Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University (Eastern or EKU) is a public university in Richmond, Kentucky. As a regional comprehensive institution, EKU also maintains branch campuses in Corbin, Hazard, Lancaster, and Manchester and offers over 40 online undergraduate and graduate options. History Founding Central University was founded in 1874 in Richmond, Kentucky. Beset with financial difficulties and small enrollment, Central University consolidated with Centre College in 1901. On March 21, 1906, the Governor signed legislation which established the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No. 1. On May 7, 1906, the Normal School Commission selected the site of the former Central University campus as the location of the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School No. 1; the site continues to serve as the location of EKU.