sciences accounts for teaching 85% of general education credit hours and almost half of all undergraduate credit hours, and producing the most doctoral degrees at UK.

On July 1, 2022, Dr. Ana Franco-Watkins became