Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is a public university located in Richmond, Kentucky. Established in 1906, it began as a state normal school focused on teacher education and has since grown into a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs across the arts, sciences, business, education, health professions, and public safety. EKU serves students from across Kentucky and beyond, including traditional undergraduates, transfer students, and adult learners. The university is recognized for its historic commitment to preparing educators and for programs in areas such as criminal justice, nursing, and public administration. Its campus in Richmond supports a range of academic, residential, and athletic activities within a regional public university setting.

Eastern Kentucky University was founded in 1906 when the Kentucky legislature established Eastern Kentucky State Normal School in Richmond to train teachers for the state’s public schools. Classes began the same year on the former campus of Central University. In 1922, the institution became a four-year college known as Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College and awarded its first bachelor’s degrees in 1925. Graduate coursework was introduced in 1935. The school was renamed Eastern Kentucky State College in 1948 as its academic offerings expanded beyond teacher education. In 1966, it achieved university status and adopted the name Eastern Kentucky University. Over the decades, Eastern Kentucky University broadened its programs to include professional fields such as business, health sciences, and criminal justice, while continuing its historic mission of serving Kentucky through public higher education.