R. David Shew
The Richmond Chamber of Commerce held its annual State of the University luncheon today at Baptist Health Arena on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.
Dr. David McFaddin, Eastern’s 14th President, updated the construction underway on the Campus Beautiful, and the power point presentation was full of information about Eastern Kentucky University.
McFaddin introduced the newest members of the EKU leadership team. Brad Hall, the Executive-in-Residence – Presidential Fellow for Strategic Affairs, is leading the team to develop the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Jordan Smith, the Associate Vice-President for Public Affairs, will assist Hall.
Total enrollment reached 15,673 for the 2025-26 year. Total of 1,975 Madison County students are enrolled for the 2025-26 school year. There are 333 new freshmen from Madison County. McFaddin also stated that EKU graduates stay in Kentucky to work.
McFaddin showed projections that college-age students are predicted to be down 15% between 2025 to 2028 and student debt has decreased since 2020 by 18.6%.
McFaddin discussed the construction of Model Laboratory School, its connection to the EKU School of Education, and being the only Kentucky University with a lab school.
The ribbon cutting for Alumni Coliseum is planned for November 10, 2025. The home game will be between Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky.
The Center for Health Innovation is seeking funding for Kentucky Legislature in 2026 and would be the single largest project in Eastern’s history according to Dr. McFaddin.
The first group of students will be the first graduating class in Spring 2025 with an Engineering degree Specialized Concentrations in Advanced Manufacturing and Quality and Lean Manufacturing. Current enrollment stands at 61 students.
McFaddin discussed the addition of Dr. Tim Holt from Embry-Riddle as the Chair of the School of Aviation with 503 students. EKU is constructing a $25 million Flight Training Center and a $4.5 million general aviation terminal at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport.
