University of Kentucky highlights research, health‑care capacity and AI partnership while answering questions about DEI compliance
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Summary
Dr. Capilouto told the subcommittee UK seeks continued operating and capital support, highlighted research and clinical impact (including Markey Cancer Center’s NCI designation and $500M in competitive grants), announced AI and Microsoft partnerships and answered questions about House Bill 4 compliance and tornado recovery.
Dr. Capilouto told the House Budget Review Subcommittee the University of Kentucky seeks continued state support for operating needs, asset preservation and major capital projects and emphasized UK’s statewide clinical and research roles.
Capilouto opened with a patient story to illustrate clinical impact: a patient from Eastern Kentucky who received care at the Markey Cancer Center and benefited from a clinical trial. He emphasized the Markey Center’s role as Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center.
He said UK earned about $500,000,000 in competitive grants in fiscal year 2025 and estimated the university generates more than $1,000,000,000 in economic impact while supporting more than 5,000 jobs. He noted nearly 10,000 degrees and credentials were conferred in 2025.
On capital and facilities, Capilouto said the first Healthy Kentucky Research Building funded earlier is full and has generated roughly $600,000,000 in research revenue since 2018. He described two priorities: a new Healthy Kentucky Research Building and continued asset preservation for campus facilities, and he said the Michael D. Rankin Health Education Building will open in 2027.
Capilouto stressed AI and workforce readiness as strategic priorities. He noted the Stanley and Karen Piggman College of Engineering will launch the state's first bachelor of science in artificial intelligence this fall and described a partnership with Microsoft that includes AI documentation tools in UK HealthCare and plans for Microsoft engagement on campus.
Representative Baker asked whether DEI programs remain in the sociology department after a recent media report and whether UK is compliant with House Bill 4. Capilouto said the university has worked extensively to be in full compliance, learned of the report the night before and would investigate any inconsistency; he told the subcommittee the university will address any confirmed issues.
Representative Tipton asked about tornado damage to the Princeton Research Farm and about planned hospital expansion and bed capacity; Capilouto described ongoing reconstruction, volunteer recovery efforts and plans for a new tower to replace aging inpatient facilities, and said he would provide exact bed counts later.
Capilouto closed by reiterating UK’s commitment to accountability, transparency and partnership with the Commonwealth. The subcommittee did not take votes on UK’s requests at the hearing.