University Status
Exhibit Home
- OBJECTS
- The EKU Alma Mater
- Belles Lettres and Aurora
- The Beach Boys on Campus
- Campus Construction
- Center for the Arts
- Chautauqua Lecture Series
- Commencement
- Campus Dining
- Earle B. Combs
- Eastern Progress
- EKU vs. WKU
- EKU Basketball
- Foster Music Camp
- Founders Day
- Freshmen Beanies
- Grantland Rice Bowl
- Greek Life
- Hanging of the Greens
- Homecoming
- Honors Program
- Industrial Education
- International Students
- Keen Johnson
- Lilley Cornett Woods
- Madrigal Dinner
- Marching Band
- Mary Roark
- Mascots
- Meadowbrook Farm & Stateland Dairy
- The Messiah
- The Milestone
- Military Ball
- Mozart
- Registration
- ROTC
- School Spirit
- Student Protests
- Student Government Association
- Student Housing
- Student Publishing
- "The Campus Beautiful"
- The Eastern Review
- Time Capsule in Martin Hall
- TRIO Programs
- University Ensemble
- University Status
- Walters Collegiate Institute
- WEKU-FM
- Women's Army Corps
- YWCA
- LOCATIONS ...
- Student Contributors
University Status Pen, 1966.
Before 1966, Eastern wasn’t a university, but as Eastern Kentucky State College. During the President Martin years, Eastern had a large influx of students and started many new programs. Notably, a nursing program to rival UK’s came about during this time. After a battle in the state legislature, House Bill 238 was passed and EKSC became EKU. With this passing, EKU could now call its five colleges a university, and start a graduate program. This pen was used to sign the bill and in doing so, changed the course of EKU’s history.
Changing the name on Eastern's sign after gaining university status.
Pres. Robert R. Martin & other college presidents watch Gov. Breathitt Sign HB 238 granting university status to Kentucky colleges, 1966.
Rally to celebrate the granting of University Status, 1966.