Behind the Blue: Conversation With UK President Eli Capilouto
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2016) — On July 1, 2011, Eli Capilouto left his position as the provost of the University of Alabama-Birmingham to become the 12th president of the University of Kentucky. Over the past five years, UK has undergone significant physical transformation of its academic, research, residential, health care and community spaces. Through partnership, increased philanthropy, and effective financial management, UK is self-financing the vast majority of its more than $1.9 billion infrastructure development.
Among the construction initiated or authorized in that time are 14 new residence halls, several dining facilities, renovation and expansion of the Gatton College of Business and Economics, the new Don & Cathy Jacobs Science Building, revitalization of Commonwealth Stadium, renovation and expansion of the Student Center, continued work to A.B. Chandler Hospita and more.
But, perhaps bigger than that, Capilouto is attempting to oversee a transformation of the college experience for UK students by investing in student financial aid, an Honors College, increased student resources in counseling and academic advising, and the strengthening of an academic community in areas of inclusivity and diversity.
President Capilouto is this week's guest on "Behind the Blue" where he talks to Kody Kiser, Amy Jones-Timoney and Carl Nathe of UK Public Relations and Marketing about his time here at the university, how the lessons learned in his life have shaped his approach to the job of president, what’s on his music playlist, and much more.
Click the play button above to listen. To see all the "Behind the Blue" podcasts visit iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-blue/id1114911777?mt=2.
If you have questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email us at BehindTheBlue@uky.edu, or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue.
UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to:uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue
MEDIA CONTACT: Kody Kiser, kody.kiser@uky.edu, 859-257-5282