Behind the Blue

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 9, 2021) – As the University of Kentucky nears the end of the Fall 2021 semester, COVID-19 infection rates have once again started to rise across the state. Now, a new variant, Omicron, creates new set of challenges for the Commonwealth, country and world.

As the Vice Dean of Research for the UK College of Medicine, Dr. Rebecca Dutch oversees research for the College, from basic areas to clinical applications. Dutch also serves as a member of UK’s START team, an interdisciplinary group of UK HealthCare physicians and clinical and research leaders at UK, that continues to develop strategies to ensure safe and healthy operations on campus.

Dr. Dutch returns to the ‘Behind the Blue’ podcast this week to discuss UK’s current state of play in handling the coronavirus pandemic. She joins UKPR’s Kody Kiser and UK Chief Communications Officer Jay Blanton to again share her thoughts on a wide range of pandemic topics, including the Omicron variant, what it means for testing and vaccines, best practices for the University community, 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. (December 2, 2021) – Research at the University of Kentucky is a $468 million enterprise that touches every part of the university community. Scientists and scholars come from around the world to teach, discover and lead in fields that cross all of UK’s colleges, programs and library system.

Dr. Lisa Cassis has served as the University of Kentucky's Vice President for Research since June 2015. As head of the university’s research enterprise, she oversaw creation of the $265 million Healthy Kentucky Research Building, which is home to researchers focusing on Kentucky’s most pressing health challenges: cancer, diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular diseases and substance use disorder. As a professor and researcher in the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences in the UK College of Medicine, Dr. Cassis has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 30 years.

She is principal investigator on several multi-million-dollar federal grants, including serving as program director of an $11.3 million NIH grant that supports the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) focusing on obesity and cardiovascular diseases. She is an expert on the renin-angiotensin system, which her research has shown to be a link between obesity and hypertension.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Dr. Cassis is joined by Alicia Gregory, UK’s Director of Research Communications, for a conversation that touches on the impact of UK's Healthy Kentucky Research Building, UK's "trifecta" of NIH research designations that power our infrastructure, and UK's work to take discoveries into communities across the Commonwealth.

"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 25, 2021) – This week in the United States we celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving.  Once again, we thought it would be a good time to take stock of the things we may have in our lives to be thankful for.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, we spent some time this week in both the Gatton Student Center on campus, as well as via Zoom, talking with students and staff about being back in an in-person setting on campus, the people in their lives they’re grateful for, and also learning about some of their favorite Thanksgiving foods and traditions.

Enjoy this short episode, and we hope that you might also have an opportunity to reflect on things you’re thankful for, as well as traditions that are unique and special for you and yours.

"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 18, 2021) – The University of Kentucky Recycling program has set sustainability goals for campus designed to significantly reduce the University’s waste. In an effort to reach those goals, the program strives to offer a comprehensive recycling program, outstanding service and interactive education.

Despite some of the complications from the pandemic, the program has continued to make exciting progress towards their sustainability goals throughout 2020 and 2021, including expansion of the food waste composting program to coffee shops on campus, an increase of collection spots for yard/green waste by grounds, recycling concrete from sidewalk repairs on campus, and the development of online resources for faculty, staff and students.

Esther Moberly came to the University in 2015, starting as the recycling coordinator. In 2017, Moberly stepped into a new role as the Waste, Recycling and Trucking Manager for the University, where she oversees operations of the Waste Management and Recycling departments for UK.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Moberly talks about the responsibilities of her department, from the collection, removal and proper disposal of all the University’s municipal solid waste, to the implementation of plans to significantly reduce that waste through recycling, reduction and reuse programs on campus.

"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. “The Kentucky Wildcast”, the UK Staff Senate podcast, is also available on your favorite podcast platforms.

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 11, 2021) – Established in 2002, the University of Kentucky Staff Senate is the official representative body of the staff of the University. Beyond representing the interests of staff in conversations and decision making with university administration, the Staff Senate works to strengthen relationships and empower all university employees and students to participate in the decision-making process.

Staff Senate is behind special events such as the Outstanding Staff Awards, UK Appreciation Day, Conversation with the President, UK Remembers, and more. The Senate consists of 133 Senators across 5 sectors, with 13 standing committees that address issues such as Community Outreach, Employee Engagement, Benefits and Professional Development

On this episode of Behind the Blue, UK Staff Senate Chair Olivia Ellis talks about her involvement with Staff Senate, what compelled her to advocate for others, and programs such as the Lunch and Learn series, mentorship programs, and crisis relief efforts for fellow UK staff.

"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. “The Kentucky Wildcast”, the UK Staff Senate podcast, is also available on your favorite podcast platforms.

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 4, 2021) – The University of Kentucky is proud to be the home of global leaders in aging and brain research, all striving towards the same goal: finding a stop to the 6th leading cause of death in the United States: Alzheimer’s Disease.

UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has been around for nearly half a century, helping lead the way in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Center Director Dr. Linda Van Eldik firmly believes they will find a cure through the work going on right here on the UK campus.

With their dedicated work recently earning the center renewed funding from the National Institute on Aging, education and community support are big parts of the role Sanders-Brown plays. In between various trainings, workshops and community events, they are also making life-changing and life-saving discoveries.

Soon, Van Eldik and others at Sanders-Brown will be able to welcome a very valuable piece to their research – the volunteers – into a brand new facility at UK HealthCare’s Turfland Campus.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Van Eldik joins UKPR’s Hillary Smith to discuss the larger game plan of finding a cure, and the team effort between those volunteers, the world-class faculty and staff at Sanders-Brown, and the University of Kentucky as a whole.

"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 28, 2021) – The University of Kentucky is once again accepting new Wildcats, this time for the Fall 2022 semester. As high school students and families prepare to embark upon the college journey, and transfer students consider becoming part of the Big Blue Nation, the decisions they face can become daunting at times. Deadlines, degree paths, even whether or not college is the right choice at all, the University of Kentucky Office of Enrollment Management serves to assist students in making many of these decisions that will shape their future.

Christine Harper serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Success and Chief Enrollment Officer for the University. With over 20 years of higher education experience in areas of enrollment management and student affairs, Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Enrollment Management team. Currently, Harper leads the offices of undergraduate admissions, student financial aid and scholarships, new student orientation, first year experience, and parent and family association.

On this episode of “Behind the Blue,” Harper discusses her role at the university and shares the knowledge she has gained in that role to help students and their families have the best college search experience possible.

"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 21, 2021) – THIS EPISODE IS AN ENCORE EDITION.

If, in recent memory, you’ve attended a University of Kentucky football game at Kroger Field you will, no doubt, be familiar with the guest on this episode of ‘Behind the Blue.’ In fact, if you’ve listened to ‘Behind the Blue’ over the past several years, you’ve heard the voice of Carl Nathe, as he’s interviewed many people who have put their hard work and effort into making the university work.

A native of Pleasantville, New York, Nathe is a graduate of the University of Maryland – College Park. He’s been at UK for over 30 years, since 1989, and has been the voice of Kroger Field since 1997. A former sports reporter and anchor at WLEX-TV in Lexington, Nathe also served as sideline reporter for selected statewide and regional live telecasts of UK Women’s basketball games.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, the spotlight is turned around for a rare interview with Nathe about the end of his UK career, the inspirations that guided him along the way, and the moments and memories he’ll take with him.

"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 14, 2021) – While some stress in our life can be useful in encouraging personal growth, constant long term exposure to mental stress can be detrimental to health. Introducing additional major stress from events like midterm exams can not only cause minor issues like headaches or trouble sleeping, it can also have long term impacts on the body.

Throughout the year, two areas in the University of Kentucky’s Office of Student Success work to support students with programs and resources for the benefit of both mental and physical wellness.

The UK Counseling Center works with students in areas ranging from mental health and academic counseling to crisis and emergency assistance.

From club sports and intramurals to fitness, dining and healthy sleep programs and beyond, Campus Recreation and Wellness works to provide quality recreation and wellness programs and services for the campus community that support student success and promote healthy lifestyles.

On this episode of ‘Behind the Blue’, UK Senior Courtney Cavallo recently sat down with Dr. Megan Marks, Assistant Director of the UK Counseling Center, and Ron Lee, Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness, to discuss wellness during midterms, the trends they see with students this time of year, the resources that are available to students year-round and more. This interview originally appeared as a University of Kentucky Facebook Live event.

"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.

For information about UK Counseling, visit uky.edu/counselingcenter.

For more information regarding programs and resources from Campus Recreation and Wellness, visit uky.edu/recwell.

For more information about WellKentucky, please visit wellkentucky.uky.edu.

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

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 7, 2021) – Each year, the University of Kentucky Disability Resource Center, or DRC, partners with qualified students with a wide range of disabilities to assist them in gaining equal access to institutional programs and services consistent with their unique needs. The Center seeks to responsibly advocate the needs of students with disabilities to the campus community through consultation and outreach efforts with administration, faculty, students and university partners.

David Beach is the director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC), housed in the Office for Student Success.

Starting this October the DRC is working with UKNow on a series titled “Many People, Creating One Accessible Community,” which focuses on raising awareness surrounding the DRC, accessibility and how each of us on campus can help UK be a more accessible place for all.

On this episode of Behind the Blue, Beach discusses the often unseen or unknown challenges students with disabilities often face while accessing campus facilities, how students can access the resources of the DRC, and what this new series means to the campus community as a whole.

"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.