UK Teams Up with Other SEC Schools to Host College Fairs

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 2, 2012) – The universities of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) are putting their rivalries aside as they work together to reach out to prospective students on the West Coast.

UK, along with the other 13 institutions of the SEC, will host college fairs for prospective students and their families in Oregon and Washington.

“We have much to be proud of in the SEC and showcasing what makes each institution unique can be of benefit to all – especially our prospective students,” said Don Witt, vice provost of enrollment management. 

"Traveling with the 13 other schools of the SEC is a remarkable opportunity for all of us to share what’s special about the institutions in our region, but to also showcase our own unique academic programs and successes," said Stephen Barnett, associate director of admission and associate registrar.

This is the fourth year in a row SEC schools have come together to hold joint college fairs for area students and information breakfasts for guidance counselors.  In the last three years, SEC college fairs were held in Columbus, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; Washington, D.C.; and Texas. 

“UK is a part of this effort because through such collaborations we can approach new recruitment initiatives in a more efficient and resourceful manner – everyone benefits,” Witt said.

"Each year we’re able to share our resources to reach out to a new group of prospective students to let them know the benefits of attending one of our great universities in the southeast," Barnett said.

This year, the two new members of the SEC will participate.

"We’re very excited to have the University of Missouri and Texas A&M joining the SEC and participating in the SEC College Tour," Barnett said.  "Each university of the SEC brings something unique to the table, and we’re thrilled to have these two new institutions traveling with us to recruit students and educate guidance counselors about the many benefits of attending a school in the SEC."

The first college fair, open to Seattle area high school students and their families, is from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the Westin Bellevue.

Another fair will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, at the Hilton in Portland, Oregon.

The Hilton Eugene will host the final fair of the tour from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 4.

At each location, the college fairs will give high school students and their families the chance to meet representatives from each school in the SEC in order to learn more about each institution.

 “As UK expands our reach to new regions of the country, the West Coast is an ideal location because we have the opportunity to inform and inspire prospective students about the wonderful academic and collegiate spirit that I feel is unique to the SEC, ” Witt said.

For more information on the SEC college fairs, visit: www.seccollegetour.org/. 

To register for the SEC college fairs, visit www.seccollegetour.org/students/.

For more information on UK's participation in this venture, email slbarn2@uky.edu or call (859) 257-3256.

For more information on applying to UK, visit: www.applyuk.com.

To view videos about the University of Kentucky, visit: www.youtube.com/universityofkentucky.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Amy Jones, (859) 257-1754, ext. 257; amy.jones2@uky.edu