EKU Annual Report 2022-2023

EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE

KY’S UNIVERSITY

1 year after graduation, 67% of EKU graduates are employed in Kentucky—the highest among KY’s public institutions.

EKU AT A GLANCE

PELL RECIPIENTS

41 % of this year’s graduating class were Pell recipients or Pell eligible.

194 Certificates

FIRST GENERATION

36% of EKU’s class of 2023 are the first in their family to attain a higher education degree.

115 Associate Degrees

EARNINGS

6 months after graduation, EKU graduates earn an average of $50,000.

2,374 Bachelor’s Degrees

583 Master’s Degrees

20 Post-Master’s Certificates

EKU HIGHLIGHTS

• Risk Management and Insurance Degree ranked #1 in the nation by AM Best Magazine

• Ranked #3 nationally in the Military Friendly ® Schools review

• Only ABET accredited Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology program in Kentucky, and one of only three accredited programs in the world

• #11 Best Online Nurse Practitioner School and #14 Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner School by NPSchools.com

47 Doctoral Degrees

• Ranked #14 in Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Law Enforcement by Best Accredited Colleges

• Online master of science in nursing (MSN) ranked #20 in the country by Fortune

• Nursing program ranks #4 in the state and #69 in the nation by RN Careers

• Ranked #9 in the Top 15 Best Bachelor’s Online OSHA Degrees

VISION

Eastern Kentucky University will be excellent in all that we choose to do.

MISSION

Eastern Kentucky University is the School of Opportunity where everyone belongs. World-class faculty and staff create opportunities for personal growth through exceptional experiences, to ensure students realize their fullest potential and achieve excellence. EKU graduates shape the success and vitality of their professions and communities.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

PRIORITY ONE

Knowledge

Knowledge is at the center of EKU’s commitment to serve as the School of Opportunity. From academic teaching and learning to experiential co- and extracurricular activities, EKU strategically advances academic and student success programs that support EKU’s diverse learners.

PRIORITY TWO

Innovation

Innovative thinking and bold action will elevate and differentiate EKU. Innovation will enhance organizational stewardship, intellectual and creative capacity, and economic vitality within EKU and the communities we serve.

PRIORITY THREE

Transformation

EKU is dedicated to transforming lives and communities. EKU’s learning environments support intellectual growth, creativity, empowerment, and life-changing experiences by centering access, equity, dignity, respect, and inclusivity.

Guiding Values

INCLUSION (BELONGING)

- Community engagement

- Diversity of people and perspectives

- Professional growth

- Hospitality

- Celebration

TRUST

- Consistency

- Effective communication

- Accountability

- Efficiency

- Leadership

A

LETTER from PRESIDENT DAVID T. MCFADDIN

As I stepped into the role of president at Eastern Kentucky University nearly four years ago, I had many goals in mind, but my overarching priority was to set a strategic vision for the university. This strategic vision would include each key area of campus, along with measurable and aligned goals.

In October 2022, the President’s Cabinet embarked on the task of establishing the mission, vision, goals and guiding values that would determine our focus for the next five years. In this report, you will learn about our top eight priorities:

1. Embrace Student Success as Our Purpose

2. Encourage Focused Academic Investment

3. Emphasize Being an Employer of Choice

4. Ensure Financial Strength

5. Enhance the Campus Beautiful

6. Elevate the University Brand

7. Energize Collaboration Across the Service Region

8. Enrich Strategic Partnerships

Everything we do as an institution must be connected to a strategic priority. With a laserfocused approach, EKU can improve upon the areas in which we excel—furthering excellence and increasing opportunities for students. We will only pursue initiatives that align with our mission and vision.

This does not mean we are sticking to the status quo—remaining content with where we are. We will never be simply satisfied but will continue to evolve and innovate with the marketplace and leverage our resources to meet the needs of Kentucky and beyond. We will be focused. We will work hard. We will be diligent. And we will ensure excellence in all that we do.

The following pages outline each of the eight priorities with updates on where we are today and our vision within these key areas. We will continue to clearly define these eight areas and will be making great progress toward achieving goals in the upcoming academic year. I thank the leadership team that has worked tirelessly to build momentum in these areas, and I thank each member of the EKU family whose work directly impacts our ability to succeed in this strategic plan. This is good and noble work, and we are committed to strengthening the impact of our work through the lives of every Colonel.

