Maximizing our IMPACT

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D.

Mar 5, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

The University of Kentucky is poised to expand our reach and impact throughout the region and beyond. Our reputation for innovation and education is upheld by each graduating class of students who go on to solve new challenges in our communities. To stimulate this innovation, and to foster new transdisciplinary efforts, we must recognize the excellence already at UK.

Last year, the Office of the Provost launched the Institutional Multidisciplinary Paradigm to Accelerate Collaboration and Transformation (IMPACT) program to inspire greater ingenuity and elevate the world-class work you perform. The eight inaugural IMPACT Award recipients are each transforming learning and discovery at the university in unique ways. They are enhancing what it means to engage in life-changing research at UK. These teams and their projects encompass:

Accelerating cultural transformation in business and engineering to support mental health.
Developing a curricular partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to promote a curriculum of creative social entrepreneurship.
Expanding soft goods specializations and material research.
A Wildcat Teacher Residency program.
A data applications librarian.
A faculty exchange program.
An AI and machine learning hub.
Dental Integrated Research Education and Clinical Training (DIRECT).

Each team has submitted a six-month report on their progress, and their next update will come this summer. Their stories, their impact and their journeys will be highlighted in upcoming editions of UKNow.

This year, I am excited to share that IMPACT will award even more funds for projects that you and your colleagues envision. Your efforts to advance our Commonwealth are why we can continue growing our impact throughout Kentucky in all areas. I will communicate with the leadership of each college about the 2024 IMPACT Awards and how we can amplify your meaningful contributions to our communities.

Thank you for all you continue to do for UK and our students.

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D.
Provost