The University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering Department of Mining Engineering received a scholarship check for $200,000 from the Friends of Coal - Kentucky organization during halftime at the UK-Murray State football game on Nov. 16. 

The funds provided came from Friends of Coal vehicle license plate sales in Kentucky, which support scholarships for mining engineering and coal-related programs across the Commonwealth.

"Friends of Coal has been a longtime supporter of our mining engineering students," said Zach Agioutantis, chair and professor of the Department of Mining Engineering. "Their support helps our department provide unique scholarship support to our undergraduate students all the way through graduation."

The Department of Mining Engineering offers departmental scholarships beginning in sophomore year through the Kentucky Mining Engineering Scholarship (KMES) program, which supports students who are enrolled full time in mining engineering.

UK is one of only 14 mining schools and universities in the United States. As a participant in the Academic Common Market, the UK mining engineering program allows participating out-of-state students to qualify for in-state tuition for students. Participating states include: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.