University of Kentucky Celebrates May Commencement

The University of Kentucky's biggest economic development event of the year took place earlier this month on Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th.

Thousands of students crossed the graduation stage and receive their diplomas. A total of 5,811 May degree candidates were conferred by the UK Board of Trustees. This includes 3,745 undergraduate, 1,433 graduate and 633 professional degree candidates.

"Our commitment is now as it has always been – to advance Kentucky. Our state needs us now more than ever before – remaining true to our north star, but willing to change and grow to meet the evolving needs of a state through the education we provide, the research we conduct and the care and service we render," said President Capilouto.

Furthermore, among the diverse group of graduates, a notable portion belonged to the first cohort of the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration for a bachelor's degree in Public Policy.

“I will always treasure the students in this first graduating cohort,” said Cory Curl, Ph.D., director of undergraduate studies at the Martin School. “They have shaped our UK public policy community and we’ll long benefit from their influence as more students join us in years to come.”

Based on preliminary data for Spring 2023, the university will potentially be awarded more than 8,000 degrees and 1,000 certificates in the Kentucky Council and Postsecondary Education-defined between Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 commencements. This would be the most ever in both categories and mark the first time UK has reached the 8,000-degree threshold.