The Memorandum of Understanding signed by both organizations provides citizen soldiers and members of the Kentucky National Guard with support as they work toward earning a degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

The university is partnering with nonprofit organization Remote Area Medical for the state of Michigan’s first ever Remote Area Medical Clinic that will provide more than 400 residents with free healthcare services.

Individuals who complete a Nurse Aide certification with Freedom Academy will receive access to an expedited admissions process with Trine University to participate in the Associate of Science in Nursing program.

Calumet Hall is expected to open in the fall of 2026. It will provide living and lounge spaces and will keep students in close proximity to classrooms and campus resources.

The newly signed agreement will provide a seamless admissions experience for qualified high school seniors within the district, meaning they will not need to fill out a traditional college application but rather a short form to apply to the university.

The university’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering will see additional academic programs, increased faculty, and new lab facilities.

The building will be a multipurpose center for classrooms, housing, dining, and community use. It is expected to be completed in May 2027.

The partnership will allow the two institutions to collaborate to help advance STEM education at the university.

The gift comes from Emeritus Trustee M. Stephen (Steve) Harkness and will endow five separate scholarships.

The university adopted the Okanagan Charter at a ceremony on March 27, 2025, signalling its ability and commitment to join the US Health Promoting Campuses Network.