About Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is a regional, coeducational, public institution of higher education offering general and liberal arts programs, pre-professional and professional training in education and various other fields at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Located in Richmond, Madison County, Kentucky, Eastern has a distinguished record of more than a century of educational service to the Commonwealth.

Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Eastern Kentucky University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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A Note From the President

Welcome to Eastern Kentucky University, the School of Opportunity where everyone belongs.

We believe in putting our students first. Our world class faculty and staff create opportunities for personal growth through exceptional experiences, to ensure students realize their fullest potential and achieve excellence.

The well-being and success of our students is the common bond that connects every area of campus through dedication and persistence to reach our goal.

As a Kentucky native, first-generation student, and EKU graduate, I understand the importance of the student experience at Eastern. This University placed me on a path that I could not imagine as an optimistic student from Paintsville, Kentucky.

I am confident as president I can continue expanding efforts to help others achieve their dreams. I know it can happen, and I am positive the work we do campus-wide will produce great results for our current students.

One Eastern,
Dr. David T. McFaddin, President

Experience the Campus Beautiful

Experience EKU at your convenience using our Virtual Tour. You’ll find information about campus housing, academic buildings, athletic facilities and so much more. After taking the virtual tour, be sure to schedule a time to visit campus and apply for admission.

Upcoming Events


Final Exam Week

All final exams shall meet according to the published final exam schedule Saturday Classes - Final Exams All classes regularly...

Richmond & Surrounding Areas


Whether you prefer the relative peace and quiet of a small town or all the buzz of a large city, living in Richmond while you attend Eastern Kentucky University offers the best of both worlds. Richmond is a fast-growing but still quiet community of about 35,000 where the Bluegrass region and all its scenic horse farms meet the foothills of the rugged Appalachian mountains. Just 25 miles north, an easy drive on I-75, is Kentucky’s second-largest city, Lexington, population 322,000. Other large cities within an easy two-hour, all-interstate drive are Louisville, Ky., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Knoxville, Tenn.

Richmond Centre offers a great selection of stores in a beautifully landscaped open-air environment located on exit 87 from I-75 — just one mile from campus. Stores include Belk, JC Penney, Michael’s, Home Goods and T. J. Maxx, to name just a few, along with a variety of restaurants. Richmond Centre also houses Cinemark Theatre featuring 12 screens playing the newest releases. A variety of other shopping venues can be found in downtown and throughout the city.

  • EKU Center for the Arts is Central Kentucky’s premier live entertainment and arts destination.
  • Galaxy Bowling and Entertainment Center offers special rates for college night.
  • Lake Reba Recreational Complex has something for everyone featuring nature trails, batting cages, putt-putt golf, horseshoes, boating, fishing, a playground, Gibson Bay Golf Course and Paradise Cove Water Park.
  • E.C. Million Memorial Park is perfect for a leisurely day out with walking trails, two playgrounds, tennis courts, soccer fields, picnic tables and shelters.
  • Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Driving Tour
  • Fort Boonesborough State Park
  • Hummel Planetarium and Space Theater (on EKU Campus)

Quick and Easy: Popular fast-food restaurants are plentiful in Richmond. Many are located close to exits 87 and 90 just off I-75.

Leisurely Meals: Well-known restaurants in Richmond include Olive Garden, Logan’s Roadhouse, Golden Corral, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel and Red Lobster. Most are conveniently located on exits 87 and 90.

Local Flavor: For a variety of food with local flair, Richmond is home to:

  • Madison Garden – wide array of food in a fun environment
  • The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub – great food and live music
  • Babylon Café – traditional Greek and Mediterranean food
  • Purdy’s Coffee Co. – soups, sandwiches, salads, coffee and baked treats
  • Thai Smile – Thai food for every pallet from mild to mega-hot
  • Casa Fiesta and Casa Café – for EKU Colonels with a taste for Mexican food

Exit 87:

  • Best Western Holiday Plaza 859-623-9220
  • TownePlace Suites by Marriott 859-353-4860
  • Comfort Suites 859-624-0770
  • Hampton Inn 859-626-1002
  • Holiday Inn Express 859-624-4055
  • Tru By Hilton 859-544-6312

Exit 90:

  • Days Inn 859-624-5769
  • LaQuinta Inn 859-623-9121
  • Red Roof Inn 859-625-0084