UK, Transy announce 3 new initiatives in Advancing Kentucky Together Network
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 21, 2026) — A little more than a year after becoming the first educational partner in the University of Kentucky’s Advancing Kentucky Together (AKT) Network, Transylvania University and UK announced three new initiatives that will advance their collaboration to better serve Kentuckians.
Transylvania University is partnering with the UK College of Public Health and the UK College of Nursing to provide accelerated, clear pathways for Transylvania University students to continue their healthcare education at UK.
“Our partnership with the University of Kentucky reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for students while addressing critical workforce needs across the Commonwealth,” said Andrew McMichael, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university at Transylvania. “Together, we are creating clear, supportive pathways that allow Transylvania students to build on their liberal arts foundation and move directly into fulfilling careers in healthcare and beyond, right here in Kentucky.”
The Transylvania-UK College of Public Health partnership will support an early assurance program for eligible Transylvania University students enrolled in the public health minor. The program will provide students with preparatory activities for a public health graduate program while they are enrolled at Transylvania. Those students will be guaranteed admission into UK’s Master of Public Health program upon graduation from Transylvania University and successful completion of the program requirements.
The two institutions also announced a pathway to allow qualified Transylvania students to apply to UK College of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Up to 16 Transylvania University students annually will have the opportunity to enroll in the ABSN program upon graduation from Transylvania. Students enrolling in this track will be required to meet specific academic requirements and standards.
“Both the Master’s of Public Health and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program represent the University of Kentucky’s commitment to listening to partners,” said UK Provost Robert DiPaola, M.D. “The AKT Network team and Transylvania University collaborators met countless times to create these opportunities and pathways to keep our best and brightest students right here in Kentucky.”
In addition to the academic degree program collaboration, Transylvania University and UK Innovate have announced a new micro-certification in innovation. Transylvania University students will have the opportunity to take part in a UK Innovate entrepreneurship training program that will allow students to learn more about commercializing intellectual property and how research can be translated into community impact.
“This certification reflects the TRUST Hub’s commitment, as part of UK Innovate, to building the workforce and infrastructure required for successful research translation,” said Serenity Wright, senior executive director for innovation, community health and societal impact. “By preparing participants to navigate innovation, commercialization and partnership pathways, the program accelerates the conversion of research into scalable solutions that contribute to regional economic growth. Through a partnership built on trust, we are grateful for the opportunity to bring this program to Transy students.”
The AKT Network is a statewide partnership that unites UK’s research, service and learning capabilities with partners to co-create solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen communities and improve well-being across the Commonwealth.
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 healthcare. 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 $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.