One Eastern,

David T. McFaddin President

1. EMBRACE STUDENT SUCCESS AS OUR PURPOSE

No other university shows up for its students like EKU – and it’s paying off.

The success of our students is at the core of who we are as an Institution. It’s what we specialize in. It is how we measure our success as a University. While we have been and will remain the School of Opportunity, as a part of our strategic plan, we will strive to improve the student experience. We will invest in the student experience both inside and outside of the classroom. It is our goal to offer holistic student services that will ensure every student is fully supported in their pursuit of a degree. In making EKU a firstchoice University, we believe more students will seek to join the Colonel family.

STRATEGIC ENROLLMENT GROWTH

BUILDING DYNAMIC AND CONSISTENT MOMENTUM

- Exceeded 2,750 goal for incoming freshman class for 2022

- Increased 9.8% in Fall 2022 over the previous year’s class

- Achieved 2 consecutive years of 10% growth

- Underrepresented minority enrollment reached 16.4%, up since 2022

- Students came from 104 Kentucky counties 49 states and 43 countries

- Awarded more than $38.5 million in scholarships and fellowships

GETTING MORE STUDENTS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE

- Achieved the highest graduation rate in EKU recorded history at 53.46%

- Retention from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023 was up 3% for 76.98% total (pictured right)

EKU visits Male High School

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The Exceptional Eastern Experience (E3) initiative is the talk of the town.

- Hosted over 1,100 E3 events

BOOKSMART

100% FREE BOOKS FOR 100% OF STUDENTS

- Continuation of the EKU BookSmart program and expansion to include all degree-seeking students at no extra cost

- Saved students a combined $25 million in textbook costs through Spring 2023

STUDENT LIFE

- Intentionally celebrated culture and diversity, supported mental health and fostered an environment of belonging

- Supported all students who struggle with with food insecurity though the Colonel’s Cupboard – demand increased 71.9% from 2021-2022

THE VALUE OF ON-CAMPUS CONNECTION IS UNMATCHED

- Record enrollment for Fall 2023 prompted residence hall refurbishment

- $50 million project launched for residence hall renovation

HOLISTIC STUDENT SUPPORT

One-stop shop for student support sees significant success – Big E Central launched Fall 2022.

- Over 18,000 phone calls from active students resolved in record time

- Over 1,300 phone calls received from parents/guardians

- Over 19,000 emails successfully answered; average email resolution time is under 2 business days

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

- Launched new integrated model between the Counseling Center, Psychology Clinic and Student Health Services

- Increased collaboration across the three units providing mental health treatment to our students

COUNSELING CENTER

- Served 776 student clients, an 11% increase year over year

- Trained 1,261 campus leaders in suicide prevention

PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC

- Served 255 clients, a 45% increase year over year

- Completed 66 assessments, a 47% increase year over year

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

- Served 712 clients, a 256% increase year over year

- Welcomed 3 psychiatric nurse practitioners

2. ENCOURAGE FOCUSED ACADEMIC INVESTMENT

When the Commonwealth called, EKU answered. We’re providing the next generation of graduates with the skills, specialization and knowledge needed to move Kentucky –and the nation – forward.

EKU is rooted in a tradition of academic excellence. It is our goal to continuously modernize and improve our academic programs to align with key focus areas for the state of Kentucky. Through the strategic plan, we will identify academic investment priorities and new program development in high-growth and niche markets. It is our goal to invest in our outstanding faculty to ensure we recruit and retain high-quality professors.

HIGHLIGHTING KEY FOCUS AREAS FOR THE STATE

Science

Technology

Engineering

Mathematics

Aviation

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Banking and Financial Services

Nursing

Education

Psychology

STRATEGIC PROGRAM INVESTMENT

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS

- Announced first and only university in Kentucky to offer a manufacturing engineering degree

- Executed successful co-requisite model and expanded courses for students to acquire quantitative requirements

- Opened the Center for STEM Excellence for comprehensive student support

AVIATION

- Added aircraft, enabling more students to take flight at the only 4-year Aviation program in Kentucky

BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

- Launched the only Financial Technology and Cybercrime Certificate in the nation

NURSING

- Ranked among the best programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2023

- Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program was ranked No. 10 for Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans

- Modernized nursing and healthcare programs with cutting-edge technological investments

PUBLIC HEALTH

- Master of Public Health degree now offered in-person and 100% online

- Received nearly $1 million from the Kentucky Department of Public Health to recruit and retain a strong public health force

EDUCATION

- Offered online Elementary Education degree in Fall 2023 and Option 9 partnership to alleviate national teacher shortage

PSYCHOLOGY

- From Fall 2021 to Fall 2022, the program increased 9% and is anticipated to grow another 9% in Fall 2023

- Reinstated the Interdisciplinary Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate to address industry need

3. EMPHASIZE BEING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

In a world of countless opportunities, EKU is a premier destination for employment.

