2020 News Archive

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship makes students' professional dreams a reality, despite the ongoing pandemic—from Silicon Valley to Newport on the Levee.

Simulation Education Garners International Accreditation

NKU is the Commonwealth's only university to receive full accreditation, a feat accomplished by 183 other simulation centers internationally.

Fall Commencement Virtually Honors Class of 2020

NKU's Virtual Commencement Celebration incorporates many of the traditions associated with traditional in-person ceremonies, including the official conferring of academic degrees and a student vocal ensemble’s rendition of alma mater.

NKU’s “Spring Forward” 2021 Semester

Learn more about the plans for Spring Semester starting January 11. Explore details about class schedules, the student-led TikTok program, upcoming events and new programs.

NKU Six@Six Lecture Series

Dr. Childs will help people understand how the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Eric Garner fit the definition of lynching, an unfortunate phenomenon woven in American history.

President Ashish Vaidya Joins National Education Association Board and Highlighted as a Local Leader for Excellence

resident Ashish Vaidya is joining the Board of Directors for AASCU, one of the nation’s top higher education associations. His Board appointment comes on the heels of accolades from the Cincinnati Business Courier and NKY Tribune.

CINSAM Hosts STEM Conference for Educators

The conference addresses the need to improve socially distanced STEM learning programs amidst the pandemic.

Dr. Danielle McDonald Selected as Inaugural Diversity Fellow

Dr. McDonald is tasked with advancing NKU's strategic inclusive excellence and global awareness goals alongside Chief Diversity Officer Darryl A. Peal.

The summit connects students with experienced professionals and provides them with insights across a variety of business sectors—led by business leaders from Western & Southern, Kroger, Procter & Gamble Co. and FC Cincinnati.

Health Innovation Accelerator Showcases Cohort at Demo Day

Demo Day showcases how each startup is pioneering ways to address the region's health problems. The cohort has spent the past six weeks connecting with leaders in the region's health care and entrepreneurial scenes to help grow and scale a sustainable company.

NKU Foundation Elects New Officers to Board of Directors

Wiedemann joins Foundation Board President Jason Jackman, Treasurer Kevin Gessner, Secretary Mary Zalla and Member-At-Large Martin Butler, who are all returning for their second terms.

FUEL NKU Serving Students Thanksgiving To-Go Meals

FUEL NKU hosts its third annual Thanksgiving Celebration on Nov. 25 with plans to serve to-go meals for nearly 200 students staying on or near campus through the holidays.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Bahrani Earns National Recognition

“This award is a testament to the investments made by the Haile/US Bank College of Business and NKU’s commitment to advancing student-centered education and success.”

Dr. Jitana Benton-Lee Earns Prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Fellowship

Dr. Jitana Benton-Lee receives the fellowship and $95,000 in funding to support her project focused on improving health care perceptions and initiatives for rural minorities in Kentucky.

Honors College and Student Affairs Launch a Varsity Esports Program

NKU Esports will face off against some of the nation’s best players in multiplayer video game competitions. The inaugural varsity team will compete in Rocket League, an arcade-style game blending soccer and vehicular mayhem.

Longtime Supporter Ken Harper Honors Wife and NKU with Endowment

The endowed scholarship will support NKU students who are pursuing a degree in health-related careers and are also employed by St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

Students Celebrated with LULAC Scholarships

LULAC celebrated the academic accomplishments and civic engagement of 16 NKU students with scholarships.

Chase Law, Informatics Holds Four Workshops on Cloud Security with Cybersecurity Symposium

Presented by NKU’s College of Informatics and Chase College of Law, the virtual symposium spotlights the challenges and legal issues that professionals face, as well as understanding best practices for risk management in the inter-connected world.

NKU Launches a Holistic Test-Optional Approach to Undergraduate Admissions

NKU will implement a simplified admissions process that reduces barriers to higher education for diverse learners. Freshman applicants with an unweighted 2.75 or greater high school GPA are automatically admitted to NKU without submitting standardized test scores.

The Northerner and the Northern Kentucky Tribune Partner with Students Taking a Deep Dive into Local Election Races

The Northerner, NKU’s independent student-run news organization, is collaborating with Northern Kentucky Tribune on a special online section on regional and state races in the Nov. 3 election.

SoCap Announces Inaugural Health Innovations Cohort

SoCap Accelerate announces its inaugural cohort, with five startups joining the six-week program.

Cyber Threat Expert Hosts Conversation on Election Security Issues

Dr. Walden leads a conversation to provide a better understanding of what happens to your vote and how it can be hacked at any stage, from registration to how it’s counted in the electoral college.

School of the Arts Hosts Community Conversations

The series hosts guest professionals in the arts to prompt conversation and the exchange of ideas.

