Behind the Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 23, 2023) – As a young child, Dr. Emily Marcinkowski spent a lot of time in the hospital, but not as a patient. Her mother, a single parent, worked as an Operating Room Scrub Nurse, which led to Marcinkowski spending a fair amount of time in the OR and offices during her mother’s shifts.

 It was that exposure to medicine and surgery that inspired her to become a surgeon herself. In a field of healthcare that is largely dominated by men, Marcinkowski says it never occurred to her to not be a surgeon simply because she is female.

 Today, Dr. Marcinkowski is a surgical oncologist at UK’s Markey Cancer Center, specializing in breast cancer, soft-tissue sarcomas and skin cancers. She says she likes surgery because of the closer relationships that surgeons have with their patients, and how that is of specific benefit in regards to working with breast cancer patients, who are often concerned with how their diagnosis and treatment affects their sexuality and self-identification.

 Marcinkowski also teaches classes as an associate professor in the UK College of Medicine, where she strives to pass on her enthusiasm for her work to a new generation, along with the importance of students having the mindset of investing in themselves.

 On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Marcinkowski talks about her drive to be a problem solver, how surgery presents her with tangible problems she can act upon, the importance of greater diversity and patient-based inclusivity in the medical field, and 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. (March 9, 2023) – According to the National Women’s Business Council annual report, 42% of all U.S. businesses are owned by women, and in 2019 those businesses employed over 9.4 million workers.

 However, based on the annual Women in the Workplace study by LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company, “women leaders are switching jobs at the highest rate we’ve ever seen…[which could] have serious implications for companies” that are already facing underrepresentation in those roles.

 Dr. Jennifer Siebenthaler is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs and Senior Lecturer in the Von Allmen School of Accountancy in the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics. Dr. Siebenthaler’s background as a CPA has led her to work as an auditor specializing in healthcare and other nonprofit entities, and to consulting various businesses before transitioning to education.

 Dr. Susan Zhu is an Assistant Professor of Management in the UK Gatton College and a Research Fellow at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Dr. Zhu’s research interests include workplace decision-making, recruitment and staffing, and leadership. Her research focuses on understanding how employees at work make judgments and decisions, and how these judgments and decisions impact individual, team, and Human Resources (HR) functioning.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’ UK Senior Elly Piatt, an Economics major from Villa Hills, Ky, sits down with these two members of the Gatton College of Business and Economics to discuss the challenges facing women in business today, the support systems in place to help women thrive, and advice they would give to students as they pursue their careers in this ever-changing field.

 "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. (March 2, 2023) – Dynamic and innovative, the University of Kentucky Department of Arts Administration leads national and international initiatives in teaching, research, professional and community service to educate and inspire responsible arts leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Founded in 1987, the University of Kentucky's Department of Arts Administration offers one of the most comprehensive curriculums in the country. Already home to the oldest arts administration BA degree in the US, students are able to develop their discipline along with learning the business side of the arts. In addition, the department offers an online MFA program, and has recently added the country’s first ever PhD in arts administration.

Dr. Rachel Shane is the Department Chair and an Associate Professor of Arts Administration at the University of Kentucky. She oversees the department's three degree programs as well as the Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Development and professional development offerings. She also teaches a variety of courses in the degree programs.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Shane talks about the impact of the arts on the economy, how the department has grown and adapted to the changing demands of the arts industry, and the vast possibilities students have with a career in the arts.

"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. (February 23, 2023) – DanceBlue is a University of Kentucky student-run organization that fundraises year-round and culminates in a 24-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon. The money raised through DanceBlue is donated to the Golden Matrix Fund, established to support the kids of the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic both today and well into the future through an endowment.

DanceBlue funds also support the year-long fundraising engine and operations that underpin the mission, as well as providing funds to support research at the UK Markey Cancer Center.  

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Grace Bush DanceBlue’s overall chair and Lauren Grant, DanceBlue’s community relations chair, discuss the upcoming marathon that will make place on March 25-26.

"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. (February 15, 2023) – The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was founded May 10, 1930 on Howard University’s campus in Washington, DC. Each organization within the council operates under NPHC’s mission of fostering the cooperative action of its members in addressing matters of mutual concern.

The University of Kentucky NPHC is the coordinating body for eight of the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities. It exists under the umbrella of UK Fraternity and Sorority Life which is housed in the UK Office for Student Success. The council organizes educational and cultural programs as well as community service projects for members and the larger university community. Its signature program is the annual Homecoming Step Show, which has become a tradition on campus. 

Chloe Kellom, NPHC president and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Kerrell Hurt Jr., current president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. sat down with UKNow to discuss NPHC and its role here on campus for this week’s Behind the Blue podcast. 

"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. (February 9, 2023) – In the summer of 2020, the university launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (or DEI) Implementation Plan. With 17 distinct initiatives aligned with the university’s strategic guiding principles, the DEI implementation plan engages hundreds of UK community members in this work. 

