Capilouto urges UK to 'challenge itself' in first State of the University address

by Brenna Angel, Kentucky Public RadioUK President Eli Capilouto gave his first State of the University address this afternoon. He touted the successes of students, faculty, and staff in his speech, saying the University of Kentucky is a place of opportunity. This year’s freshman class is the most academically accomplished in the school’s history, but Capilouto says UK must continue to challenge itself.“We have got to do more to recruit, educate, and graduate the next generation of leaders,” he said. “We must do more to prepare our students for an uncertain world.”The president says that means going beyond teaching students about the tools and skills necessary to find a job, to the concepts and theories that make those tools possible.Student Government President Micah Fielden also addressed the student body, urging them to get involved.“Your four years go by very quickly, but it is never too late to make an impression upon this university, an impression that will last for generations of students to come,” Fielden said.Fielden said he is confident in Capilouto’s leadership ability, and asked the president to fight for student interests by limiting tuition hikes and investing in new and updated campus buildings.