Behind The Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 9, 2026) – When people hear that the University of Kentucky has an $8.6 billion budget, it can sound like a single pot of money. In reality, that figure represents an "all-in" financial plan that supports everything from patient care and research to student success, facilities, and the daily operations that keep a major public university running. On this week's episode of Behind the Blue, UK Strategic Communications' Kody Kiser is joined by Dr. Eric Monday, the University of Kentucky's executive vice president for finance and administration, for another installment of The Business of UK. The series is designed to bring greater clarity and transparency to how the university works.  In the conversation, recorded earlier this spring, Monday breaks down what the $8.6 billion figure includes and how it is structured. He notes that roughly $5.1 billion is associated with UK HealthCare, about $3.3 billion supports the university's education, research, and public service mission, and roughly

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 2, 2026) – When an emergency happens on a college campus, a coordinated response doesn't begin in the moment — it begins long before, through planning, training and practice. On this episode of Behind the Blue, UK Strategic Communications' Dani Jaffe talks with Sarah Fink, Director of Emergency Management for the University of Kentucky Police Department, about how UK prepares for natural, technological and human-caused incidents, and how faculty, staff, students and families can stay informed and ready. Fink oversees the university's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which serves as the central hub for incident coordination and resource management. The EOC can activate for both planned events, such as student move-in, and unplanned incidents like severe weather, helping campus partners share information quickly, prioritize life safety, and support a return to normal operations.  In the conversation, Fink also discusses the importance of training at every level, from monthly educati

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 25, 2026) – March Madness is built on split-second decisions, emotional swings and the thrill of uncertainty. From game-winning shots and busted brackets to late-night tip-offs and watch parties with friends, the NCAA tournament offers more than drama on the court — it also creates a window into how people think, react, connect and make meaning through sports. Using the science and humanity behind those moments, the tournament can serve as a lens to explore pressure, sleep, brain health and identity.  Across UK's campus, experts in social work, neurology, aging and sociology study the kinds of moments March Madness brings into focus — from performance under pressure to the effects of lost sleep, from the role of social connection in brain health to the personal and cultural identities reflected in the brackets fans fill out each spring. On this episode of 'Behind the Blue', we talk with several of those experts: Matt Moore, associate dean of academic and student affairs in the UK Col

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2026) – March Madness is built on split-second decisions, emotional swings and the thrill of uncertainty. From game-winning shots and busted brackets to late-night tip-offs and watch parties with friends, the NCAA tournament offers more than drama on the court — it also creates a window into how people think, react, connect and make meaning through sports. Using the science and humanity behind those moments, the tournament can serve as a lens to explore pressure, sleep, brain health and identity.  Across UK's campus, experts in social work, neurology, aging and sociology study the kinds of moments March Madness brings into focus — from performance under pressure to the effects of lost sleep, from the role of social connection in brain health to the personal and cultural identities reflected in the brackets fans fill out each spring. On this episode of 'Behind the Blue', we talk with several of those experts: Matt Moore, associate dean of academic and student affairs in the UK Col

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 12, 2026) – Schyler Simpson, PhD, is no stranger to the University of Kentucky. A three-degree UK alum, she has spent years serving students in a variety of roles across campus, including teaching, advising, recruiting, and retention and engagement work in the College of Communication and Information. In her new role as director of Nationally Competitive Awards, she now helps students explore prestigious opportunities such as the Rhodes, Fulbright, Goldwater, Marshall and Truman awards.  The University of Kentucky's Office of Nationally Competitive Awards helps students pursue major scholarships, fellowships and study-abroad opportunities that can shape academic careers and open doors around the world. Despite the large amount of national competition, Simpson believes UK students are just as prepared and motivated to achieve these opportunities, saying, "students should not think that maybe they're not prepared enough or not ready enough, because this office is definitely proof that t

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 5, 2026) – University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart will retire from his role at the end of June after nearly 24 years leading Kentucky Athletics, UK President Eli Capilouto announced Tuesday. Barnhart will remain at UK in a new role focused on the future of sports and workforce development. This week's episode of 'Behind the Blue' features a conversation with Capilouto and Barnhart, recorded just before the announcement. The two reflect on Barnhart's leadership, the transformation of Kentucky Athletics during his tenure, and what comes next for both Barnhart and the university. Capilouto said Barnhart's legacy is defined not only by competitive success, but by a commitment to doing things the right way — creating a culture of excellence, integrity and student support that strengthened the university and its connection to the Commonwealth. Under Barnhart's leadership, UK has won six NCAA team championships and achieved more than 60 conference or conference tournament

LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 27, 2026) – What does it mean to "reckon" with the past — not as a distant record, but as a living force that still shapes our communities, our classrooms and our shared civic life? Kristine Yohe, a professor of English at Northern Kentucky University, explores that question in her new book, "Reckoning with the Past: The Historical Poetry of Frank X Walker" — a thoughtful, book-length study of Walker's historical persona poetry. In that work, Walker gives voice to pivotal figures such as York, Isaac Murphy and Medgar Evers, inviting readers to engage history with honesty, empathy and deeper context.   Walker, a UK professor, poet, and the first African American writer to be named Kentucky Poet Laureate, says historical persona poetry can put readers "on the inside of the story," bringing an emotional truth that traditional accounts often can't capture. And while most people won't sit down with "the 300-page version" of history, he belives poetry can invite them in — because "the t

 LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 20, 2026) – UK HealthCare is an academic health system made up of the University of Kentucky's hospitals and clinics — about 9,000 team members, more than 80 specialized clinics and 140-plus outreach programs — in fiscal year 2023 alone, it served Kentuckians through roughly 1.4 million outpatient visits. Suffice it to say, UK HealthCare is a driver for positive healthcare outcomes in the Commonwealth. On this week's episode of 'Behind the Blue', we're bringing you another installment of 'The Business of UK' — a special feature hosted by Dr. Eric Monday, the University of Kentucky's executive vice president for finance and administration, and Co-executive vice president for health administration.  In this conversation, Dr. Monday talks with Craig Collins, senior vice president and chief financial officer of UK HealthCare, and CEO of Beyond Blue — the affiliated organization that helps support and expand UK's work across the Commonwealth. Together, they break down what Beyond Blue

 LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 13, 2026) – Artificial intelligence is moving fast — and Kentucky lawmakers are working to make sure the state can take advantage of new tools without sacrificing transparency, privacy or public trust. On this episode of 'Behind the Blue', Kentucky State Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe — a Lexington native and University of Kentucky alum — joins host Kody Kiser to talk about her path into public service, what she's hearing from constituents in Senate District 12, and how she views UK's land-grant mission of service to communities across the Commonwealth.  Bledsoe represents parts of Fayette County along with Woodford, Mercer and Boyle counties. In the conversation, she points to infrastructure — including roads and aging water and wastewater systems — as a major concern for the region, while also highlighting the role higher education, signature industries and health care play in central Kentucky's future.  The interview also explores Bledsoe's emerging leadership on technology poli

LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 5, 2026) – From College of Medicine research labs to the halls of UK HealthCare, Lindsay Ragsdale, M.D., has spent much of her career here at the University of Kentucky. Now the chief medical officer for Golisano Children's at UK, she oversees a growing team of specialists and subspecialists dedicated to providing the most complex care for the children of Kentucky. In this episode of "Behind the Blue," Ragsdale discusses her career at UK, the role of palliative care, the growth of the children's hospital and her own son's experience as a pediatric cardiology patient. As a "Woman of Impact" nominee for the American Heart Association's current fundraising campaign, she also highlights how AHA helps fund an important initiative overseen by a Golisano team – Project ADAM in Kentucky. Below are highlights from the conversation, and you can listen to the full episode through the media player at the top of the page. Building a foundation of pediatric palliative care A Tennessee

LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 30, 2026) – Central Appalachia has powered the nation for generations — fueling industry, building cities, and supporting economic growth far beyond the region itself. But as coal and other extractive industries decline, communities across Appalachia are once again facing transition. The question, as many have learned through hard experience, isn't whether change is coming — it's whether that change will be just. On this episode of Behind the Blue, Shaunna Scott, a recently retired associate professor of sociology in the UK Department of Sociology and Kathryn Engle, an adjunct assistant professor of sociology and the director of the UK Appalachian Center discuss a new book they co-edited, Toward Just Transitions: Visions for Regenerative Communities in Appalachia.  Drawing on decades of scholarship, community-based research, and on-the-ground activism, the conversation explores what it means to move beyond extractive economies toward futures grounded in democracy, equity, health, a

LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 23, 2026) – The business of college athletics is at an inflection point, and leaders across higher education are grappling with a new reality: rising costs, shifting rules and a model many say can't hold. On this week's episode of 'Behind the Blue,' UK's Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and Co-Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Dr. Eric Monday continues our Business of UK series with guest Erik Judson, founder and CEO of JMI Sports, for a wide-ranging conversation about the changing economics of college sports.  Judson, who has spent three decades in the business of sports, says the current landscape has moved from one of the most regulated systems to one that now feels chaotic and inconsistent. "As we sit here today, it's absolutely not sustainable," Judson said, adding that the rapid shift has made it difficult for institutions to keep up with mounting, often unfunded, costs.  Those pressures include new financial obligations tied to the House set

LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 14, 2026) – Monday, January 19th, 2026 will mark Lexington's 53rd anniversary of the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a US Federal holiday that honors the birth, life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is also the only national holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage Americans to volunteer for opportunities to improve their communities in a variety of ways. As part of the planning committee for Lexington's annual MLK Holiday Observance, Ja'Mahl McDaniel has helped shape one of the longest-running celebrations of Dr. King's legacy in the country. McDaniel is director of the University of Kentucky's Martin Luther King, Jr. Center — a hub for student opportunities in academics, civic leadership, and cultural exchange rooted in Dr. King's philosophy. This year's event will bring the community together around the theme, "The Right to Live, The Right to Choose: Health, Ballots & The Beloved Community," connecting Dr. King's work to present-da

LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 8, 2026) – As we welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus for the spring 2026 semester, this episode of Behind the Blue offers a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. In December, UK President Eli Capilouto sat down for a wide-ranging conversation about the year behind us and the momentum carrying the university forward.  On this episode of Behind the Blue Capilouto reflects on the close of 2025 and what it means to begin a new year with students back on campus—celebrating milestones like commencement, growing enrollment, and the continued success of first-generation and Kentucky students. He also discusses how the university has navigated a changing external landscape, staying grounded in core principles like dignity, respect, and a steadfast focus on putting students first. The conversation explores major moments of pride from the past year, including transformative philanthropic investments supporting children's health and the arts, the breadth of disciplines tha

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 22, 2025) – College athletics is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, as Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and revenue-sharing models reshape how universities support student-athletes. This week on "Behind the Blue, our recurring feature The Business of UK continues with an in-depth look at BBNIL, the University of Kentucky's approach to NIL and its collaboration with JMI Sports.  On this episode, UK Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and Co-Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Eric Monday is joined by Mitch Barnhart, UK's Athletics Director, and Paul Archey, president of JMI Sports. Together, they examine how NIL fits into the broader financial ecosystem of college sports and how UK is positioning its student-athletes for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.  Barnhart, who has led UK Athletics since 2002, outlines the dramatic changes of the past decade — from cost-of-attendance stipends and academic aw

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 18, 2025) – Strategic partnerships play a critical role in supporting the University of Kentucky's mission, particularly in athletics, where revenue generation, fan engagement and long-term planning are increasingly complex. These complexities are well understood by Paul Archey, president of JMI Sports, the multimedia rights partner for UK Athletics and the university.  On this week's episode of "Behind the Blue," Archey joins UK Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and Co-Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Dr. Eric Monday, on another installment of The Business of UK, a recurring feature designed to give listeners a look inside the principles and processes that guide UK's financial and operational decisions.  Originally from Greenup, Ky, Archey speaks on how the partnership was formed, why it has continued to evolve, and how its structure supports both UK Athletics and the university as a whole. The conversation also highlights the deep Kentucky root

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 18, 2025) – Across the Commonwealth, the University of Kentucky fulfills its land-grant mission through teaching, research, service and health care — from students discovering their passions, to researchers making breakthroughs, to clinicians providing critical care in communities of every size. But behind the work that most Kentuckians see is a complex network of decisions, partnerships and operational systems that keep the university and UK HealthCare running every day.  This week, we're launching a new recurring feature on "Behind the Blue" called The Business of UK, designed to take listeners inside that part of the institution. The Business of UK will break down major business questions and explore the principles and processes that guide UK's financial and operational decisions.  Leading this new feature is UK Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and Co-Executive Vice President  for Health Affairs, Dr. Eric Monday. From large-scale partnerships to everyday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 11, 2025) – There's a first time for everything — and on Friday, 71-year-old University of Kentucky College of Education graduate Ellen London will experience a significant first: attending a graduation ceremony to accept a diploma. Ellen, who just earned her second master's degree, didn't attend the commencement ceremonies for her bachelor's or first master's degrees at other universities. She didn't even attend her own high school graduation, saying she was "too shy" to be in the spotlight. As she dons a cap and gown for the first time and readies herself to cross the stage at Rupp Arena, she'll be cheered on by friends and family, including two family members who are also part of the UK community: her daughter, Tessa London-Bounds, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon with the UK Gill Heart Institute, and her 10-year-old grandson, Harry, a cello player in the College of Fine Arts' UK String Project. In this episode of "Behind the Blue," this trio joins us to talk about their nomadic

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 5, 2025) – Kentucky has one of the nation's highest burdens of chronic lung disease, a challenge intensified by smoking prevalence, occupational exposures and limited access to specialized care in rural communities. As UK HealthCare looks to expand its services for those with advanced lung conditions, a new leader is helping to guide that effort. Dr. Edward Cantu recently joined the University of Kentucky as director of the UK HealthCare Lung Transplantation Program and the thoracic surgery division. A surgeon whose path has taken him from Columbia University to Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania, Cantu says his goal is clear: increase access, improve outcomes and build a patient-centered system of care for lung disease across the Commonwealth.  On this episode of "Behind the Blue," Dr. Cantu discusses the importance of advanced lung care in Kentucky, the role of early detection in conditions like solitary pulmonary nodules and the lifesaving possibilities provided

LEXINGTON, Ky. (November 21, 2025) – As the cost of higher education continues to challenge students and families nationwide, the University of Kentucky is taking a different approach — one that goes beyond tuition and scholarships to equip students with long-term financial confidence. Since 2022, UK Invests has helped students earn up to $500 each year by participating in activities tied to wellness, engagement, employability skills and financial literacy, with funds deposited directly into individual Fidelity investment accounts. For Paul McKinney, UK's Associate Vice President for Student Financial Stability, the program represents the next step in the institution's commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. A veteran of more than 30 years in higher-education finance, McKinney joined UK after seeing the potential of UK Invests to not only educate students about budgeting and long-term investing, but to meaningfully shape their financial futures. Since its launch, the uni