By: Stephanie Swarts, UK Public Relations

The University of Kentucky Gaines Center for the Humanities has selected 12 exceptional undergraduates as new scholars for the university’s Gaines Fellowship Program for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 academic years. Gaines Fellowships are given in recognition of outstanding academic performance, demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, an interest in public issues, and a desire to enhance understanding of the human condition through the humanities.

Kate Cox, of Lexington, majoring in agricultural and medical biotechnology in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is one of the new fellows. Gaines Fellowships are awarded for the tenure of students’ junior and senior years; students in all disciplines and with any intended profession are given equal consideration.

All Gaines Fellows are required to take a specially designed, four-credit hour per semester seminar in the humanities during both semesters of their junior year. In addition, each junior fellow must complete a jury project, planning and optionally carrying out an improvement to a community, whether it be our campus, Lexington, the fellow’s hometown, or a community further afield.

In the senior year, each fellow must complete a major independent study project of six credit hours. At conclusion of this project, a thesis paper must be submitted and defended in front of a thesis committee of three university faculty members and the director of the Gaines Center.

The Gaines Fellowship is highly regarded on campus because of the new opportunities and experiences in humanities it offers scholars. “I was delighted to be chosen, and to have all the opportunities for immersive learning and personal growth that Gaines affords,” sophomore Hannah Edelen said.

Founded in 1984 by a generous gift from John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities functions as a laboratory for imaginative and innovative education on UK’s campus. The Gaines Center is designed to enrich the study of the humanities as an intellectual activity and as a means to self-betterment. The center offers courses and sponsors activities that appeal to faculty and students in all disciplinary fields.