Honoring the heart of experiential learning, nominations open
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2025) — Each year, the University of Kentucky celebrates the incredible achievements of its students, faculty, staff and employers of UK students who make learning beyond the classroom truly impactful. Through innovation, mentorship and hard work, these individuals bring UK’s mission of student success to life.
The UK Stuckert Career Center’s Experiential Education Awards shine a light on those who exemplify excellence in experiential learning. From interns who go above and beyond to faculty and employers who help guide students' success, these awards honor the partnerships that make learning experiences meaningful and transformative.
These awards recognize outstanding achievement completed between January and December 2025, including internships, co-ops and other hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
The awards include:
Intern of the Year (Graduate/Undergraduate)
Recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional performance, growth and professionalism during their experiential learning experience. Nominate here.
Employer of the Year
Honors an employer who has gone above and beyond to provide meaningful mentorship and real-world learning opportunities to UK students. Nominate here.
Advocate of the Year
Celebrates a faculty or staff member who has supported or guided students in securing and excelling within experiential learning opportunities. Nominate here.
Course Instructor of the Year
Recognizes a faculty or staff member who served as the course instructor for an academic component of an experiential learning experience, contributing meaningfully to student development. Nominate here.
Nominations for all categories are open through Dec. 15.
Learn more about the awards and nomination process at studentsuccess.uky.edu/stuckert-career-center/uk-experiential-education-awards.
Learn more about the Stuckert Career Center, a part of the Office for Student Success, at studentsuccess.uky.edu/stuckert-career-center.
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.