EKU is a first-choice institution for students seeking higher education, and it is our goal to be a first-choice employer. Retaining our faculty and staff is critical to our ability to be excellent in all that we choose to do. It is our goal to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package along with the gift of time. We seek to prioritize the work culture of EKU and continuously assess the satisfaction of our team.

Invested in our most valuable resource – our people

- $10.3 million invested in our employees over the last 3 years and increased wages by 8.1%

2021-22

2% raise for full-time employees and a one-time $1,000 bonus

2022-23

2% raise for full-time and permanent part-time employees $1.96 million investment

2022-23

$215,000 investment in faculty salaries

- Launched benefit package study

- Adjusted more than 300 employees in compression pool adjustments

- Allocated $500,000 for market compensation and inversion for faculty and staff

WORK SATISFACTION

- Investigated staff turnover rates, revealing that EKU experiences less turnover than our peer institutions

- Instituted Parental Leave, enabling families to cherish life’s most precious moments

- Prioritized work-life balance through most competitive leave package

- Provided the most competitive tuition waiver program in Kentucky

- Ensured employees received the gift of time through the Summer and Winter Advantage Schedule

- Pioneered as the first and most aggressive higher education employer to embrace remote work both pre- and post-pandemic

RECRUITMENT

- Increased efficiency in the position approval process

- Refreshed portal for careers.eku.edu with emphasis on user experience and recruitment

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

- Supported academic excellence through the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning by hosting dozens of workshops providing practical takeaways in scholarship

- Expanded horizons through Academic Impressions - over 20,000 professional development classes, on-demand trainings and resources available for every employee

4. ENSURE FINANCIAL STRENGTH

STABILIZATION AND STRENGTH

- Current total E&G revenue ahead of prior year by over $12.5 million and E&G net position is leading prior year by about $4.5 million

- Projected financial results for fiscal year 2023 is positive $1 - $2 million; significantly improved over the prior year

- Utilized federal HEERF funds over three fiscal years; replaced revenue lost due to COVID-19 to help stabilize financial status

- Stabilized financial position with strong enrollment growth

- Future net tuition revenue is expected to increase with a single scholarship model now in place, further strengthening financial position

TUITION

- Gross tuition and fees revenue is ahead of prior year by 3.11%

- Decreased total attendance cost from 2019 to 2023 by 5%

The University is only as strong as our financial vitality. We are committed to offering an affordable education while upholding our standards of excellence. It is our goal to increase access to education through scholarships and a competitive tuition rate, while also investing in our EKU family through regular compensation increases.

For the most up-to-date financial reports, visit us online

financialaffairs.eku.edu

- Increased undergraduate gross tuition revenue for all methods of course delivery by 2.91% over prior year at $107 million versus $104 million

FUNDRAISING

- Contributions to endowment are up 89% over prior year; $3.035 million versus $1.61 million

- Foundation contributions up $350,000 over prior year

- Completed largest Giving Day in EKU history

OTHER REVENUES

- Finance and Administrative Cost Recovery revenues are currently flat year over year

- Revenue from contractual relationships is up 26.5% over the prior year; $2.5 million versus $1.9 million

We harvest what we sow, and we’ve been planting. Stewarding our resources today readies a promising future for generations of Colonels.

5. ENHANCE THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL

Where we are says a lot about who we are.

Upholding our namesake as the Campus Beautiful, we will continue to invest in the place our students call home. Ultra-modern facilities will attract and invite the future generation of EKU. We will cherish our historic architecture as we thoughtfully design and elevate our campus spaces.

