The Department of English at the University of Kentucky is more than just a place to study; it’s a vibrant community that continues to thrive long after graduation. We are proud of our dynamic network of alumni who contribute to making our department a place of excellence and innovation. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a long-time alumnus, we invite you to stay connected and involved.

Stay Connected and Share Your Journey

We love hearing from our alumni! Your stories inspire current students and faculty alike. Please reach out and share your latest achievements, career milestones, or personal updates. Whether you’ve published a book, started a new job, or simply want to reconnect, please keep in touch and submit updates and announcements via this form.

Attend Our Events

Our department hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guest lectures, literary readings, and the Visiting Writers Series. These events are a great way to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and stay engaged with the latest developments in the field. Check our events page regularly for upcoming opportunities to participate.

Your Generosity Makes a Difference

The support of our alumni and friends is crucial to the continued success of our department. Generous donations help provide scholarships, fund research opportunities, and support student activities. Your contributions ensure that we can continue to offer a top-tier education and foster a thriving academic environment. Please consider a donation to one of the funds below to support our undergraduate and graduate student success.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Department of English at the University of Kentucky. Together, we can continue to foster a rich, supportive, and innovative environment for all our students and alumni. For any inquiries or to share your updates, please contact Robin Rahija.

English Development Fund: Funds a variety of activities in the Department of English, including student learning, faculty research, and community engagement.

Martha M. Keffer Department of English Fund: Funds a variety of activities and students in support of the intellectual advancement of the Department of English.

MFA Visiting Writers: Supports the Creative Writing Program’s renowned Visiting Writers Series which provides students with unique opportunities to engage with contemporary literature.

Robert L. Doty Graduate Fellowship: Supports graduate student academic success.

Wagner-Adler Graduate Fund in English: Supports graduate student academic success.

Nikky Finney Graduate Fellowship: Supports Creative Writing graduate students from the state of Kentucky.

Betty Combs Owen Graduate Recruitment Scholarship: Awarded to incoming MFA students. 

Note: A full list of endowed student scholarships and prizes is available here.