Dr. Eddie J. Howard, Jr. Named as Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Eddie J. Howard, Jr. joins NKU as the next vice president for Student Affairs. Dr. Howard joins NKU from Youngstown State University and has a decorated history in higher education and regional institutions.

Carmen Hickerson Announced as AVP for Economic Engagement and Government Relations

Hickerson brings extensive experience in community engagement, advocacy and building national strategic partnerships.

NKU LGBTQ Celebrated Among Nation’s Best

Campus Pride, a leading national LGBTQ benchmarking tool for colleges and universities, highlighted NKU on its annual Best of the Best LGBTQ-friendly schools.

Honors College Focuses on Innovation and Equity

The Honors College is challenging a preconceived narrative that only high-achieving students have the opportunity to pursue a prestigious personalized education.

Art Exhibitions on Understanding the Emotional Force of Race

Led by Sociology Professor Dr. Joan Ferrante and by poet India Hackle, a May 2020 graduate, the project uses arts' transformative power to challenge assumptions about who we are and seeks to contribute to the national conversation around social unrest and racial disparities.

Annual “NKU Day” Brings Study Abroad to Local High Schoolers

NKU's School-Based Scholars program hosts its annual event to showcase the research and creative work happening around campus.

NKU Boosts Women in Computing with New Endowed Professorship

NKU will always have an endowed faculty member position awarded to a woman in computer science through the support of Dr. Carol Swarts, a longtime university friend.

COB Hosts Guide to Reopening a Business in the Pandemic

The webinar will address return-to-work challenges businesses face and the best practices for navigating them on September 10.

Governor Beshear Appoints a New Member to NKU's Board of Regents

“I am honored to join NKU’s Board of Regents. Northern Kentucky University is a significant asset to the region. Born and raised in Campbell County, I am looking forward to making a positive impact upon the university over the next six years,” said Perry, who is managing director and chairman of Ken Perry Realty, Inc.

NKU Creates the Collaborative for Economic Engagement

New space connects entrepreneurs, businesses to data, talent and capital.

Nation’s First Health Care Commercialization Program

NKU’s fully online program dives into understanding the necessary functions behind introducing health care services and products to the medical marketplace.

Board of Regents Elects New Officers

The 11-member board unanimously elected Andrá R. Ward as Chairman, Normand G. Desmarais as Vice Chairman and Gregory Shumate as Secretary.

Empowering High School Girls at Young Women Lead Conference

The popular conference will be delivered virtually this year. YWL aims to change the way high school girls perceive themselves, challenge them to reach higher personal growth levels and encourage girls to pursue careers they may not have considered.

Institute for Health Innovation Leads Effort to Support Children Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic

Through the program, affected families can receive support with connecting to resources, navigating health and social services, and working to instill hope and lasting recovery.

SOTA Announces Updates to 2020-21 Theatre & Dance Season

With challenges to produce live, in-person theatrical productions during this unprecedented time, NKU SOTA pivoted its programming to theatre and dance projects on film.

Haile/US Bank College of Business Addressing Needs for Financial Literacy

New partnership expands NKU's Center for Economic Education’s training for educators to learn about teaching economics and personal finance to K-12 students.

Respiratory Care Program Earns National Recognition, Region’s Best

NKU earns national recognition for its Respiratory Care Program, achieving the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care’s (CoARC) standard of professional achievement.

Institute for Health Innovation Expands Opioid Recovery Programs in Rural Kentucky

COPE is supported by a $750,000 federal grant NKU received this spring to help reduce opioid overdoses for those who come in contact with law enforcement or are involved in the criminal justice system within high-risk rural communities.

Admissions Hosts Open Registration for Fall Semester

Students can meet with admissions professionals, address any transfer issues, consult academic advisors, register for classes and learn more about the financial aid process.

Celebrating Back to School with a Social Distanced Victorfest

With the ongoing pandemic, NKU has adapted some traditions, like Victorfest, to promote social distancing while keeping the heart of the back to school experience.

ALPS Student Joins CPE Student Advisory Group

Wieland is earning his BA in Political Science and is member of NKU’s Adult Learner Programs and Services program.

TRiO Receives $2M Federal Grant to Support Student Success

The U.S. Department of Education awarded NKU $2,026,515 over the next five years, which is more funding than any other higher education institution in the Commonwealth.

NKU Develops COVID-19 Dashboard to Track Region’s Health

NKU's COVID-19 Regional Statistics dashboard incorporates data on case counts, transmission rates and current trends in northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.

Informatics+ Announces Support for Regional and Global Projects

Informatics+ simplifies the equation behind understanding information by finding solutions to the region's needs.

Haile/US Bank College of Business Creates Family Business Relief Program

A new relief program that helps local, family-owned small businesses adapt to the pandemic's disruptive climate.

