University of Kentucky Programs and Initiatives

For Students

Gatton College of Business and Economics Student Leadership Programs

Employers seek people who can establish goals, marshal the resources necessary to complete tasks, work well in a team and see projects through to completion. Our programs include Gatton Ambassadors, UK 101 Peer Instructors, Women Business Leaders and Presidential Fellows.

Lewis Honors College Singletary Scholars Leadership Development Program

Every year, UK selects up to 25 members of its incoming freshman class to receive the most prestigious academic honor, the Otis A. Singletary Scholarship. These students are identified by their demonstrated potential to lead lives of intellect, integrity and service in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and in the world.

Lewis Honors College Rising Leaders

The Rising Leaders program is designed to engage Honors students from all academic majors in an experiential leadership development program. Selected students will participate in two consecutive semesters of programs and activities that are planned around themes of leadership.

Students smile in a Family Sciences class.

Martin-Gatton CAFE Martin-Gatton Student Leadership Academy

The Martin-Gatton Student Leadership Academy provides students a chance to grow as leaders and shape the future of agriculture, food and the environment. This two-year experience gives students the tools, real-world experiences and connections to thrive in their future career — and beyond.

Student Ambassadors talk at Roundup 2024.

Martin-Gatton CAFE MGCAFE Student Ambassadors

MGCAFE Student Ambassadors represent our programs to prospective students, community stakeholders, alumni and more. You’ll find our ambassadors welcoming the community to our facilities, supporting signature college events and enriching their own education in the classroom.

Martin-Gatton CAFE LLP students gather for a welcome event at The Arboretum.

Martin-Gatton CAFE Martin-Gatton CAFE LLP Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors support students in the Martin-Gatton CAFE LLP as they transition to UK. Peer Mentors plan and host events; connect peers to student organizations, campus offices and resources; support student learning and academic success and build connections with faculty and staff.

Ambassadors and peer mentors sit on the College of Engineering sign.

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering Engineering Student Ambassadors

The Ambassador program consists of a highly select group of undergraduate engineering students dedicated to the promotion of the Pigman College and the University of Kentucky. Ambassadors work recruitment events, answer prospective student questions and highlight opportunities.

Two students hold frisbees while tabling at an event.

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering ELLP Peer Mentors

Hand-selected Engineering LLP Peer Mentors help students excel academically while also helping them transition into the University of Kentucky. Each incoming student to the Engineering LLP is assigned a Peer Mentor who is dedicated to ensuring every student's success.

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering Career Peer Program

Invaluable resources and team members in the Engineering Career and Co-op Center, our Career Peers are seniors with significant co-op experience and strong academic performance. These students serve on our team to help us round out the career development experiences for their fellow students.

For Faculty and Staff

2025 Faculty and Staff Leadership Development cohort.

Office for Faculty Advancement Faculty and Staff Leadership Development

This program seeks to develop a new generation of leaders in higher education who can successfully contribute to the future of the university. Our curriculum includes retreats and meetings covering topics such as leadership attributes, budgeting, strategic planning, legal issues and crisis management.

Office for Faculty Advancement Emerging Leaders Academy

A professional development program established in 2024, the Emerging Leaders Academy aims to encourage mid-career faculty and professional staff to consider leadership career paths and to guide them in developing the essential skills for effective institutional leadership.

Office for Faculty Advancement Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program

The SEC ALDP prepares current and potential university leaders to meet the challenges of the 21st century in higher education. Fellows are faculty with the potential for advancement to leadership positions such as assistant/associate dean, dean, assistant/associate provost, vice president, etc.

2025-26 Faculty Leadership Academy cohort.

Office for Faculty Advancement Faculty Leadership Academy

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Faculty Leadership Academy is a year-long series for full-time faculty from public postsecondary institutions who have demonstrated the potential for academic leadership and are seeking to further develop these skills.

Office for Faculty Advancement Chairs' Academy

The Chairs' Academy is a homegrown leadership development program designed to encourage faculty to explore leadership career paths and to support new and prospective department chairs and academic directors. The academy equips participants with the essential skills required for effective institutional leadership.

For Community Leaders

Martin-Gatton CAFE Community Leadership Development

Empowering groups to lead communities forward through engagement. Community leadership programming through Blueprint Kentucky provides skill development and guidance for groups, organizations and community coalitions who want to improve their leadership capacity.

Martin-Gatton CAFE Blueprint Kentucky

Connecting communities to people, place and purpose. Blueprint Kentucky provides customized outreach services and information to community stakeholders across Kentucky. We help community leaders needing in-depth data and analysis or looking to engage their community in a long-term project.

For Healthcare Workers

UK HealthCare Enterprise Learning Leadership Development

Enterprise Learning has adopted a best-practice model in leader development — assess, challenge, support. The model is a continual process and requires active engagement of both the Enterprise, to provide development opportunities, and of the individual leader to own their growth.

Office of the Executive Vice President for Research Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

The Human Development Institute's Kentucky LEND program is part of a national network to improve the health of youth with neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. A major focus is to increase the number of professionals who can provide screening and diagnosis as well as support.