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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2023) — University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto on Friday announced that UK has reached a historic milestone of a 70 percent six-year graduation rate – a figure placing the institution among the best in the country. 

The graduation rate details were part of a report on enrollment that Capilouto gave members of the UK Board of Trustees during their September meeting. The enrollment report included several other historic firsts, including a record first-year class of almost 6,500 students and overall, more than 34,000 students enrolled on the campus for the first time ever, according to preliminary figures. 

“Over the last decade, because of the work of thousands of faculty and staff and the commitment and capacity of our students, we have rapidly accelerated the success rate of students – even as we continued to grow enrollment. Kentucky is rightly demanding of us a larger and even more skilled workforce to meet the needs of a complex and competitive economy,” Capilouto told board members. “To do that, we must educate and graduate even more students, in fields responsive to local and global workforce needs – students who have the skills to solve problems, work in teams, communicate effectively and think deeply and broadly about challenges.” 

Other highlights of Capilouto’s preliminary enrollment report included: 

• Six-year graduation rates have increased by more than 12 percentage points since the class of 2010; four-year graduation rates have increased by 27 percentage points in that same time and five-year rates have increased by 17 percentage points. 

• The 70% graduation rate, according to the most recent data, places UK among the top 100 public institutions in the country that grant primarily bachelor’s degrees or higher. 

• Second fall retention – the success rate for students returning for their second year of college – also reached a record level of 87 percent, according to preliminary numbers. 

• Nearly 6,500 first-year students are enrolled at UK this fall, about 400 more than last year. UK’s first-year enrollment exceeds 6,000 for the second year in a row. In fall 2010, the first-year enrollment was a little more than 4,300. 

• Overall, UK has grown from a little more than 28,000 students in fall 2010 to more than 34,000 in fall 2023; UK also has more than 24,000 undergraduates for the first time. 

• Nearly 17 percent of students enrolled are from underrepresented populations, an increase in both number and percentage over last year.  This continues an upward trend in underrepresented student enrollment that has produced more than 1,400 credentials earned by students of color in 2022-23, a 251 percent increase since 2010-11. In addition, nearly 19 percent of UK’s first-year students are from underrepresented populations. 

• Additionally, about 25 percent of first-year students are “first gen” students – meaning they will be the first in their families to graduate from college, a number that continues to increase as well. 

“At UK, we work every day to model a community where everyone belongs and everyone feels accepted for who they are and what they, uniquely, contribute to this place,” Capilouto said.  
“Kentucky needs more – more from us and with us to build a stronger state with a brighter future … We must, and I believe we will, find ways to do and be even more for Kentucky.” 

 Details of Capilouto’s preliminary enrollment report can be found here. 

_As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   _

_In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky. _

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 1, 2023) — For the first time in University of Kentucky history, investigators received $479.3 million in extramural grants and contracts to support their research in fiscal year (FY) 2023. This is a 5.8% increase from the $452.9 million in fiscal year (FY) 2022 research awards.

UK researchers also made history in FY23 with a record 1,877 research awards to a record 837 principal investigators from a record 621 sponsors.

“Our continued growth as a research university is directly connected to the intentional focus we have on the biggest issues – cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neuroscience, substance use, energy and equity – and now opportunities with new national investment to expand the economy through advanced manufacturing and materials science. Without a question, research is vital in our mission to serve Kentucky,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. 

“Our people make our research possible. The principal investigators who lead our research teams work across academic boundaries to bring the best ideas to light. This growth is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the faculty, staff and students who make up our research investigator community at UK. Their tireless work continues to propel the university forward to advance our state and our nation,” said Vice President for Research Lisa Cassis.

Industry-sponsored research grew by 9.6% from $25.6 million in FY22 to $28.1 million in FY23.

UK clinical research was supported by $3.8 million from Eli Lilly and Company for the PRiMAL study, which examines the impact of review by a molecular tumor board — a team of medical experts who collaborate on treatment plans, looking at things like specific genetic tumor markers, to treat complex cancer cases. The five-year clinical trial, led by Jill Kolesar, Pharm.D., professor in the College of Pharmacy, will follow treatment and outcomes for 500 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer. “Kentucky has the highest incidence of lung cancer in the nation,” said Mark Evers, M.D., Markey Cancer Center director, “but our work including Dr. Kolesar’s molecular tumor board — part of our individualized, precision medicine approach to patient care — is a model other cancer centers, across the country and internationally, are adopting to better care for cancer patients.” 

The Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory are partners on a $10 million project ($1.9 million in FY23) to transform coal into high-value carbon fibers and composites. With construction, aerospace, automotive and defense applications, the market for carbon fibers is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12% through 2024. This is one of the leading-edge research fields related to UK’s newly created Materials Science Research Priority Area.

Non-profit awards increased by 16.7% ($22.3 million in FY22 to $26 million in FY23). A $3.3 million award from the Prichard Committee supports Shannon Sampson, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Education, who in partnership with the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), will serve in an external, independent evaluation capacity to support Full Service Community Schools. The goal is to improve the coordination, integration, accessibility and effectiveness of services for children and families in high-poverty schools across Kentucky.

