Gaines Center for the Humanities Names 12 New Scholars for 2020

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photo of Gaines Center for the Humanities
photo of computer screens of new and current Gaines Fellows at 2020 virtual meet and greet

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 13, 2020) The University of Kentucky Gaines Center for the Humanities has selected 12 undergraduate students as new scholars for the Gaines Fellowship Program.

The Gaines Fellowship is presented in recognition of outstanding academic performance, demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, an interest in public issues and a desire to enhance understanding of the human condition through the humanities. Founded in 1984 by a generous gift from John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities functions as a laboratory for imaginative and innovative education on UK’s campus. The Gaines Center is designed to enrich the study of the humanities at the University of Kentucky.

This year’s scholars represent six different colleges on campus including: the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Communication and Information; the College of Education; the College of Fine Arts; and the Lewis Honors College.

UK’s 12 new Gaines Fellows are:

Cortas was excited to get news of his selection for the fellowship. “I am honored and humbled to have been awarded the Gaines Fellowship. I am thrilled to be able to work alongside, and be inspired by, other young people in our pursuit to better understand the human condition. As someone involved in the sciences and mathematics with a deep appreciation of the humanities, I am excited to expand my horizons and lean into new experiences that this program will offer. I look forward to growing and collaborating with a group of young people with the same drive and passion that I have.”

As Gaines Fellows, these scholars are required to take a specially designed, four-credit hour per semester seminar during both semesters of their junior year. In addition, each junior fellow must complete a service project to benefit a community, whether it be campus, Lexington, the fellow's hometown, or a community further afield.

In their senior year, each fellow must complete a major independent study thesis project of six to 15 credit hours. The project must be submitted and defended in front of a thesis committee of three university faculty members and the director of the Gaines Center.

Any student at the University of Kentucky may apply for a Gaines Fellowship. Students in all disciplines and with any intended profession are given equal consideration. Any undergraduate demonstrating excellence in his or her undergraduate career is encouraged to apply. Applicants must have two years of planned undergraduate study remaining and must have an outstanding academic record.

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 health care. 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 $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.