UK Establishes Commonwealth Chair of Transportation Engineering

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 29, 2011) − The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees today approved the establishment of a Commonwealth Chair of Transportation Engineering in the UK College of Engineering.

"The recruitment of a senior scholar to the Commonwealth Chair of Transportation Engineering will enable the college, and especially the civil engineering department, to strengthen the historic ties with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and facilitate the development of innovative programs in multi-modal transportation," said Thomas Lester, dean of the College of Engineering. 

"Kentucky sits at the geographic population center of the eastern half of the United States.  An improved transportation infrastructure, including highway, rail, and water transportation systems, will enable the state to better leverage its natural advantages in economic development in the coming decades."

Lester has had continuing discussions with the Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Kentucky about the importance of strengthening and expanding the education and research activities at UK in support of a more robust and diverse transportation network throughout the state. The secretary has agreed to provide $50,000 on an annual basis to support the research and professional activities of a highly qualified civil engineering faculty member. It will extend five years, at which time the Cabinet can consider a renewal for a subsequent five-year period.

The Transportation Cabinet has committed approximately $30 million in research grant and contract funding to UK over the past five years and seeks to expand the expenditures in this area by assisting UK in hiring an internationally known leader in the field. Selection of the recipient will be governed by the College of Engineering.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jenny Wells, (859) 257-1754; Jenny.Wells@uky.edu