University of Kentucky
United States

Established in 1865 in Lexington, the University of Kentucky is the state of Kentucky’s flagship public land-grant research institution. All of the university’s 33,000+ students — many of whom are first-generation students and come from low-income families — receive an iPad, Smart Keyboard, and Apple Pencil to support digital equity. And under the broader Smart Campus initiative, the university offers a choice of device for faculty and staff, which creates a seamless and inclusive experience for everyone.

“We’re completely focused on student success, and our iPad initiative is the tool we’re using to achieve it,” says Dr Eric Monday, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration. The university hit its goal of raising graduation and retention rates to 70 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively — all without changing the shape of the class or becoming more selective in admissions. And with 60 per cent reduction in IT costs across the board, iPad continues to be a smart financial choice to support the things they care about most.

“When a third of our students are first generation, we want to be laser focused in trying to eradicate that preparation gap,” says Dr Kirsten Turner, Vice President for Student Success, “so they have the best chance to go on to lead lives of meaning and purpose.”