Kentucky Creates Statewide Partnership to Commercialize Tech Innovations

With nearly $1.16 million in funding, Kentucky Commercialization Ventures combines resources from state’s public academic institutions, KSTC and KY Innovation to create tech jobs and startups.

NKU and The Anthony Muñoz Foundation Increasing Access for Students

Northern Kentucky University and the Anthony Muñoz Foundation continue partnering to provide scholarships to local students and increase access to higher education.

Graphic Design Program Named Kentucky’s Best

SOTA's Graphic Design program leads the Commonwealth, according to Animation Career Review.

Dr. Justin Yates Named Midwestern Psychological Association Fellow

Dr. Justin Yates earns Fellow status from the Midwestern Psychological Association. He becomes the second faculty member in NKU’s history awarded with the association’s highest honor. MPA is a regional affiliate of the American Psychological Association, the nation’s leading scientific and professional psychology organization.

Celebrating Our Faculty and Staff Award Winners

NKU recognizes the outstanding efforts accomplishments from its faculty and staff this year with its Academic Affairs Faculty and Staff Awards.

NKU Joins National Health Technology Research Collaborative

NKU partners with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to establish innovative health care practices and technologies for treating patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Haile/US Bank College of Business Holds Financial Literacy Training for Educators

NKU invites educators to learn about teaching economics and personal finance to K-12 students, a new standard for graduating high school in the Commonwealth.

Regional Partners Host Virtual College Fair

NKU–in partnership with Gateway Community & Technical College, Thomas More University and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce–hosts the Northern Kentucky Virtual College Fair on June 25.

COI Launches Region’s First Cybersecurity Program

June 24, 2020— Northern Kentucky University now offers the only undergraduate cybersecurity program in the Great Cincinnati region. NKU’s Bachelor of Science [...]

Health Innovation Accelerator Announces Partnerships

June 29, 2020 — Northern Kentucky University's Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) SoCap Accelerate, a health innovation accelerator for northern Kentucky, announces four partnerships to enhance and innovatively solve a health problem [...]

NKU Honors Spring Graduates with a Virtual Commencement

NKU honors over 1,800 graduates at its Virtual Commencement.

CINSAM Virtual STEM Summer Camps

CINSAM offers virtual summer camps to help kids explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at home during summer.

IT Celebrated for Classroom Innovations

The Office of Information Technology (IT) is one of five institutions honored with the CIO 100 Award. CIO Magazine selects universities who are driving innovations in technology.

NKU Breaks Ground on New Student Housing Project

NKU breaks ground on a new residential building, the first student housing construction on campus since 2003. The five-story, 77,200 square-foot development will fulfill a need for affordable living space at NKU.

Medical Supplies and Ventilators Donated to Local Hospitals in the Fight Against COVID-19

While medical professionals face shortages of critical resources to fight COVID-19, we stepped up to help two local hospitals, donating personal protective equipment and ventilators used for instruction in the College of Health and Human Services.

Haile/US Bank College of Business Forms International Agreement to Bring its MBA Program to India

The Haile/US Bank College of Business expands its Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program to students in India.

U.S. News & World Report Recognize NKU’s Business Programs

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, housed in the Haile/US Bank College of Business, is highlighted by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Online MBA Programs list.

New STEM at Home Supports Online Learning

CINSAM offers a new home learning program to help kids learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects at home.

Dr. Scott Nutter Honored as Regents Professor

NKU celebrates Dr. Scott Nutter with the Regents Professorship, recognizing his scholarly achievements and contribution to the university’s core values.

Six@Six Lectures Moves to Virtual Series

Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement is continuing its Six@Six Lecture Series as virtual events—showcasing the scholarship and creative work at NKU through May.

Governor's School for Entrepreneurs Selects Students for Summer Program

Kentucky's Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, a competitive summer program where Kentucky teens focus on product innovation and business model design, announced students selected for its summer program 2020 GSE program.

Exercise Science Program Nationally Acclaimed

Our Master of Science in Exercise Science is one of the nation’s most affordable and accessible online degrees, according to a ranking by Guide to Online Schools.

NKU Announces Tuition Freeze for the 2020-21 Academic Year

NKU announces a tuition freeze for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters.

College of Business Honored with Innovations that Inspire Award

The Haile/US Bank College of Business has a unique approach to prepare tomorrow’s leaders that is changing the international landscape of business education, according to AACSB International.

Data Science’s Affordability Paces National Programs

COI is home to one of the most affordable Data Science programs nationwide.

NKU Receives Highest Designation for Creating an Inclusive LGBTQ Community

NKU received the highest designation by Campus Pride Index—establishing the university as a national leader in higher education for LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices.

