UK’s Mike Richey is Passionate About Philanthropy

headshot photo of Mike Richey
Mike Richey

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2017) — Countless people across the Commonwealth, throughout the nation, and around the globe deeply love the University of Kentucky. Having said that, you would be hard pressed to find an individual who is more devoted to Kentucky’s flagship, land-grant research institution than UK Vice President for Philanthropy Mike Richey.

Richey came to campus from his native Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, in 1969 as a freshman. Four years later, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, later attaining a master’s degree. Over the past 44 years, Richey has worked for his alma mater in various capacities, from student relations to alumni, and for the past 33 years in Philanthropy, formerly known as the Office of Development.

Beyond UK, Richey has served in leadership positions at national and international levels, including president of the National Agriculture Alumni Development Association, president of the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and a three-year term as president of The Gideons International, a worldwide organization with a presence in nearly 200 countries.

Richey has received numerous state and national recognitions for his professional and nonprofit work — including the Sullivan Medallion, the Distinguished Service and Leadership Award from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Agriculture Alumni and Development Association.

UK currently is in the "quiet" phase of a major capital campaign, which is expected to be formally announced this spring.

Recently, Mike Richey sat down with Carl Nathe, of UK Public Relations and Marketing, for a "UK at the Half" radio interview. To hear the interview, which aired during the halftime of the UK men's basketball game against Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) Dec. 16, click on the play button above. To view a transcript of the show, click on "downloads" above and to the right.