Racer Year in Review 2025-26
Racer Year in Review 2025-26
May 1, 2026
Dear Racer Family,
As we reflect on the academic year now coming to a close, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and excitement in all that we have accomplished together. This year has been marked by excellence, innovation, achievement, and a shared commitment to ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University that continues to define who we are. From the classroom to the laboratory, from the agricultural farms to our external community partners, from the stage to the field, our students, faculty, and staff have demonstrated what is possible when passion meets purpose.
We have celebrated remarkable achievements across every corner of campus—groundbreaking research, inspiring creative work, and meaningful service that extends far beyond our University. Just as importantly, we have strengthened the sense of belonging and connection that makes this institution not just a place of learning, but a true community. These successes are a testament to the dedication and talent of our people.
The stories that follow offer just a glimpse into the many ways our University has made an impact over the past year. Each represents a moment of discovery, growth or achievement that contributes to our shared legacy. Together, they paint a picture of a vibrant and forward-looking institution. That’s who we are.
Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Let’s keep racing ahead. I invite you to explore these highlights and celebrate the extraordinary year we have experienced together.
We are family. We are leaders. We are Racers.
Dr. Ron K. Patterson
President
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 35th consecutive year
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University was again recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top universities in the country in multiple categories, marking the institution’s 35th consecutive year of top-tier rankings by the national college guide.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State ranked in the South region as follows:
• 19th - Best Value Schools
• 6th - Top Public Schools
• 14th - Regional Universities
• 6th - Best Colleges for Veterans - Regional Universities
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University earns 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School designation
Military Friendly® awarded ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University with the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School gold-level designation and ranking as a top 10 university in the large school category.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State offers resources for military connected students such as personalized advising, career planning and placement, flexible online and weekend schedules for those who serve on active duty, disability services, free counseling services, free limited student health services and a psychological center.
Virtual Reality Lab for experiential learning in criminal justice and social work opens
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University’s Criminal Justice and Social Work department officially opened a new Virtual Reality (VR) Lab, providing students in these programs with an innovative, hands-on approach to learning. A grand opening was held during Family Weekend, offering families and community members the opportunity to see how the department is preparing students for careers that increasingly rely on technology.
The lab uses the WRAP VR system, which places students into highly detailed, real-world scenarios designed to strengthen communication and problem-solving skills. Situations range from traffic stops and domestic violence calls to encounters with individuals experiencing mental illness or substance abuse issues.
School of Nursing and Health Professions receives $499,000 award as part of larger $1.5 million grant to increase training opportunities through simulation-based technology
The ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University School of Nursing and Health Professions (SONHP) received a $499,000 third-year continuation award as part of an ongoing grant that is part of the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention Simulation Education Training program, which is provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
The award was the third and final year of the grant, said Dean of the ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State School of Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Dina Byers. In total, the SONHP has been awarded $1.5 million to carry out this project. The proposal was written by Drs. Dina Byers, Dana Todd, Tonia Mailow, and Jennifer Rogers, in partnership with Baptist Health Paducah.
Statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management reports third consecutive year of record enrollment
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) continues to set new benchmarks, experiencing a third consecutive record-breaking year in student enrollment. This milestone highlights both the exemplary reputation of the program and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
This fall semester, the program welcomed 85 new first-time students—an all-time high for incoming cyber students. With this influx, total enrollment in the CNM program has surpassed 250 students, marking the highest in the program’s history. This surge in interest reflects a broader national trend that recognizes cybersecurity as a critical discipline, as well as the program’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education, hands-on training and workforce readiness.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State’s Hopkinsville Regional Campus partners with Sprocket to expand entrepreneurial support in Christian County
The ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Hopkinsville Regional Campus is partnering with Sprocket, a Paducah-based network of western Kentucky innovators and entrepreneurs, to strengthen entrepreneurial support to Christian County and surrounding areas.
Made possible through Sprocket’s partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, together with the strong support of Christian County partners, programs launched in November.
The ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Hopkinsville Regional Campus will continue to provide space to host these programs in Christian County. Programs help founders transform ideas into successful businesses through one-on-one coaching and cohort-based learning.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University receives program approval from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to offer Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University received program approval by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to offer a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), marking a significant step forward in its pursuit of a College of Veterinary Medicine.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State has received approval and support from countless individuals and entities to pursue a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in order to advance the Commonwealth from numerous standpoints, particularly in areas of economic growth, workforce development, and industry needs.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University’s Speech and Debate Union wins back-to-back national titles for the first time in program history
The ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Speech and Debate Union (SDU) secured a national championship in debate for the second year in a row at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament. This was the first time in the SDU’s history that they have won back-to-back national debate titles, and both were won by the same student, Samuel Harless.
