Behind the Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (November 21, 2024) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students.

To receive the award, a candidate must:

• Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK.
• Have superior knowledge of the subject matter.
• Have original and innovative classroom presentations.
• Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting.
• Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years.

A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted.

This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six Great Teacher Award winners for 2024: Bradley Elliott, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics in the UK College of Arts and Sciences.

In the mathematics classes Bradley Elliott teaches, he focuses on active learning and student collaboration. He designs lessons and assignments that develop students' problem-solving skills, so students are better prepared to solve novel problems in the future.

During the summer, he is a faculty member at the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program, working with high-achieving high school seniors.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (November 14, 2024) – In September 2022, the University of Kentucky launched a groundbreaking initiative: UK Invests.

Designed to help students become healthier, wealthier, and wiser, UK Invests is a first-of-its-kind financial literacy program aimed at building a foundation of financial wellness for all students — undergraduate, graduate, and professional.

Through UK Invests, students can open a brokerage account, access financial wellness resources, and earn rewards for taking steps to improve their financial, physical, and mental health. The program is designed to help students become equipped to make smart financial moves that benefit them now and in the future.

Here's how it works: students can earn up to $500 per year through activities like attending financial literacy classes, participating in wellness events, and engaging with career-building opportunities. And the impact is clear — students in the program show higher GPAs and retention rates compared to those not enrolled, proving the long-term benefits of financial literacy on their college experience and beyond.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, UK students Kylie Lessenberry and Silas Moffitt share how UK Invests has helped them navigate personal finance, sharpen their investment skills, and enhance their overall student journey.

'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (November 7, 2024) – The interconnectedness of Black arts and cultural institutions is essential to the mission of community impact and affecting change. That's one of the observations made by University of Kentucky Assistant Professor Jaleesa Wells, Ph.D., from the Department of Arts Administration.

For 12 months — from June 2023 through May 2024 — Wells explored the relationships between three East Okland, California, arts organizations: Artist as First Responder, Black Cultural Zone and Eastside Arts Alliance.

"The crux of my project was interviewing the stakeholders, interviewing their community members, board members, artists and the community that they interacted with," Wells said.

Those groups were cultural institutions, she said, that went beyond the confines of their respective physical spaces.

On this edition of "Behind the Blue," Tom Musgrave of UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications and Shauna Morgan, Ph.D., an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in UK's Department of English Creative Writing Division, join Wells to discuss her exploration of those three groups and how she is applying what she's learned to her work at UK.

'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 31, 2024) – In today's political landscape, the power of a single post, tweet or video can shift public opinion, drive movements and even shape policies.

From trending hashtags to viral tweets, social media isn't just an accessory in politics anymore — it's a microphone, a platform and, at times, a battleground.

In the social media arena, candidates and voters engage in real-time debates, raise awareness for causes and rally support. But as its role in politics continues to grow, so do questions about its influence.

How did we get here? And where is this headed?

On this edition of "Behind the Blue," Annelise Russell, an associate professor in the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, and Maggie Macdonald, an assistant professor of political science in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, explore the impact of the stories lighting up our feeds — and what they mean for the future of democracy.

Their research focuses on the complex relationship between social media and politics — unpacking its benefits, pitfalls and what it truly means to be "political" in the digital age.

'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 24, 2024) – As the 2024 election approaches, voters across the country are preparing for a pivotal year in American politics. While the Presidential race naturally dominates headlines, many states, including Kentucky, are also focusing on crucial down-ballot races that will shape the future of local and national governance.

From state legislative battles to key Congressional seats, the outcome of these elections will influence everything from healthcare to education policy. Cultural issues and voter turnout are expected to play significant roles, with both parties working hard to mobilize their bases in what is sure to be a contentious and highly watched election cycle.

On this episode of 'Behind the Blue', Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, discusses the dynamics of the 2024 elections, including the lack of competitive races at the federal level, the impact of turnout on election outcomes, and key state-level amendments. Voss also explores the national political climate, voter motivations, and the influence of cultural issues in shaping the political landscape.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 17, 2024) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students.

To receive the award, a candidate must:

• Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK.
• Have superior knowledge of the subject matter.
• Have original and innovative classroom presentations.
• Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting.
• Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years.

A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted.

This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six Great Teacher Award winners for 2024: Zada Komara, a lecturer in the Lewis Honors College.

An affiliate faculty member in the Appalachian Studies Program and the Department of Anthropology, Komara teaches interdisciplinary social science, material culture, archaeology of the recent past, Appalachia, oral history and the social impacts of pseudoscience.