Federal grants and contracts totaled $252.6 million, accounting for 52.7% of UK’s total awards in FY23, and supported critical drug overdose prevention and dementia treatment projects.

Terry Bunn, Ph.D., professor in the College of Public Health and director of the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), received $7.2 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Kentucky Overdose Data to Action, a program that works with local health departments, community stakeholders, and local and statewide agencies. The program leverages datasets (emergency department visits, inpatient hospitalizations, death certificates, prescription drug monitoring, and workers’ compensation claims) to identify specific targets for evidence-based prevention programs, to recruit and retain community stakeholders in the fight against drug overdose, and to help translate research into actionable interventions. 

Christopher Norris, Ph.D., professor in the College of Medicine, leads a team of more than 30 scientists at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging studying astrocytes. With $4.2 million in FY23 (part of a $20.5 million grant from the National Institute on Aging), his project “Strategies for Targeting Astrocyte Reactivity in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (STAR-ADRD)” explores the role of these star-shaped cells in neurodegenerative disease progression and their potential to be therapeutic targets.

To learn more about the innovative research happening across campus that impacts our state and our nation, visit research.uky.edu/news.

_As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   _

_In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky. _

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 1, 2023) — For the eighth year in a row, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare earned the ranking of the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky and recognized in the Bluegrass Region by the 2023-24 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings from U.S. News & World Report.

Additionally, UK HealthCare ranked in the top 50 for three specialties: cancer care (#44), ear, nose & throat (#49, tied) and OB/GYN (#40). Gastroenterology and GI surgery also received a “high-performing” designation.

"Excellence in health care is not merely a title to be held but a relentless pursuit to improve the lives of our patients,” said Robert S. DiPaola, M.D., UK acting co-executive vice president for health affairs. “To be consistently ranked among the best in the nation requires a commitment to exceptional care, groundbreaking research, innovative education and compassionate service from our faculty, providers and staff across UK, HealthCare as we serve Kentucky and beyond."

“The recognition as Kentucky’s best hospital by U.S. News and World Report affirms the tireless efforts of thousands of people at UK HealthCare who come together each day with one goal in mind – to advance the health of our state by extending the care that only we provide for Kentucky,” said Eric N. Monday, acting co-executive vice president for health affairs at UK. “We are proud of this ranking – a reflection of continued and sustained excellence over many years – but we are not satisfied. We have more to do to meet the health needs of our state and we are committed to that work.”

This year’s ranking marks the seventh consecutive year of Top 50 rankings for the UK Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

“Our mission is to reduce the burden of cancer in Kentucky through our dedicated efforts in research, prevention, education, and treatment,” said Mark Evers, M.D., director of the UK Markey Cancer Center. “I’m incredibly proud of the progress Markey has made in these areas over the past decade, and we will continue to build on this momentum to conquer cancer in the Commonwealth.”

This year also marks the first Top 50 ranking for UK Women’s Health OB-GYN. The team provides the full scope of care for women throughout the various stages of their lives. The team works together to provide a full range of office and surgical gynecology, infertility care, pediatric and adolescent gynecology care, preconception and prenatal care, and obstetrical care. They also work closely with the Kentucky Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to ensure that mothers and their children are cared for at the highest level. UK’s NICU is the only Level IV NICU in the state. 

“At UK, we take great pride in offering exceptional care to women across the region, including the type of complex, high-acuity care that’s only available at academic medical centers,” said Bryan Rone, M.D., acting chair and associate professor in the UK Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “From offering minimally invasive treatments for complex gynecological disorders and diseases, including cancers, to caring for low and high-risk maternity patients, we are committed to helping Kentucky women lead active and healthy lives. I am so proud of our department.”

UK HealthCare’s Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, more commonly known as the Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, returns to the Top 50 ranking this year. This clinic addresses all facets of the medical and surgical care of the ear, nose and throat region with expertise from allergists, audiologists, plastic surgeons, speech-language pathologists and other specialists.

“We’ve always worked very hard to provide the best care for our patients, and we try to be accessible and make room for our patients who need to be seen right away,” said Raleigh Jones, M.D., chair of the UK Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. “This ranking is a great acknowledgment of the care we offer and how we are being responsive to the needs of Kentuckians.”

In addition to the specialty rankings, UK HealthCare also received a record-setting “high-performing” designation in 13 common adult procedures and conditions:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Colon Cancer Surgery
• Diabetes
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Hip Replacement
• Kidney Failure
• Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma
• Lung Cancer Surgery
• Ovarian Cancer Surgery
• Pneumonia
• Stroke
• Uterine Cancer Surgery

“These accolades not only honor our achievements, but also fuel our passion to continue transforming lives and making a positive impact on the well-being of the Commonwealth,” said Gwen Moreland, chief nurse executive for UK HealthCare. “UK is known for providing the type of advanced, complex care only available at the top medical centers in the country, but at the heart of this care is our people. I’m incredibly proud of the work done by the thousands of providers, faculty and staff across our health care system.”

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 21 procedures and conditions; only 12% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

“For 34 years, U.S. News has provided data-informed rankings to help patients and their doctors find the best hospital to treat their illness or condition,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News.

For more information on the U.S. News Best Hospitals, explore Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #BestHospitals.

_UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report.  _

_As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come. _