Arbor Day Foundation Honors NKU with Tree Campus USA® Recognition

NKU has once again been recognized as Tree Campus USA®. For the 11th-straight year, the Arbor Day Foundation celebrated NKU for its commitment to engaging staff and students in conservation goals and effective campus forest management.

New Emergency Fund for Students Impacted by Coronavirus

As the region navigates the impacts of COVID-19, NKU launches a new Student Emergency Fund to support student success during this challenging time.

Dr. Roy Gifford Named NKU’s Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications

NKU announces Dr. Roy Gifford as its assistant vice president for Marketing & Communications. He assumed the role on Feb. 3.

NKU and Gateway Announce River City Promise Program

NKU and Gateway Community & Technical College announce the River City Promise Program that offers free tuition and enhanced benefits for Pell eligible high school students from Northern Kentucky’s communities.

Six@Six Lecture Series Continues

The latest Six@Six Lecture Series features Communications Professor Dr. Zach Hart discussing how parents of children with disabilities navigate educational and support services.

COB Revamps Executive Leadership Program

The Haile/US Bank College of Business revamps its graduate level change leadership program to emphasize innovation as a tool to enhance professional leadership skills.

Dr. Ginni Fair Selected as College of Education Dean

NKU names Dr. Ginni Fair as dean of the College of Education. Dr. Fair will join NKU on July 1, 2020.

History Students Join Kentucky Local Governments to Research the Original Bourbon Journey

History students are working with five Kentucky counties to research the history of the Commonwealth’s original bourbon journey.

Federal Grant Creates NKU’s Rural Responses to the Opioid Epidemic Program

Institute for Health Innovation announces a new federal grant funded program to continue addressing the opioid epidemic in rural Kentucky.

Arts & Sciences Graduate Program Nationally Acclaimed

NKU has one of the top Industrial-Organizational Psychology programs in the nation, according to Organizational Psychology Degrees.

Cybersecurity Team Advances to Regionals

COI's Cyber Defense team is once again victorious at the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. For the third straight year, NKU students won the Kentucky title and while also competing against teams from Ohio and Iowa.

College of Business Names Catherine Glover Director of the Small Business Development Center

NKU, in partnership with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), is pleased to announce Catherine Glover as the new director of its award-winning Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

NKU Named an Age-Friendly University

NKU's commitment to increasing access for all learners has earned the university the designation as an Age-Friendly University. NKU is the only university in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky to join the international effort to support intergenerational learners.

IHI Launches Health Innovation Accelerator

The Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) launches SoCap Accelerate, a Health Innovation Accelerator for northern Kentucky.

Regents Professor Named VP of World History Organization

Dr. Jonathan T. Reynolds has been elected as vice president of the World History Association (WHA), the largest World History organization. He will serve a two-year term in this role and the following two years as president.

NKY Forum to Host ‘Hidden Common Ground’ Dialogues at Local Libraries

Are there areas of public life where Americans can agree and work together to solve problems?

NKU to Host Science and Engineering Fair

NKU will host the annual Science and Engineering Fair of Northern Kentucky (SEFNK) on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.

Six@Six Lecture Series: Historical Poetry of Frank X Walker

NKU continues the Six@Six Lecture Series with English Professor Kristine Yohe discussing the historical poetry of Frank X Walker. The latest Six@Six lecture is Feb. 27 at The Mercantile Library.

NKU/Wright State Reverse Penny Wars Challenge

Students are challenging conference rival Wright State University to a Reverse Penny Wars, leading up to the Horizon League showdown on Friday, Feb. 28 at BB&T Arena.

Veterans Resource Station Donates to NKU Alumni Overseas

The five-week campaign rallied NKU’s campus and the community together to help those serving our country. VRS donated personal care packages to Owensboro, Kentucky’s own 206th Engineer Battalion, which is currently deployed in the Middle East. One of the battalion’s service members, Madison Simpson, is a recent NKU alumna.

Open Registration for Spring

Students meet with admissions professionals, address any transfer issues, consult academic advisors, discuss university housing, register for classes and complete financial aid documents at the event.

Darryl A. Peal Announced as Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

NKU announces Darryl A. Peal as its Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDO) and Title IX Coordinator.

NKU Honors Longtime Supporters H. Gordon and Thelma Martin

NKU will recognize longtime supporters of the university—H. Gordon and Thelma Martin—by designating the Student Union Ballroom in their honor. During the Jan. 15th Board of Regents’ meeting, the H. Gordon and Thelma Martin Ballroom will be unveiled.

Winterfest Welcomes Students Back

Winterfest begins on Monday, Jan. 13, and continues through the first week of classes. Students can attend activities such as the Winter Carnival, men’s basketball games and open houses for student organizations. Winterfest concludes with the annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Community Service.