Our Story - Past & Future
Our Mission
Since the beginning, the UKWF has existed to create an equitable community at the University. As the workplace continues to evolve, our commitment remains the same: creating space to discuss relevant issues and using collective problem solving and educational opportunities to empower and champion women.
Our Vision
We envision a connected network of employees, working together to strengthen the university community by fostering an environment where important conversations can take place- especially around workplace experiences that may be overlooked or undervalued. To help advance this vision, the UK Wildcat Forum aims to:
- Offer accessible, engaging opportunities for professional and personal growth
- Provide financial support to encourage continuing education
- Recognize employees who contribute meaning fully across the University, across all roles and backgrounds
- Create space for open dialogue, thoughtful conversation, and the elevation of underheard perspectives
Our Roots
Firmly planted in the ground, outside of the Main building, is a symbol of growth and change in the organizational culture of the University. In 1992 a small dogwood tree was planted by the UKWF to honor the comprehensive, exhaustive, and ground-breaking work of the members of the University Senate Council ad hoc Committee on Women. The tree was dedicated in August of 1992 and was a university-wide event with a variety of speakers including Ned Breathitt, a former Kentucky governor and board member, Lee J. Magid, the first woman vice president at UK, Law Professor Carolyn Bratt, and others. At the time of the dedication, the Forum board chair Susan Stempl said that for the Forum, the tree represents "the hope for growth in opportunities for women employees at the University and that the University will continue to move toward becoming an institution where all faculty and staff find a fertile and equitable haven for their ideas, energies, and talents." Hope for all faculty and staff continues to guide our work.
Our Board
Designed to provide leadership and direction for the Forum, the UKWF Board consists of a total of 22 individuals: 20 elected Board members, the past chair and the current chair. More information is available on our Membership page.
Our Tree
Firmly planted in the ground, outside of the Main building, is a symbol of growth and change in the organizational culture of the University. In 1992 a small dogwood tree was planted by the UKWF to honor the comprehensive, exhaustive, and ground-breaking work of the members of the University Senate Council ad hoc Committee on Women. The tree was dedicated in August of 1992 and was a university-wide event with a variety of speakers including Ned Breathitt, a former Kentucky governor and board member, Lee J. Magid, the first woman vice president at UK, Law Professor Carolyn Bratt, and others. At the time of the dedication, the Forum board chair Susan Stempl said that for the Forum, the tree represents "the hope for growth in opportunities for women employees at the University and that the University will continue to move toward becoming an institution where all faculty and staff find a fertile and equitable haven for their ideas, energies, and talents."
UKWF Board Information
Current Board
Meghan Wolf, Prevention, Outreach, and Wellness Education Resources
Membership
Why join the UKWF Board?
Personal and professional growth among outstanding individuals who dedicate themselves to making UK a better place to work.
Enhance leadership and teamwork skills
Networking opportunities across the University
Celebrate the uniqueness of all at UK
Continuing the success of the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards and EEAA programs
Develop new contributions to the annual UKWF Conference and monthly programming
Click here to meet our current Board!
Who should join the Board?
The UKWF Board consists of regular staff and faculty representatives. We are looking for individuals interested in championing issues at UK and who can contribute a variety of skills and experience.
Our committees benefit from members who have experience or an interest in growing skills in event planning, communication and marketing, program development, and public relations.
If you are looking for a way to learn more about UK and meet new staff from across campus, UKWF is a rewarding leadership opportunity!
Joining the Board: Designed to provide leadership and direction for the Forum, the UKWF Board consists of a total of 25 individuals: 23 elected Board members, the past chair and the current chair.
Most Board positions are for a term of two (2) years, beginning June 2024, at an all-day UKWF board retreat. Board members are required to attend monthly board meetings, UKWF programs and events, and the annual conference. Each Board member also serves on a committee and attends additional committee meetings. Work out of meetings may include planning for programs and events or serving on an Ad Hoc committee.
UKWF Board elections take place through a self-nomination process. If you know of someone else who would make an excellent candidate, please encourage them to self-nominate.
For more information about UKWF elections, contact Chair-Elect Kendriana Price at kendriana.price@uky.edu.
Become a General Member: All UK employees are welcome to support the work of UKWF as general members. Members will receive early notification of registration for events and professional development sessions. General members are recruited or self-appointed and may volunteer on one or more committees. If general members choose to serve on a committee, they will meet monthly within their committees and may attend the monthly board meetings.