June 4, 2026 - Golisano Children's at UK and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership
Release Date: 06/04/2026
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Behind the Blue
The University of Kentucky Alumni Association established the Great Teacher Awards in 1961 to recognize outstanding teaching at UK. More than 300 faculty members have received the honor, and nominations may only be submitted by current students. Honorees must demonstrate exceptional knowledge of their subject, innovative teaching, and a strong commitment to students inside and outside the classroom. On this episode of Behind the Blue, Steve Shaffer speaks with 2026 award recipient ToniMarie Marchioni, professor of oboe in the UK College of Fine Arts, about the highly personal nature of...
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2026) – THIS IS AN ENCORE EPISODE. Schyler Simpson, PhD, is no stranger to the University of Kentucky. A three-degree UK alum, she has spent years serving students in a variety of roles across campus, including teaching, advising, recruiting, and retention and engagement work in the College of Communication and Information. In her new role as director of Nationally Competitive Awards, she now helps students explore prestigious opportunities such as the Rhodes, Fulbright, Goldwater, Marshall and Truman awards. The University of Kentucky’s Office of...
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June 18, 2026 - Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (UK & Kentucky's future)
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June 11, 2026 - Ky State Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe (UK, Kentucky, and responsible AI development) [ENCORE]
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June 4, 2026 - Golisano Children's at UK and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership
Behind the Blue
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2026) – A new partnership at Golisano Children’s at UK will help put books directly into the hands of Kentucky children and families. On this episode of Behind the Blue, host Kody Kiser talks with Kelsey Rahenkamp of Golisano Children’s at UK, Lindsey Westerfield of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky and Dr. Anna Thamann, a neonatal neurologist at UK HealthCare, about the hospital becoming an official enrollment location for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through the partnership, families coming through Golisano Children’s at UK...
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May 21, 2026 - UK and the Artemis Project
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 14, 2026) – [THIS IS AN ENCORE PRESENTATION.] What does it mean to “reckon” with the past — not as a distant record, but as a living force that still shapes our communities, our classrooms and our shared civic life? Kristine Yohe, a professor of English at Northern Kentucky University, explores that question in her new book, “Reckoning with the Past: The Historical Poetry of Frank X Walker” — a thoughtful, book-length study of Walker’s historical persona poetry. In that work, Walker gives voice to pivotal figures such as York, Isaac Murphy and Medgar...
info_outlineLEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2026) – A new partnership at Golisano Children’s at UK will help put books directly into the hands of Kentucky children and families.
On this episode of Behind the Blue, host Kody Kiser talks with Kelsey Rahenkamp of Golisano Children’s at UK, Lindsey Westerfield of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky and Dr. Anna Thamann, a neonatal neurologist at UK HealthCare, about the hospital becoming an official enrollment location for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Through the partnership, families coming through Golisano Children’s at UK can enroll children under age 5 in the program and receive their first book before they leave. Children enrolled in Imagination Library receive a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail each month until they turn 5, at no cost to families.
Rahenkamp explains that families do not have to be patients to sign up. Patients, siblings, visitors, grandparents and others can enroll eligible children while at the hospital by scanning posted QR codes or visiting the pediatric education center for help with enrollment and to receive the first book.
The episode also explores the broader impact of early literacy. Westerfield discusses the history and statewide reach of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is now available in every county in Kentucky. She also shares research showing that children enrolled in the program are more likely to be read to regularly and more likely to demonstrate early literacy and kindergarten readiness skills.
Thamann explains what happens in a child’s brain during the first months and years of life, and why reading, talking and shared time with parents and caregivers can support language development, bonding and emotional connection. She describes parents, teachers and caregivers as “brain changers,” helping shape early development through simple, everyday interactions.
Together, the guests discuss why a children’s hospital is a natural partner for a literacy program and how access to books can support the whole child, from physical health to development, confidence and long-term success.
To learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky or to enroll a child, visit imaginationlibrary.com.
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This interview has been edited for time and clarity.