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Looking Ahead to a New Semester

I hope that you have had a wonderful and rejuvenating winter break — time that can help us recharge for the semester ahead. While we prepare for the start of classes, here are some reminders and updates to help you.

Academic Ombud Spring 2025 Academic Reminders

The Spring 2025 Academic Reminders contains information on the academic policies and rules set forth by the Administrative Regulation — Academic and Student Affairs (Interim).

Commencement — Marking a Milestone

Our December commencement ceremonies will be held tomorrow in Rupp Arena, marking an important milestone in many of our students’ lives. Commencement signifies the end of this academic journey, the culmination of countless hours of hard work and dedication.

College of Education Acting Dean Reappointment

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins as the acting dean of the College of Education, effective Jan. 1, 2025. She will serve in this role for either one year or until the new dean begins.

My Gratitude for Our Meaningful Connections this Season

As we wind down the semester and enter a new holiday season, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all you have done and continue to do for our students, for our university and for each other.

Learning Together as One Community

Throughout the year, I have been honored and privileged to speak at events in your areas and colleges. These have ranged from ceremonies honoring your graduating students to orientations welcoming new faculty to the university. The highlight of all these events, though, is always the people — you.

New VP for Land-grant Engagement and Dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

We are very pleased to announce that Laura Stephenson has agreed to assume the critical leadership positions of vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Martin-Gatton CAFE).

A Year of Gratitude

I am thankful that you continue to use your voices and your impact to help grow UK and its people. Our community of faculty, staff and students is central to our mission to advance Kentucky through teaching, research, service and care.

The Inaugural Faculty Senate

I want to thank all of our faculty for participating in the Faculty Senate elections in October — you are ensuring that your units, programs and colleges are given a voice at the university level with this important body of faculty representation.

Resources to Finish the Semester Successfully

What we achieve as an institution, our UK-PURPOSE, cannot be possible without your crucial efforts. And as we enter the latter half of the semester, I want to highlight the resources that support all that you do — and that support you as individuals — particularly during this time of year. In the weeks remaining of this fall semester, our schedules can often become crowded with competing deadlines and priorities. This is something we often tell students, but it can be true for faculty as well.

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