University of Kentucky and Transylvania University partner to help advance Kentucky

The University of Kentucky and Transylvania University are partnering under the University of Kentucky initiative, The Advancing Kentucky Together Network. The goal of Advancing Kentucky Together is to participate in and create initiatives, programs, and partnerships that will advance the health and wellbeing of the state of Kentucky, students at the universities involved, and the community as a whole.

According to an article on the University of Kentucky’s website, Eli Capilouto, the university’s president, was quoted as saying, “We exist to serve Kentucky. That has been our mission for 160 years. Now, we are meeting that mission more and more with partners, who share our values and our commitment to progress in advancing the health, education and economy of Kentucky. Today, we are formally joining with Transylvania University, an outstanding institution with nearly 250 years of history, in the shared goal and common commitment to meet the workforce needs of our state and, together, to make our home community of Lexington an even stronger and more vibrant community in which to live.”

The presidents of each university came together on the morning of March 26 to sign a memorandum of understanding, outlining the partnership and the initiatives the two will take on together. Among the initiatives that are already in motion include outreach services to Fayette County Public Schools, a seamless transfer program from Transylvania University to UK’s College of Public Health, study abroad and internship opportunity collaborations, and collaboration regarding employee hiring and training.

Brien Lewis, Transylvania University’s president, said, "As Kentucky's first university, Transylvania is proud to be the inaugural academic partner in the Advancing Kentucky Together Network. This collaboration with the University of Kentucky builds on our long history together and positions us to play a critical role in driving Kentucky forward. Transylvania's partnership with UK in this new network signifies a powerful step for Kentucky's educational future. Together, we'll develop the next generation of leaders, ensuring our students are ready to excel in vital fields." He added, "Ultimately, this is about empowering our students and strengthening our community. By combining Transylvania's liberal arts foundation with UK's research and professional programs, we're creating unparalleled opportunities for our students, and enriching the entire Commonwealth with a highly skilled and innovative workforce.”

For more information about the University of Kentucky, visit the school’s website.