University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto sits down with a portion of the Kentucky Kernel editorial board every fall semester for an interview about concerns from students, the editors and the campus community.
Capilouto discussed concerns within the athletic department, construction timelines, parking, campus safety and other concerns on campus.
Athletic success and school spirit
Capilouto began by reflecting on the Wildcats’ recent victory over Duke in Atlanta, a game he said was more than just a win, highlighting the strong spirit of the UK community.
Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope was hired in April of this year and used a strategy of wearing down the opposing team, according to Capilouto.
“It was thrilling to see a group of people who just met this summer come together as a team,” Capilouto said.
Capilouto said the team’s cohesive play and the dedication of UK fans—many of whom traveled a number of hours to attend—reflect a shared commitment to the university.
Capilouto said he believes sports victories, especially ones witnessed on a national stage, help build a sense of pride and identity for the school.
“Big Blue Nation is a unique way we build community at UK,” he said.
Title IX and campus safety concerns
With recent lawsuits concerning Title IX in the swim program and ongoing concerns over campus safety, Capilouto addressed the university’s approach to handling these sensitive issues.
He emphasized UK’s commitment to constant evaluation and improvement, especially in communication and procedural regulation.
“We are always reviewing our processes,” Capilouto said.
Capilouto outlined new safety measures including: lighting in certain areas, restricted parking garage access and increased police patrols during late-night hours.
During the overnight hours of Nov. 9, the weekend before the interview, a student was assaulted near campus.
Capilouto acknowledged that some areas near campus fall under Lexington’s jurisdiction, requiring collaboration with local law enforcement.
UK Spokesperson Jay Blanton said in a follow-up that this semester UKPD has partnered with Allied Universal. This professional campus security team works with other regional universities and large organizations nationwide.
A crime bulletin regarding sexual assault was sent out to students after this partnership with Allied Universal was announced.
Since this interview, there has been a fifth crime bulletin sent to students regarding sexual assault.
According to Blanton, security officers conduct community rounds in residence halls and at the William T. Young Library on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
UK Police created a special victims unit in 2020, according to Blanton. He said the unit includes a department with a victim advocate and a detective to help victims navigate the criminal justice system and to “help remove barriers that survivors of any interpersonal or dating violence face when reporting incidents such as these.”
The UKPD crime log reports sex offenses that have not appeared in UK campus crime bulletins. Blanton said if the crime or sexual assault is determined to be a threat to the campus community, a bulletin will be sent out in compliance with the Clery Act.
Capilouto said that the university remains vigilant and is prepared to make further changes to protect students.
Ongoing campus construction and infrastructure updates
Capilouto provided updates on several major campus construction projects, aimed at enhancing both student experience and academic resources.
Capilouto said the university is constructing a new dorm and a health education building that will offer opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and training.
According to Blanton, the $82 million White Hall renovation is scheduled to be completed by July 2026.
Capilouto said he was excited about the nearly complete Historic Memorial Coliseum renovations, which he said included air conditioning, a first for the historic building.
Capilouto said one of the most meaningful aspects of the Historic Memorial Coliseum renovation is the recognition of fallen Kentucky soldiers. The names of 12,127 Kentuckians who died in World War II and subsequent conflicts will be inscribed on large outdoor tablets, creating a space for reverence.
“I hope that those who visit campus see this as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy,” Capilouto said.
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition and affordability continue to be a primary concern for students, since there have been record-breaking enrollment numbers in previous years.
UK approved a 2.2% increase in tuition for the 2024-25 academic year, according to Blanton.
Blanton said the fall 2024 semester total of in-state tuition and fees was $6,751 with the previous year’s total being $6,606 in fall 2023.
Capilouto said that while there has been a rise in tuition, the increases have been modest, averaging around 2% below the national inflation rate.
UK has also focused on expanding financial aid through programs like UK LEADS, which offers targeted support for low-income students.
Capilouto said that UK’s dedication to affordability and accessibility is visible in its student body. More than 25% of UK students are first-generation and a similar percentage come from families with incomes around $26,000.
According to Blanton, “the University of Kentucky will invest a record $175 million of undesignated General Funds in scholarships and financial aid” for the 2024-25 school year.
The $175 million represents about a 6% increase in student financial aid, according to Blanton.
“We’re committed to keeping our doors open and supporting all students,” he said.
Capilouto said these efforts have led to significant improvements in both graduation and retention rates.
Parking and transportation challenges
With ongoing construction affecting parking availability, Capilouto acknowledged the inconvenience this has caused for students, faculty and staff.
He mentioned a new 2,400 space parking structure under construction intended to help meet demands. This structure will be located next to the parking deck across from the Albert B. Chandler Hospital and behind the new subspecialty ambulatory care facility.
“Anytime we have had to decommission space, we look for opportunities to capture more space to replace (parking spaces),” Capilouto said.
The need for pedestrian safety, according to Capilouto, is the prime reason parking will be kept on the periphery of campus.
Building a caring community
Throughout the interview, Capilouto emphasized the university’s focus on creating a supportive, inclusive environment for all students.
“Our campus is a community where everyone should feel they belong,” he said.
He mentioned the upcoming December commencement ceremony, where over 9,000 students will graduate.
For Capilouto, this event is one of the most meaningful moments of the year that represents each student’s potential.
“We’re proud to see our graduates go on to make a difference in the world,” he said.
As UK continues to grow and evolve, Capilouto said his vision remains focused on fostering community, providing high-quality education and ensuring that each student feels valued and supported.
“Every day, I see examples that we do care: faculty, staff, students and advisors… It’s a community that we say we want everyone to feel that they belong,” Capilouto said.
