Educational Policy Studies colloquium celebrates college’s 100th anniversary
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2023) — The University of Kentucky College of Education Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation is marking the 100th anniversary of the College of Education by hosting an online colloquium Monday, Nov. 13.
The event, co-sponsored by the UK Appalachian Center, will examine issues surrounding rural students in higher education. Register now to receive a Zoom link.
The colloquium will be presented by Ty McNamee, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Higher Education at the University of Mississippi.
“The colloquium event provides an exciting opportunity to learn from Dr. Ty McNamee, who has emerged as a leading scholar on rural students in higher education,” said Neal Hutchens, Ph.D., professor and chair, UK College of Education Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation. “Dr. McNamee’s research helps to raise awareness of issues of access and equity for college students from rural areas. The colloquium will also provide an opportunity to focus on issues related to students in Kentucky from rural places."
McNamee uses critical, sociological and anthropological lenses to conduct qualitative research on higher education access, success and equity for rural students, particularly those from poor and working-class backgrounds and those who are queer. Alongside his presentation, participants will have the opportunity for conversation and questions with McNamee.
The colloquium is part of a yearlong series of events commemorating the impact and innovations made in the decades since the College of Education was established in 1923.
The department hosting the colloquium, Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, is an interdisciplinary department in which historical, philosophical, socio-cultural and comparative/international perspectives are brought to the study of educational trends and issues, from preschool to graduate and adult education.
During the past 100 years, the College of Education has built upon its beginnings in teacher preparation to now offer more than 90 degrees and programs. As has been common in colleges of education across the U.S. during the past several decades, existing degree programs, faculty expertise, facilities and equipment have been built upon through the years to meet the evolving needs of society in sport, health and education.
Although the college was formally established in 1923, its roots go as far back as 1880. During that period, individuals seeking to become among the most highly qualified teachers of their time came to what the Kentucky General Assembly established as a Normal School for the training of teachers. This college history was detailed during the university’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2015. To read a full timeline of the college’s history, visit education.uky.edu/100Years/history.
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.