University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative

The University of Kentucky is a powerful economic engine for Kentucky. We?educate and empower?the next generation of citizens,?provide research?that influences community and policy development and?collaborate with economic partners?— all of which strengthen and shape a new future for both Lexington and the Commonwealth. If this is work that you'd like to be updated on, subscribe to the Economic Development Collaborative's monthly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/e33s2zx9 #talent #innovation #place #parntership #equity #highereducation #landgrantuniversity

?In a unique offering among U.S. universities, the University of Kentucky is launching an undergraduate certificate in Sport, Exercise?and Performance Psychology. The certificate program, housed in the UK College of Education?Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion,?allows students to explore the mental factors that influence performance.? The 15-hour certificate includes?an introduction to counseling skills and a look at the psychology and sociology of physical activity and sport. Students will gain foundational knowledge that can enhance their readiness for diverse careers or advanced studies in the field. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ek3aiDnY | Article by: Amanda Nelson #talent #workforcedevelopment

?The University of Kentucky James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits and?UK Center for Applied Energy?Research have partnered with the?Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and the State Energy Program to make the future of bourbon production more sustainable. The project, titled “Kentucky Distilled Spirits Industrial Decarbonization and Sustainability” and funded by EEC, will allow UK distillers to co-fire natural gas with hydrogen to power the boilers. In a traditional distillery process, one of the first steps is using natural gas to create steam. Using hydrogen in this step will reduce the amount of natural gas used, an important step towards decarbonization. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eGy9jcgi | Article by: Grace Colville Sowards #partnerships #kentucky

October's newsletter featured EDC member, Audrey M. Baricovich Audrey Baricovich is the Program Coordinator for the Advanced Science and Technology Commercialization Center (ASTeCC) at the University of Kentucky where she works to support high tech small-business development. In addition to this work, she also assists the Office of Business Engagement in helping companies and organizations connect with the University. Read more about Baricovich along with the rest of the October EDC newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/egbZke8q

In collaboration with the EDC, the Graham Office of Career Management at Gatton College of Business & Economics won a national excellence award in the?University Economic Development Association (UEDA)?talent category. The UEDA Awards of Excellence program celebrates initiatives, research, or accomplishments that have an outstanding impact on economic development. This is the third UEDA Award of Excellence won by the University of Kentucky, marking the eighth time the University has been named a national finalist. The award highlights the University's ongoing efforts to proactively grow economic prosperity in Kentucky in the areas of talent, innovation, place, partnership, and economic engagement. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ePFt-GSk

Bluegrass Community and Technical College and the University of Kentucky are partnering to tap into newly developed interest in agriculture-related jobs. It started with backyard gardening with some BCTC students. “There’s an opportunity for some of our students to even work with those farmers to produce marketing materials. They’ll be able to build a bridge with communicating with individuals who are the workers and also the land owners,” said Yates Yates said that could hopefully grow into some student internships. Kentucky’s specialty crop industry includes about 14,000 acres cultivated over 52 hundred farms. Read more: https://lnkd.in/evdapGnB

Honoring the brave individuals who have served our country. Lexington and the Bluegrass Region provide several meaningful ways to pay tribute to our veterans: ? Visit Veterans Park ? See the Veterans Street Banners along Vine Street ? Explore the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Frankfort ? Tour the Kentucky Military History Museum in Frankfort ? Connect with local veterans through the Lexington History Museum’s new digital program Thank you to our veterans for your service.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support public research universities’ efforts to increase degree completion, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) named the University of Kentucky as a finalist for its 2024 Degree Completion Award. Looking to increase student retention and completion rates, UK launched an effort in 2015 focused on four components of student success — belonging, well-being, academic success and financial stability — to address critical moments in the student educational journey that can knock students off the course of earning their degree. In 2015, UK set the goal of increasing the six-year graduation rate from 60% to 70% and the first-to-second fall retention rate from 80% to 90%. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gX9CXZCG | Article by: Ryan Girves

The annual Patent Palooza! is a highlight of the work of the incredible innovators at the University of Kentucky. The event spotlighted key achievements from more than 120 UK innovators who were issued 43 patents, had 66 licenses and options executed for their innovations, received two SBIR/STTR awards and 29 teams completed Launch Blue’s UAccel program. Congratulations to all our innovators and the hard working staff that support their efforts. Ian D. McClure, Melody Flowers, Landon Borders, Eric Hartman, Matthew Upton, Jacqueline J Greene https://lnkd.in/eX_qw5As

To tackle the critical shortage of child care services in rural Kentucky, two new child care centers are set to open with vital support from the?Kentucky Small Business Development Center?(SBDC) Child Care Initiative. The SBDC is administered by the University of Kentucky?in partnership with regional academic institutions, economic development organizations, the private sector and the state. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2zBKq2V | Article by: Ryan Ferguson