UK Unveils Website, Effort to Underscore How University Serves Commonwealth

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2016) — The University of Kentucky has unveiled a website — www.uky.edu/uk4ky — that is designed to tell UK's story of service to the Commonwealth and ask supporters to let policymakers know of the importance of continued funding.

"We are the university for Kentucky," said UK President Eli Capilouto. "This site tells the story of our momentum and of how we are serving more people and educating more students than at any time in our 150-year history. It also provides a clear avenue for how people can become involved in helping tell that story to legislators and policymakers."

The site, which debuted last week, describes the details and some of the impacts of proposed state budget cuts, currently being considered by the state legislature. 

The proposed state budget being considered by legislators would reduce UK's funding by nearly $13 million this year, another $25 million next fiscal year and would put at risk about a third of the university's state appropriations the following year through an as-yet-defined performance funding plan.

The site describes how UK's budget works as a way of demonstrating the importance of state investment. Learn more here: www.uky.edu/see/UK4KY/fact-fiction. It also provides information for how those interested can contact legislators by phone or email with a message of support. Visit www.uky.edu/see/UK4KY/show-your-support.

"Our state faces many significant challenges and we support our policymakers in finding solutions," Capilouto said. "But we can't create a stronger future for our state tomorrow by cutting investments in education today. This site, we hope, provides a brief look in a compelling way at the importance of state investment in our continued work for Kentucky and how proposed reductions in funding would inarguably impact that service."

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. #uky4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jay Blanton, 859-257-6605, jay.blanton@uky.edu