Gaines Center now accepting fellowship applications

The University of Kentucky Gaines Center for the Humanities is now accepting applications for the 2026-28 cohort of Gaines Fellows, one of the university’s most prestigious undergraduate opportunities for academic enrichment, leadership and community engagement.

The Gaines Fellowship in the Humanities is a two-year program designed to enrich undergraduates’ study at UK. Fellowships are awarded in recognition of outstanding academic performance, demonstrated research ability, an interest in public issues and a desire to enhance understanding of the human condition through the humanities.

This highly competitive program selects 12 students each year from across all majors and academic colleges. Gaines Fellows and faculty represent a diverse community of artists, debaters, scholars, leaders and social servants — all united by meaningful intellectual curiosity and a shared commitment to preserving and amplifying the humanities.

Benefits and expectations

Gaines Fellows make a two-year (four-semester) commitment to the program, participating in seminars, independent research and co-curricular activities that connect the humanities to real-world impact.

Junior Fellows

• Receive a $2,000 stipend during the academic year
• Complete a specially designed four-credit-hour humanities seminar each semester led by outstanding UK faculty
• Participate actively in Gaines Center events and complete a community engagement project that serves the campus, Lexington or a personal community

Senior Fellows

• Receive a $3,000 stipend during the academic year
• Become eligible for the Betts, Rowland and European Travel Scholarships, which support international experiences that enhance their knowledge and abilities
• Complete an independent, faculty-mentored thesis project under the direction of the Gaines Center director and a three-member faculty committee

Renewal of the fellowship for the senior year is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and active participation in all Gaines Center events.

Eligibility

Any University of Kentucky undergraduate may apply. Successful applicants typically:

• Have at least two years (four semesters) of undergraduate coursework remaining after the application cycle
• A strong academic focus
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independent research ability and/or civic engagement

Students from all majors and intended professions are encouraged to apply. Enrollment in the UK Lewis Honors College is not required.

Applications for the 2026-28 Gaines Fellowship are open now and will remain open until midnight Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

• Apply here: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6eR54TpBZ8GAJQF
• Faculty/staff nomination form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIGymml93ebc0RoCJ7v_8ECjqaLAPKQvV0m114bJzW8EIaag/viewform?usp=dialog

Information sessions

Students interested in learning more are encouraged to attend an upcoming Gaines Fellowship information session:

• Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. — via Zoom
• Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. — in person, Lewis Honors College
• Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. — via Zoom

Register for an info session here.

Devoted to refining an appreciation for the humanities across disciplines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities integrates creative work with traditional academic learning. The center helps students connect their studies to public issues and fosters a lifelong understanding of the human condition.

For more information, call 859-257-1537 or email Associate Director Chelsea Brislin at clbris4@uky.edu.