This was the largest comprehensive national tournament in Pi Kappa Delta history with 59 schools in attendance and a total of 1,898 entries across about 600 competitors.
Nonprofit Leadership Studies program presents Giving Back Endowment Grant to Journey Bags
The ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Nonprofit Leadership Studies program presented the 2025 Giving Back Endowment Grant Award to Journey Bags in recognition of its support of youth and families during an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives. The funds will be utilized to provide Journey Bags for youth and their families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Journey Bags traces its roots back to 2021, when founders Roy and Jennifer Riley witnessed first hand the lack of resources for cancer patients in ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ as Jennifer fought breast cancer. Determined to give purpose to her diagnosis, Jennifer gathered a group of friends and family who had all been affected by cancer in one way or another. Together, they started packing bags full of useful items for cancer patients at ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Calloway County Hospital Regional Cancer Center.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University and Alumni Association name 2026 faculty research award recipients
Three faculty members were recognized by the ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Alumni Association for exceptional contributions to research and scholarship. These distinguished individuals were honored at the annual Faculty Recognition Banquet held in the Curris Center during Spring Scholars Week on April 16.
2026 Award Recipients:
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Alumni Association Emerging Scholar Award (Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts): Cintia Segovia Figueroa, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts, assistant professor of photography and new media, Department of Art & Design.
Professor Segovia Figueroa has maintained a sustained record of national and international exhibitions and grants. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on migrant voices, exemplified by her collaborative work across colleges to support the arts in multiple disciplines.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Alumni Association Emerging Scholar Award (STEM): Sourav Chatterjee, Ph.D., assistant professor and former chair-elect of the American Chemical Society’s Kentucky Lake Section, Department of Chemistry.
Dr. Chatterjee’s grants, publications and independent research group focus on developing advanced polymeric and ionic liquid–based materials. His work contributes to carbon dioxide capture, gas separation and electrochemical energy applications, including hydrogen production.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Alumni Association Distinguished Researcher Award (STEM): Christopher A. Craig, Ph.D., Tom W. Hutchens Endowed Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration.
Since joining ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State in 2019, Dr. Craig has published 49 articles. His research primarily explores the complex interactions between the natural environment, organizational performance and society at large.
Presidential Research Award:
In addition to the Alumni Association honors, the Presidential Research Award was presented to Associate Professor Oliver M. Beckers, Ph.D., who teaches in the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Beckers’ research seeks to better understand how environmental temperature fluctuations impact animal communication.
All awards were juried by the ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Research Policy Committee.
Racer Athletics Renovations: CFSB Center
The renovation of the CFSB Center, home of Racer men's and women's basketball and the regional hub for high-level entertainment and events, began earlier this spring as ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State Athletics looks to uniquely reimagine the venue in a new era of intercollegiate athletics.
Undergoing its first major renovation since the facility was opened in 1998, the massive eight-figure project is anticipated to be completed in time for the start of the 2026-27 basketball season and is being funded through private donor support.
Racer Athletics Renovations: Johnny Reagan Field
The student-athlete and fan experience at Johnny Reagan Field received a transformational upgrade for the 2026 season with the installation of new turf, a new scoreboard, The ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Bank videoboard in right field and other significant upgrades at the home of Racer Baseball.
Racer Athletics Renovations: Baseball Clubhouse
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State Athletics has officially unveiled its plan for the future home of Racer baseball after the ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University Board of Regents approved the construction of the Jim & Sue Cash Baseball Clubhouse during their December meeting. The project was made possible thanks to Jim and Sue Cash's transformational $1 million cash gift, which has secured the naming right for the clubhouse.
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State Athletics Announces Leading The Pack $100 Million Campaign
While ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State continues to stay laser focused on competitive excellence during the golden era of Racer Athletics, the department will embark on a bold, comprehensive fundraising campaign, Leading The Pack, to further position itself for the future by investing in student-athlete success and wellness, revenue share and competitive resources and world-class facilities.
Education Abroad program has impactful, successful year
Continuing its impactful mission of offering life-defining educational opportunities for students throughout the world, ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University’s Education Abroad program has experienced a successful year that includes 260 student participants from the Fall 2025 semester through Summer 2026. This is an increase of 9.7% from the same period in Fall 2024 through Summer 2025.