Eli Capilouto

In my first weeks at UK 15 years ago, PG Peeples took me on a tour of housing developments in Lexington that he and his team at the Urban League helped make possible. I was struck then by his deep commitment to building foundations of hope through the development of housing opportunities for people in our community who lacked access. That was a commitment PG had throughout his entire life — from his time as a young student at UK through decades of leadership and service at the Urban League.  As we said when we awarded him with our highest honor — an honorary doctorate — Mr. Peeples is regarded as a servant-leader focused on the well-being of others and his impact on the Lexington community is profound. Indeed, he was, and our community and the lives of so many are much the better for it.

WATCH: @UKYpres shares an update on the future of @UKAthletics. Hear what he’s learned from his listening tour and what’s ahead. As a reminder, you can follow the progress on this process at go.uky.edu/BusinessOfUKY. youtube.com/watch?v=bG7DT2…

Today, we are reminded of what one life — lived with purpose, driven by love for his home — can make possible. And we are reminded of our calling — our promise to Mr. Gatton and the state he loved: to carry that legacy forward, for Kentucky.

Will Stein brings two invaluable qualities to the table as the next head coach of the UK football program. He is an outstanding developer and coach of young talent, something he has proven repeatedly in his career already as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at an elite level. And he has an abiding passion for this place. It runs deep with him and his family.   He understands the Big Blue Nation, this university and what this team and program mean to our Commonwealth. We are looking forward to welcoming Will and his family back home and we can’t wait to support them as they further elevate our program in a way that makes Kentucky proud.

After a review that he conducts every year, Mitch is making a change in the head coaching position of our football team. I support his decision and will work with him to make a hire that will achieve the levels of success the Big Blue Nation expects and that we all want. I want to thank Coach Stoops for his 13 years of service and leadership at the University of Kentucky. He helped lead the revival of this program and achieved historic results. We are deeply appreciative of what he accomplished with this program and with the support of a committed staff throughout UK Athletics, outstanding young men and an incredible fan base. It is critically important that we are competitive and successful in football. That is our goal. It is our focus. We intend to be successful.

Today we celebrated the topping out of the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building — a 509,000 sq. ft. space that represents our commitment to the health of Kentucky. Grateful to Dr. Rankin, Dr. Tibbs and @kysenatepres for helping make this vision a reality.

Move-In is one of my favorite times of the year. It was a joy meeting our newest Wildcats and their families this week. Their energy and excitement remind me why this community is so special. Welcome home to the @universityofky.

Earlier this week, I met with Kentucky lawmakers and showed them the progress being made across campus to advance Kentucky — which they’ve helped make possible. We marked the moment by signing a beam for the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building — a space that will help train the next generation of health care providers for the Commonwealth.

This budget demonstrates what we care about: Kentucky. Our aspirations, no matter the time or how daunting the challenges, have never been higher or more essential: We dream of a state that tomorrow is healthier, wealthier and wiser. uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/uk…

Taking care of our people is how we take care of Kentucky. Yesterday, I announced three key initiatives in our proposed 2025-26 budget. • 1.5% raise (minimum $750) for eligible employees • Expanded parental leave and elder care leave • Two additional paid holidays Read my full message at go.uky.edu/budget2025.

At @universityofky, our people — those who teach, heal, discover and serve — are at the heart of everything we do. Our proposed 2025-26 budget includes more than $80 million in additional investments in compensation and benefits, including a raise for eligible employees, expanded parental and elder care leave and two additional paid holidays. These steps reflect our continued commitment to our employees — and to Kentucky. Read more: go.uky.edu/budget2025

Thank you to current State Representatives Aaron Thompson, Patrick Flannery and Scott Sharp, former State Representative Danny Bentley and Senior Adviser to the Governor Rocky Adkins for joining us for this transformational moment in the life of UK King’s Daughters.

Today, I was honored to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony for UK King's Daughters Main Entrance, soon to hold their new Emergency Department, ahead of its official opening on Monday, May 12. This is just the beginning of a healthier future for more Kentuckians.

Winner of the Heart of a Wildcat Award is Dr. Eli Capilouto #CATSPYs

On Saturday, we celebrated the reopening of Memorial Coliseum — a space that honors our past and inspires our future. This $82 million renovation, the largest investment in women’s sports facilities in UK history, includes modern amenities and a tribute to the 12,127 Kentuckians who gave their lives in service. "We carve our names in places we pass, so legacy meets us where we live." Read more: pres.uky.edu/news/honoring-…

First-generation students like James Russell embody the resilience and determination that define our community. Russell is one of many on UK’s campus working to advance our Commonwealth. Read James' story: uknow.uky.edu/student-news/a…

Grateful for the unwavering dedication of our UK employees who care for patients, support students and keep our campus safe. You are the heart of the University of Kentucky. Thank you for all you do. youtube.com/watch?v=K0BsGK…

Scottie Day’s dedication to pediatric care is transforming lives across Kentucky. His story is the latest in our series highlighting those advancing Kentucky’s future as we celebrate @universityofky's 160th birthday. Learn more: uknow.uky.edu/professional-n…

Avinash Bhakta's dedication to compassionate, high-quality care embodies our mission to serve Kentuckians. His commitment to patients strengthens our communities and advances the health of our Commonwealth. Read more about his story: uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/…

Ken Campbell’s groundbreaking cardiovascular research embodies our mission here at @universityofky: advancing Kentucky through innovation and discovery. His transformative work is saving lives and shaping the future of heart health in Kentucky and beyond. Read more about his research here: uknow.uky.edu/professional-n…