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The University of Kentucky

From its modest beginnings in 1865, when it was known as State College, the University of Kentucky has grown into one of the nation's most outstanding institutions of higher learning. As a comprehensive land-grant university, UK offers an educational experience that cannot be matched anywhere in the Commomwealth. In fact, only a small number of institutions across the nation can offer the wealth of opportunities that awaits students at UK. At Kentucky, there is a tradition of value.

University of Kentucky Facts

History - UK was founded in 1865 as a land-grant institution, and the present name dates back to 1916. Located in the heart of the beautiful Kentucky Bluegrass region, UK's 687-acre campus is adjacent to downtown Lexington. Dr. Lee T. Todd, Jr. is UK's 11th president.

Students - Enrollment is more than 32,000, up 4.8 from the previous year, and stands at an all-time high. Students hail from every Kentucky county, every state and some 115 countries. There are 5,000 students now enrolled in graduate school with 95 master's and 59 doctoral programs offered.

Faculty - There are 1,875 full-time faculty on the Lexington campus and approximately 95 percent of them hold the highest possible degrees in their fields. UK's faculty and staff attract more than $175 million annually in grants, contracts and gifts.

Academic Programs - Currently, there are 16 academic colleges and a graduate school. Students have a choice of 88 undergraduate majors from which to choose. UK offers 93 master's level and more than 60 doctoral, specialist and professional degree programs.

Research - UK ranks among the Top 100 research institutions in the nation, and is one of only 59 public universities in the United States -- the only one in Kentucky -- to be classified as a Research University of First Class. In 2002, UK was selected as one of 13 universities nationwide to participate in the Beckman Foundation Scholars program. This program allows UK to award grants of $17,600 to students to support their own research projects. UK maintains more than 50 research centers and institutes. The centers conduct applied research in areas as diverse as tobacco and health, aging, cancer, toxicology, equine health, mineral production, manufacturing systems and public policy.

Medical Center - The Albert B. Chandler Medical Center, including a 473-bed hospital, is located on the Lexington campus. More than 3,800 students are enrolled in its five colleges -- medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health professions. The UK Hospital is supported by more than 500 faculty physicians and dentists, 400 resident physicians and a staff of 3,200 health professionals committed to high-quality patient care.

Library - Only four years old, the William T. Young Library has already assumed a position among the world's leading research libraries. Its book endowment is the largest among public universities, ranking second only to Harvard's among all universities. Its broad scope of technology offers students, faculty and Kentucky residents special access to the most up-to-date information from online journals, government publications and private studies, as well as more traditional materials.

Sports - The current number of UK sports on the varsity level is 23 -- 10 men's sports, 12 women's sports and one coed sport. The men's sports consist of football, basketball, baseball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track, tennis, swimming, golf and soccer. For the women, UK sponsors basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf, tennis, gymnastics, cross country, indoor and ourdoor track, softball and soccer on the varsity level. The single coed sport is rifle. The UK men's basketball team has been prominent nationally for 70 years under the leadership of five coaches, Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Eddie Sutton, Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith.

Campus Scene

General Information

Location: Lexington, Ky.
Founded: 1865
Enrollment: 32,549 (Lexington campus, medical center and Lexington Community College)
President: Dr. Lee T. Todd Jr.
Acting Provost: Dr. Michael T. Nietzel
Senior Vice-President and Chancellor, Medical Center: Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr.
Acting Senior Vice-President for Administration: Dr. Jack Blanton
Acting Vice President for Research: Dr. James A. Boling
Vice President for Auxiliary and Campus Services: Dr. Ben Carr
Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Information Technology: Eugene Williams
Chief Development Officer: Terry B. Mobley
Controller and Treasurer: Henry Clay Owen
Interim General Counsel: Paul Vanbooven
Director of Public Relations: Mary Margaret Colliver
Band Director: Rick Clary
Associate Band Director: George Boulden
Cheerleader Director: T. Lynn Williamson
Fight Song: "On, On, U of K"