UK Education Dean Spearheads Centennial Scholarship Fund to Address Professional Shortages and Enhance Opportunities

UK Education Dean Creates Opportunity with Centennial Scholarship Fund

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 5, 2024) — Over the 100 years since the University of Kentucky College of Education started offering four–year degrees in 1923, it has seen its fair share of changemakers. Now, on its Centennial anniversary, the college is looking to inspire and make an impact on more lives with the launch of its Centennial Scholarship Fund.

Addressing the Shortage of Professionals

The fund, conceived by Danelle Stevens-Watkins, Ph.D., acting dean of the college, aims to address an ongoing national shortage of professionals in fields such as teaching and health care. The fund will help reduce the financial barriers to graduation, thus enabling more students to gain an outstanding education and enter the workforce fully prepared.

Turning Personal Experience Into Inspiration

Stevens-Watkins, a native Kentuckian, pursued a degree in the UK College of Education to increase the impact of her career on others. She aims to use her story to inspire support for the Centennial Scholarship Fund. Speaking about her journey, she said, “I was a student walking the same halls where I’m now the acting dean, and I take great pride in being part of this centennial year of celebration.”

Creating Futures and Building Opportunity

In charge of constructing quality professionals in a multitude of fields, the College of Education has always been about creating opportunities. With more than 90 degrees and programs, the college has strengthened its foundation of teacher preparation and expanded into preparing counselors, sport leaders, exercise scientists, health professionals, researchers, and many more.

Donors: Catalysts for Change and Opportunity

Stevens-Watkins deeply understands the impact donors can make. “I know first-hand the impact that donors make in students’ lives,” she said. “They help remove barriers for students to see a path forward in which they can be leaders.”
Through the Centennial Scholarship Fund, she hopes to ensure that no deserving student is deprived of an education due to financial need.

Reaping Benefits: Scholarships and Support

For many students, scholarships serve as validation and reinforcement for their career choice. Receiving a scholarship often marks the first time they feel genuinely supported in their career path. Stevens-Watkins believes in providing access and support for top-level post-secondary training for all students. By creating opportunities, the dean and the college can continue their commitment towards an impactful future.

Further Information and Contributions

For more information about the Centennial Fund, interested parties can reach out to the UK College of Education Senior Philanthropy Officer Nathan Rudder. Contributions to the Centennial Fund can be made online or via checks sent to the office of Nathan Rudder in Lexington, KY.

As part of the fundraising initiatives, the College of Education is also organizing a 100th Anniversary Celebration, “Big Blue Birthday Bash.” The event will feature a silent auction and performances by the Coach Mitchell Band.

The University of Kentucky: Leaders and Breakthroughs

As a flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth by preparing future leaders. It continues to transform lives through education, research, creative work, and healthcare while fostering breakthroughs and healing.