August 21, 2025 - UK President Eli Capilouto (2025 Fall Semester)

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 21, 2025) – Now in his 15th academic year leading the University of Kentucky, President Eli Capilouto prepares for the start of the fall 2025 semester — a moment he often describes as among his favorite of the year. On this episode of Behind the Blue, Capilouto reflects on the renewed energy and momentum across campus as students, faculty, and staff begin a new year. He shares how UK continues to fulfill its mission of advancing Kentucky through education, research, service, and care; discusses key challenges and opportunities on the horizon for 2025–26; and outlines how UK's culture of innovation is being shaped by those who call the Commonwealth home. 'Behind the Blue' is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes 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.  Behind the Blue is a joint production of the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare. Transcripts for this or other episodes of Behind the Blue can be downloaded from the show's blog page.  To discover how the University of Kentucky is advancing our Commonwealth, click here. This episode has been edited for time and clarity.