Dean Pace announces $77 million investment

Message from UK College of Education Dean Nick Pace

Our college is entering an exciting new era.

 The university is dedicating asset preservation funds to improve three of our historic spaces — Seaton Center, Taylor Education Building, and Dickey Hall. We want to honor the history and character of these spaces while building on their legacy to support the next generation of students, educators, and leaders.  

 I am thankful for the Kentucky Legislature providing asset preservation funds to enhance these spaces. I am also grateful for the leadership and enthusiastic support of President Eli Capilouto, Provost Robert DiPaola, and EVPFA Eric Monday as we begin this exciting new chapter in the college’s rich 102-year history.  

 Two requests for proposals are in the process of being posted by UK Procurement Services — one will seek bids from consultants to develop plans to improve Seaton and another for Taylor and Dickey. Although details are still early, we anticipate the renovation phase could begin as early as Fall 2027. News of this scale naturally brings questions about next steps. Many details are still being finalized, and additional information will be shared as plans develop.  

 In the coming months, the college will launch a capital campaign to raise at least $13.4 million toward the overall $77 million project cost. I am deeply grateful to all who have made our access to the asset preservation funds possible, as well as to the many supporters who will help strengthen this effort through philanthropy.  

 The expression, “if these walls could talk” comes to mind as I think about all the changes, say, that Taylor Education Building has seen since its construction in 1930, when it also housed the University School, which offered kindergarten, elementary, junior high and senior high school classes and served as a training school for teachers.  

 There’s an old saying that “clothes don’t make the person.” While that is true, we also know that physical space communicates so much about a place. Our buildings — the spaces where future teachers, leaders, counselors, exercise scientists, researchers, leaders, and other professionals are prepared to make a lasting impact on Kentucky’s communities — will be brought more in line with the quality of teaching, learning and research that happens in them every day.

I’m grateful for those in the college before me who helped lay the groundwork for this pivotal moment. We look forward to sharing additional information as planning continues to move forward and your engagement in this new chapter!  

Be well, Go Cats, and here’s to the future of the UK College of Education!

Nick Pace  
Dean, UK College of Education