Her research focuses on archaeologies of gender, race and class and their intersection with the consumer revolution in Appalachian coal towns and on modern material culture studies on UK's campus. She administers the UK Appalachian Center's Coal Camp Documentary Project, a collaborative documentation effort focusing on company coal towns in Kentucky's 54 Appalachian counties.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 10, 2024) – In the summer of 2020, UK Football player JJ Weaver lost both his father and high school football coach in successive months. Weaver, a graduate who plays outside linebacker, says he channeled his emotions into football until an injury later that fall sidelined him and left him with no outlet.

Struggling with anger and grief, JJ began falling behind in class and regressing from his teammates, until the UK coaching staff pulled him aside to try and understand what was happening. From there, Weaver's path eventually led him to a senior capstone class with Nicole Breazeale, an associate professor of community and leadership development in the UK College of Agriculture, Food & Environment, where he shared his journey with fellow students.

As a final project in the class, Breazeale connected Weaver and two other students with Emily Johnson, the clinical programs manager at the Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families, where they developed a student-led peer support group, first with fellow athletes, and now moving out into pilot programs within the greater university community.

On this episode of 'Behind the Blue', Breazeale, Weaver, and Johnson discuss the beginnings of the program, the overwhelming need for these types of groups on campus, and the legacy they hope build by serving students in need.

This episode contains discussions of loss and grief. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, or facing mental and/or substance use disorders, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 3, 2024) – For over a century, starting in 1915, the University of Kentucky has celebrated Homecoming week – a time for students and alumni to uphold the Wildcat spirit and traditions. Numerous groups, including the UK Alumni Association, Student Organizations and Activities, Black Student Union, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Student Activities Board, and the Office for Student Success have worked hard to make this a memorable week for all who take part.

This year, the UK Alumni Association will also honor the Golden Wildcats from the Class of 1974, with a series of events marking their 50th reunion. For a complete schedule of Golden Wildcat Society reunion activities and details on how to register, visit the UK Alumni Association's website.

Homecoming week runs from October 7-13, 2024 and offers a range of events for the entire UK community, culminating in the Homecoming football game against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 12. Highlights leading up to the game include annual events like the Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon, the DanceBlue Silent Auction, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show. These long-standing traditions have made Homecoming an integral part of campus life for over 100 years.

On this episode of 'Behind the Blue', UK Alumni Association Executive Director Jill Smith and this year's Alumni Association President Rob Crady discuss the significance of alumni engagement, the evolution of campus, and what's in store for this year's Homecoming. They also reflect on the importance of maintaining traditions and strengthening the sense of community at UK.

'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 26, 2024) – Part of the UK College of Fine Arts, the University of Kentucky Art Museum fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of art from a wide variety of cultures and historical periods, offering meaningful experiences for audiences of all ages. With a permanent collection of around 5,000 objects, the museum serves as a rich resource for the campus community and a cultural hub for citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond.

Rachel Hooper is the new curator of the UK Art Museum. A seventh-generation Kentuckian and native of Lexington, Hooper says a school field trip to the museum was the early catalyst for her love of art.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, UKPR's Tom Musgrave sits down with Hooper and Art Museum Director Stuart Horodner to discuss the nature of curatorial work, what the mission of the museum is from both educational and cultural perspectives, the significance of student involvement, and much more.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 19, 2024) – The University of Kentucky Alumni Association started the Great Teacher Award program in 1961 to honor excellent teaching at the university. There have been more than 300 teachers honored since that first year. Nominations may only be submitted by current students.

To receive the award, a candidate must:

• Hold the rank of full-time lecturer or above and have been a member of the faculty for the past three years at UK.
• Have superior knowledge of the subject matter.
• Have original and innovative classroom presentations.
• Demonstrate concern for students, both inside and outside the classroom setting.
• Not have been a recipient of the award for the past 10 years.

A committee of the UK Alumni Association Board of Directors and a representative from the student organization Omicron Delta Kappa select the recipients based on objective rating and ranking of the eligible nominations submitted.

This episode of Behind the Blue spotlights one of the six Great Teacher Award winners for 2024. Eric Thomas Weber is an associate professor in the department of educational policy studies and evaluation in the College of Education. He specializes in the philosophy of education, ethics and public policy, political philosophy and American philosophy.

In addition to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Weber is co-chair of the faculty and student recognition committee for the College of Education and has served as a member of the Honors College's faculty council.

Weber received his bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University with a double major in philosophy and communication studies, his master's in philosophy from Ohio University and his Ph.D. in philosophy from Southern Illinois University. He joined the faculty at UK in 2016 as a visiting associate professor in the department of philosophy and then in 2018 as an associate professor of educational policy studies and evaluation in the College of Education. His published academic work consists of five books, 36 articles or essays, 56 popular media publications and 151 presentations.

"Behind the Blue" is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of "Behind the Blue" each week. UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of "Behind the Blue," email [email protected] or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.

To discover what's wildly possible at the University of Kentucky, click here.