EKU has established a Center for the Study of Kentucky History and Politics.

The Center is just one of a series of new initiatives approved by EKU's Board of Regents earlier this year designed to enhance Eastern's academic programs and expand the level of service to the Commonwealth.

Dr. Paul Blanchard, professor of government and Center director, said the Center will provide a variety of services, from preserving oral history to citizenship education.

"As we approach a new millennium," Blanchard said, "the time seems right to establish a center devoted to the study of history and politics in the Commonwealth. It is the only one of its kind in Kentucky and likely unique in the nation. Similar centers and institutes have been established in other states, but they tend to focus on public policy and/or the training of public officials. The EKU center will not ignore these important areas, but our mission and focus will be broader."

The Center's primary purpose, according to Blanchard, will be to encourage and support significant research and scholarly writing on the history and politics of the Commonwealth and to engage various groups of citizens in meaningful discussions about the results of research. EKU scholars from various academic departments with an interest in Kentucky history and politics will be encouraged to generate collaborative efforts, according to Blanchard.

Frequent conferences, seminars and lectures focusing on significant topics related to Kentucky history and politics will be held. Prominent scholars from other colleges and universities also will be invited to participate in Center programming. In addition, the Center's staff will include a Kentucky historian who will serve as senior researcher.

"One special mission of the Center will be to encourage and promote the study of Kentucky history and politics in Kentucky's elementary and secondary schools," Blanchard said. "Some of the Center's conferences and seminars will be specifically designed for teachers."

In addition, forums and discussion groups led by EKU faculty and staff will be designed to engage local residents in discussions related to Kentucky history, politics and public policy. For example, a lecture is planned for this fall on the history of African-American athletics in Kentucky. Blanchard hopes to organize at least two lectures each semester. Also, a day-long conference is tentatively planned this fall on the Bingham family and the Louisville Courier-Journal and their influence on Kentucky history and politics.

"EKU is particularly well-suited for this center," Blanchard said. "The University has a long and distinguished record of activity, service and contributions to the study of history and politics in Kentucky. Faculty from several different departments have achieved outstanding records of scholarship and public service and have gained recognition as leading authorities in a number of specialties related to Kentucky politics and history."

Blanchard, who joined the EKU faculty in 1970, is a recipient of the EKU Foundation Professorship, the highest honor awarded by the University for teaching excellence. He also has received the EKU National Alumni Association's Award for Teaching Excellence.

Contact: Dr. Paul Blanchard at 606-622-4380.