RENOVATIONS

- EKU Mural

- The Corner

- Powell Plaza

Amphitheater

- Divine 9 Plaza

STATE ASSET PRESERVATION OF $55 MILLION

- Installed new roofs at Powell and Rowlett Buildings

- Completed steam line project along University Drive

- Renovated extensive plumbing, water distribution, boiler and heating, cooling and chiller systems

- Modernized electrical distribution systems with significant deferred maintenance

- Increased campus walkability and improved safety through sidewalks, area lighting and pedestrian routes and pathways

ENRICHING OUR SPACES

- Implemented changes identified in the space utilization plan

- Increased use of Powell Student Center for classrooms

- Giles Gallery

- Commonwealth Credit Union Learning Lounge

- Water Tower

- Moved departmental offices to meet the needs of faculty and staff

DEFINE, MESSAGE, MAXIMIZE

6.

ELEVATE THE UNIVERSITY BRAND

From Pikeville to Paducah and beyond, our reputation precedes us.

The story of EKU is built on decades of academic and athletic excellence that have changed the world. We captivate the ambition of future Colonels, inspire champions of EKU and capitalize on the support of influencers by leveraging a unique, compelling and consistent message.

- Revitalized our communications to look and feel consistently dynamic, bold and innovative

- Aligned color data to consistently represent the EKU maroon

- Introduced accent colors based on features around campus and eastern Kentucky

- Updated primary fonts

- Clarified guidelines to ensure consistency in messaging across campus

- Distilled the Athletic Brand and bring it into the fold

- Identiied legacy trademarks to honor our history

- Conducted market analysis of athletic competition

FACEBOOK ENGAGEMENT

- Engagement increased 107% - 5% increase in followers

INSTAGRAM ENGAGEMENT

- Engagement increased 17% - 14% increase in followers

ENGAGEMENT FAST FACTS

- Earned media increased 6.7%

- Increased positive sentiment 36%

- Communicated a cohesive brand identity through over 1,400 pages of design

- Produced full audio-visual for 5 total commencement ceremonies

- Captured over 200 professional photoshoots and 113,582 photos captured

- 1.3 million cumulative advertising impressions

Leveraged strategic launches for impact

- Entered into first-of-their-kind naming rights partnerships with Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum and CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium

- Collaborated with the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers for 2023 day at the Capitol

- Announced Commonwealth Credit Union’s $1 million gift for the Certificate in Financial Technology and Cybercrime

- Set record in ticket sales and attendance for football, men’s basketball, baseball and softball

- Celebrated Ahmed Jaziri’s (Men’s Cross Country) NCAA Steeplechase National Championship

- Earned Men’s Cross Country ASUN Championship

- Named Football ASUN Conference Champions

7. ENERGIZE COLLABORATION ACROSS THE SERVICE REGION

GOING THE DISTANCE TO TELL OUR STORY

We are Kentucky’s University. We educate more Kentuckians who stay in the state as they embark on their careers, fueling the talent pipeline for our region. Students come to EKU to challenge and refine their skills. But upon graduation, they invest those skills back into the Commonwealth, enhancing our communities and creating opportunities.

FUELING KENTUCKY’S ECONOMY AND TALENT

67% of graduates are employed in Kentucky within one year of graduation

Highest graduate employment rate among public institutions

NURSING

- Offered Associate Degree in Nursing at EKU’s regional Manchester campus

- Graduated 287 nurses

EDUCATION

- Increased access to an education degree through Option 9, the 2+2 partnership with BCTC, creating an online Elementary Ed Degree and dual credit pathway

- Graduated 361 professional educators

SOCIAL WORK

- Launched regional social work campus program

- Graduated 119 social workers

FIRST RESPONDER

- Continued as the only ABET-accredited Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology Degree in Kentucky – and one of only three accredited programs in the world

- Certified Eastern Kentucky high school students in wilderness safety and first aid

- Graduated 284 first responders

AVIATION

- Provided virtual reality flight training to over 3,700 students in the region

- Hosted a record number of youth discovery flights at Central Kentucky Regional Airport

- Graduated 102 aviation professionals

ECONOMIC IMPACT

- Infused $580 million annual economic impact to the local, regional and state economies

- Supported more than 6,000 jobs and $324.6 million in wages

SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE EASTERN KENTUCKY REGION

- Engaged with local legislators in every county in our 22-county service region

- Increased opportunities for single parents and families at the Corbin Scholar House Serving single parents and families pursuing higher education by providing housing units, an early childhood education center and Head Start

- Supported the Lilly Cornett Woods project in Letcher County

- Engaged with local elected officials as we induct only the fourth natural area in Kentucky into the federal Old Growth Forest Network

- Supported addiction recovery and workforce development community programs

- Hosted community forums to address healthcare worker shortages and substance use recovery and workforce development

8. ENRICH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

UNITED WE SOAR

EKU seeks to be the leader of higher education reform in Kentucky. When legislators recognize a critical need for the Commonwealth, we want EKU to be among the first contacted to provide the solution through our teaching, training, research and resources. In addition, we believe that a reduction in regulatory red tape will better allow institutions of higher education to better respond to the needs of the market. EKU stands ready and willing to be a partner for progress.

