05/12/25 - Campus update and spring semester wrap-up 2025

Dear NKU campus community,

Wow, what a year!

First, thank you all for all your support of our university and students throughout this academic year. It is so hard to believe that another semester has ended as we enter the summer season at NKU.

Just this weekend, we concluded 2024-2025 with more than 2,000 new graduates at three Commencement ceremonies. Our graduation events give us good reason to celebrate and to reflect on the work we’ve done and the accomplishments of each of our new alumni as they begin the next exciting era in their lives, out doing good work in the world and leaving a positive impact on their communities.

You can learn about some of our graduates and their amazing stories below:

• Mother and daughter each getting master's degree from NKU
• Law student graduates at top of class after recovery from addiction, homelessness

Commencement was a fitting end to a successful year for our university during which we accomplished so much. Here are just a few of the most recent great stories:

• NKU soccer player brings hope, gear to Ugandan children: Northern Kentucky University soccer player Natalie Newman recently embarked on a journey to Uganda, where she combined her passion for soccer with a mission to support young students in need. See more. 
• Duke Energy and Northern Kentucky University paving the way for innovation: A partnership between Duke Energy and NKU is paving the way for innovation on campus. See more.
• NKU Chase College of Law rises in national rankings: Chase College of Law has made a significant leap in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, climbing to 15 spots in 2025. This advancement positions Chase as the second-highest ranked law school in Kentucky. See more.
• We launched the second season of our popular Born Before AI series. Artificial intelligence is becoming more relevant in our daily lives and this lecture series gets people in tune with the technology. See more.

Yes, that is only a small sample of the wonderful things happening here at NKU. We certainly have a lot to be proud of. As always, I am proud to be your president, and I am grateful for your support of our students and campus community.

Whether you will be on campus during the summer months or away, please take time to take care of yourselves. Rest. Rejuvenate. Do the things you love. I hope you also enjoy plenty of time with loved ones and friends. Thank you for all you do for our university, our learners and the community. I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus at Fall 2025 Convocation on August 11.

All my best to each of you,

Cady Short-Thompson, Ph.D.
President, Northern Kentucky University