Over the years, faculty, staff, students and community champions have dedicated their time to advancing diversity and equity through research, service and care. The DEI implementation plan is designed to empower those change agents, embolden existing DEI efforts and introduce new initiatives to accelerate inclusive excellence at UK and beyond.

On this episode of Behind the Blue Dr. Katrice Albert, UK’s Vice President for Institutional Diversity, talks about the DEI Implementation Plan, its impact on the UK community, what to look forward to in phase two, and 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. (February 2, 2023) – Do you notice a shift in your mood when the days are shorter and darker? If so, you're not alone.

It’s not uncommon to experience stress, anxiety or even depression during the winter months. Each year, about 10% of adults in the United States experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The condition can reflect a change in serotonin levels and be linked to depression.

Matt Southward, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky, is researching treatment outcomes for those coping with anxiety, depression and personality disorders. He also works in the Treatment Innovation for Psychological Services Lab.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Southward discusses the signs and symptoms of those winter blues, habits people can try to develop to help cope with stress and anxiety, tips on recognizing when seasonal depression may require professional help, and 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. (January 26, 2023) – Originally from Long Island, NY and growing up in Florida, Mario Maitland had a surprising love for the University of Kentucky since childhood, due to a passionate support of the Wildcats on the basketball court. When it came time for him to attend college, the choice for him was clear.

What wasn’t entirely clear was his path once he got here. Initially majoring in Biology, Mario soon learned that it wasn’t a good fit, and he was changed over to earn a degree in History, instead. Still, as graduation grew closer, he wasn’t quite sure what the next chapter of his life would hold.

It was in his final semester at UK when Mario took a podcasting class as an elective, and from that a fire ignited within. Now entering his second year of production, Mario is the creator and host of the ‘What’s Next Podcast’, where he interviews “intriguing people in their respective fields.” As he says in the show’s description, his main focus is to “connect normal individuals with inspiring people who are making a difference.”

In his short time of producing the podcast, Mario has interviewed music executives like Stephon Dupree, professional athletes such as former UK Women’s Basketball standout Rhyne Howard, clothing designers, physicians, and more.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Mario talks about his experience at the University of Kentucky, the lessons he learned about taking advantage of opportunities and timing, his advice for current students and young alumni for pursuing their dreams, and 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. (January 19, 2023) – The College of Arts & Sciences is the oldest and largest college at the University of Kentucky, at the heart of the university’s mission to educate students and create knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and mathematical and natural sciences.

Home to 19 academic departments that offer major degrees in 29 disciplines and 37 minors, A&S provides education in fundamentals to every undergraduate student at UK and builds foundations for advanced study in every field. Central to undergraduate and graduate education at UK, the College of Arts & Sciences accounts for teaching 85% of general education credit hours and almost half of all undergraduate credit hours, and producing the most doctoral degrees at UK.

On July 1, 2022, Dr. Ana Franco-Watkins became the new dean of A&S, coming to the University of Kentucky from her post as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. A first-generation student originally from the Azores, Franco-Watkins holds a doctorate from the University of Maryland, a master’s degree from The College of William and Mary, and a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, Franco-Watkins discusses adjusting to her new role as dean of the college, how being a first-generation student with a background in Psychology informs her approach to working with members of the university community, her hopes for the future of the college, and 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. (January 11, 2023) – Monday, January 16, 2023 will mark Lexington’s 50th anniversary of the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a US Federal holiday that honors the birth, life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is also the only national holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage Americans to volunteer for opportunities to improve their communities in a variety of ways.

The MLK Holiday Observance in Lexington provides an opportunity for the community to come together to honor King’s legacy of freedom, justice, peace and equal opportunity for all Americans. The annual march and program draws participation of several thousand people from across Central Kentucky and beyond. The theme of the 2023 MLK holiday observance is "MLK Holiday 50th Anniversary: A Half Century Of Lighting Candles Of Hope Against The Threat Of Darkness."

The program keynote speaker this year is David Hall, president of the University of the Virgin Islands. Hall is also a distinguished legal scholar who is recognized internationally for his contributions to legal scholarship on race, social justice, leadership and constitutional law. The internationally renowned youth choral ensemble Uniting Voices Chicago will be the featured artists at the Commemorative Program.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Jay Alexander, the programming and music director for WBTF-FM in Lexington and member of the Lexington-Fayette MLK Holiday Celebration Committee talks about the significance of 50 years of observance, the opportunities the event opens doors to, the year-round impact the day has on the greater community, and more.

If you’re interested in more information regarding the Lexington-Fayette Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Program, visit uky.edu/mlk. The annual Freedom March will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 16th, and concludes with the Commemorative Program held at the Central Bank Center at 2 p.m. The march begins and ends at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington.

"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.