STATE INVESTMENT IN EKU

Increased capital appropriations

$2.1 million

Received $90 million investment in new Model Laboratory School building

Received $31 million investment in Alumni Coliseum renovations

MAXIMIZED LEGISLATIVE INTERACTIONS

- Colonels at the Capitol

- 7 EKU Legislative interns served the 2023 General Assembly

- Local Elected Official Day at EKU

- Legislator Day at EKU

- STEM Goes Red

- Letcher County Scholarship announcement

EXPANDED CORPORATE PARTNER PROGRAM

- 86 partners and growing

- 606 unique net students enrolled

- Flat-rate tuition discount matched for employees

- Free textbooks for all students

- Fixed tuition rate for two years

- A competitive advantage in employee retention

- 20% discount on Workforce Development courses

ENHANCED COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

- Submitted federal grant application for aviation

- Partnered with Somerset Community College with Nursing Associate Degree

- BCTC 2+2 Education Pathway

- 113 unique district partners for Option 9

- 70 schools from 50 districts have expressed interest in CTE Dual Credit Pathway

- Richmond Millstone Festival Partner

- Received TAP Grant in partnership with Richmond

- Homecoming Family Dog Block Party

WHERE WE’RE GOING

Eastern Kentucky University is focused.

We are following the advice of a wise Eastern Kentuckian: EKU is planning our work and working our plan. We know where we’re going. Every choice we make will align to our eight priorities. If the return on investment isn’t proven, we will pivot to another solution. But at the end of every day, week and year, we will see the tangible successes of our investments. We will see growth. We will see more opportunities.

EMBRACE STUDENT SUCCESS AS OUR PURPOSE

- Increase freshmen enrollment to 3,000 for Fall 2023

- Develop and engage in strategic out-ofstate recruitment plan

- Develop a strategic investment master plan with ROI measures (BookSmart, E3, scholarship model, etc.)

- Reduce counseling center wait times

ENCOURAGE FOCUSED ACADEMIC INVESTMENT

- Complete program review focused on increasing flexibility and reducing barriers to degree completion

- Invest in interdisciplinary collaborations

- Create a pedagogical support program focused on STEM disciplines

- Increase participation in the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning

- Boldly innovate through academic programming to address state-wide issues

EMPHASIZE BEING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

- Continue compression pool adjustments

- Modernize employee salary schedule

- Conduct benefit comparison study

- Standardize employee satisfaction survey

- Continue cost of living support

ENSURE FINANCIAL STRENGTH

- Analyze fundraising campaign feasibility study

- Optimize tuition revenue from enrollment growth

- Continue ongoing efficiency and effective planning and development

- Continue to reduce the university subsidy for athletic programming

ENHANCE THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL

- Begin comprehensive campus master plan process

- Examine and institute a more effective ticket work order system

- Refine and update space utilization study and launch space audit plan

- Identify available funding to finalize building plan and design scope with an anticipated date to break ground on new Model Laboratory School

- Begin Phase 2 of Alumni Coliseum renovation

ELEVATE THE UNIVERSITY BRAND

- Deploy a campus-wide marketing campaign

- Finalize web migration and design

- Maximize the brand through increased earned media and social media engagement

ENERGIZE COLLABORATION ACROSS THE

SERVICE REGION

- Identify and communicate community impact at the service region level

- Create an EKU response and resource team of EKU faculty and staff to address regional needs in eastern Kentucky

- Create a workforce plan to help address regional sector needs

ENRICH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

- Advocate for changes to performance funding model

- Seek state-funded investments in the 2024-2026 budget

- Regularly collaborate with local governments to improve town and gown relations

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts, or in any employment policy or practice. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, 416 Jones Building, CPO 37, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102, (859) 622-8020 or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. 20202 1-800-421-3481 (V), 1-800-877-8339 (TDD).