Featured Programs | University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Services

Kentucky 4-H

Kentucky 4-H is the state’s largest youth development program, reaching over 200,000 young people each year. Through afterschool, community, and military clubs, 4-H helps youth build life skills and confidence through hands-on activities like cooking, art, agriculture, STEM, and service. Programs include summer camps, leadership roles, scholarships, and participation in events like the State Fair—all designed to grow capable, contributing members of the community. These programs are open to all military-connected youth.

Kim Schrader, Ph.D., 4-H Military Liaison, (kalschrader@uky.edu)

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Air Force ROTC Program at the University of Kentucky

Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) is a college program that prepares students to become officers in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force while earning their degree. Offered at over 1,100 campuses, including the University of Kentucky, AFROTC builds leadership skills, offers scholarship opportunities, and guarantees a career upon commissioning. Cadets take part in academics, leadership training, and physical conditioning through a traditional four-year or accelerated three-year track.

Tory Pendleton, Military Science, (afrotc@uky.edu)

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Army ROTC Program at the University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky (UK) Army ROTC, known as the Wildcat Battalion, has been commissioning Army officers since 1917. Located in Buell Armory, next to the UK Visitor Center, the program develops college students into military leaders through classroom instruction, physical training, and hands-on exercises. Cadets participate in events like Color Guard, the Army Ten Miler, Ranger Challenge, and the Norwegian Foot March. Upon graduation, cadets earn both a college degree and a commission as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Allen "Al" Back, Lieutenant Colonel (RET), MS, PHR, Alumnus, Recruiting Operations Officer (allen.back@uky.edu)
Jane Stockton, MS, BBA, Military Science Department Manager (jane.stockton@uky.edu)

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Community Mental Health Clinic

The Community Mental Health Clinic (CMHC) at the University of Kentucky offers low-cost telehealth counseling to adults across Kentucky, including veterans. Services are provided by supervised graduate students in psychology and are based on a sliding scale from $10 to $75 per session. CMHC helps individuals facing challenges like anxiety, depression, and stress. It's a confidential, affordable resource for veterans seeking mental health support. Through September 2026, the CMHC can offer therapy support to Veterans and their families at no-charge through funding made possible by the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Grant. Those interested in these services will need to have an intake meeting to make sure the CMHC is a fit for their needs and goals in therapy.

David Hague, Ph.D. (david.hague@uky.edu) (EDPClinic@uky.edu)

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Historic Memorial Coliseum

Memorial Coliseum at the University of Kentucky was built to honor Kentuckians who died in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Names of those lost in the Vietnam War were added later, creating a lasting tribute to the state’s fallen heroes. The memorial includes displays both inside and outside the building, with names “etched into metal, anchored in stone”. The interior memorial is available for the public during ticketed events held inside HMC. Families who wish to visit the HMC are encouraged to visit the outside memorial at any time. The information is also publicly accessible online: kentuckyveterans.nunncenter.net

Remembering honor, love, and duty at UK’s Historic Memorial Coliseum | https://uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/remembering-honor-love-and-duty-uk-s-historic-memorial-coliseum

Kentucky's Memorial Coliseum: Honoring Fallen Heroes and Hidden Histories | UK Veterans Tribute (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEujnm6XjLI

Wesley Crane, (weareuk@uky.edu)

Homegrown By Heroes

Homegrown By Heroes is a program for Kentucky farmers who have served in any branch of the U.S. military, including veterans, reserves, and National Guard members. It allows veteran and military-affiliated producers to use a special logo that identifies their products as locally grown by service members. This label helps consumers make informed purchases while supporting those who have served. The program is open to all Kentucky veterans and active military.

Shawn R. Wright, Ph.D., Department of Horticulture, (shawn.wright@uky.edu)
Rachel Rudolph, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist (rachel.rudolph@uky.edu)
Brent Arnoldussen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Fruit Extension Specialist (bar244@uky.edu)
Qinglu Yin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Controlled Environment Agriculture Extension Specialist (qyi226@uky.edu)

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Military Parent / Teen Camps

University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension offers adventure camps for military-connected parents and their teenage children. For a $60 registration fee, families enjoy outdoor activities like rafting, climbing, and rappelling—with lodging, food, and travel allowances included. Camps are open to Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, Coast Guard, Veterans, and DOD civilians. These camps happen in various states around the country.

Tyrone Atkinson, M.S., Family and Consumer Sciences, (tcatki2@uky.edu)
Kerri Ashurst, Ph.D., Family and Consumer Sciences, (kgoodman@uky.edu)

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OneOp

OneOp is a national partnership between the Department of Defense and the Cooperative Extension System, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). OneOp provides free professional development for those serving military families. The multidisciplinary collaborative offers expert-led webinars, resources, and continuing education credits. All resources are free and open access. The University of Kentucky holds the OneOp subaward that develops personal finance content.

Nichole Huff, Ph.D., CFLE, Family and Consumer Sciences, (nichole.huff@uky.edu)
Kristen Jowers, M.S., Family and Consumer Sciences, (kristen.jowers@uky.edu)

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Suicide Prevention & Exposure Lab (SPEL)

The Suicide Prevention & Exposure Lab (SPEL) at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is the first of its kind, focused on the impact of suicide on those personally or professionally affected. SPEL offers research and engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. They have special focus projects on military veterans. The lab works to better understand suicide exposure and improve mental health outcomes.

Julie Cerel, Ph.D., College of Social Work, (julie.cerel@uky.edu)

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Veterans Resource Center

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at the University of Kentucky supports student veterans and military-connected students with a welcoming space and services assisting with college transitions. Located in Erikson Hall, the VRC offers GI Bill certification, a computer lab, a lounge with kitchen essentials, lockers, and a relaxation room. The VRC also hosts community events like VA disability claim clinics and free meals. It is a central hub for connection, resources, and support on campus.

Gregory Judd, MBA, B.S. (vetcenter@uky.edu)
Amy Southwood, VA Certifying Official (vetcenter@uky.edu)
Kimberly Carney, Academic Coordinator (vetcenter@uky.edu)
Cassandra Knight-Trevino, VSOC & VR&E Counselor (cassandra.knight-trevino@va.gov)

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