Visiting Writers Series: Kei Miller
Join us for our next installment of the UKY Visiting Writers Series, featuring renowned author Kei Miller.
Miller is the author of 11 books that range across genres. His 2014 poetry collection, "The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion," won the Forward Prize for Best Collection. His 2017 novel, "Augustown," won the Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, the Prix Les Afriques and the Prix Carbet de la Caraïbe et du Tout-Monde. Miller has an M.A. in creative writing from Manchester Metropolitan University and a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Glasgow. He was the 2019 Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor for the University of Iowa and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Hope to see you all there.
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John Jacob Niles Gallery, Lucille Little Fine Arts Library, 160 Patterson Drive
Event Series:
Graphite Creative Writing Club Photos
Photos from a recent Graphite Creative Writing Club Meeting
English’s Andy Doolen publishes new book “Traitor”
By Francis Von Mann
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2026) — University of Kentucky professor Andy Doolen has published a new biography examining the life, ideas and assassination of early American figure John Dunn Hunter.
MFA alumna Allegra Solomon longlisted for prestigious PEN America literary prize
By Francis Von Mann
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 19, 2025) – Allegra Solomon has been longlisted for the 2026 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection, one of the most prestigious honors for emerging fiction writers in the United States.
Gurney Norman Memorial
Please join the family of Gurney Musick Norman for a weekend of words, music and film in honor and celebration of Gurney, beloved husband, brother, uncle, writer, teacher, mentor, storyteller, film presenter and friend.
The memorial will be held over two days, Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Gatton Student Center on UK’s campus. Events are free, open to the public and will be livestreamed.
Memorial Information
Saturday Evening Program
Saturday, Dec. 6 | 6-11 p.m. | Gatton Student Center, Worsham Cinema
The evening will include films and film clips by Appalshop (Headwaters Television), Jean Donohue and Fred Johnson (Media Working Group), Andrew Garrison (KET), Anne Lewis, and Mimi Pickering, along with readings, remembrances, and tributes celebrating Gurney.
Speakers and readers include (alphabetical):
Sandy Ballard, Candace Chaney, Willie Davis, Angelyn DeBord, Jean Donohue, Andrew Garrison, Robert Gipe, Sharon Hatfield, Rebecca Gayle Howell, Fred Johnson, Leatha Kendrick, Johnny Lackey, Jude McPherson, Pam Oldfield Meade, Mimi Pickering, Mandi Fugate Sheffel, Kopana Terry and Crystal Wilkinson.
Sunday Memorial and Reception
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 1:30-6 p.m. | Gatton Student Center, Grand Ballroom
Sunday’s program will focus on Norman’s life as a writer, teacher and community builder, with reflections from authors, scholars, faith leaders and longtime friends. The reception will feature performances by musicians with deep ties to Norman and Appalachian arts communities.
View Sunday Memorial and Reception Livestream
Program
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Doors open: 1:30 p.m.
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Memorial Ceremony: 2 - 4:15 p.m.
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Break: 4:15 - 4:30 p.m.
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Reception with Live Music: 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Sunday speakers include (alphabetical):
Mary Berry, Nikky Finney, Robert Gipe, Rev. Kent Gilbert, Lindsay Hawkins, George Ella Lyon, Bobbie Ann Mason, Alessandro Portelli, Sharon Griffith Sapienza, and Frank X Walker. Music by Beth Bingman and Rich Kirby, Karly Dawn Milner and Brett Ratliff.
Reception musicians include (alphabetical):
Mitch Barrett and Carla Gover, Beth Bingman and Rich Kirby, CJ Cain, Jessie Lynne Keltner and Anne Shelby, Karly Dawn Milner, Brett Ratliff, Jesse Wells and Jack Wright.
Parking
Free parking is available in Parking Structure 5 (Cornerstone Garage) across from the Gatton Student Center. Guests may use the third-floor pedestrian bridge for accessible walkway access. Paid parking is available in the Gatton Student Center lot at $2/hour.
Memorial Gifts
Norman’s family requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Gurney Norman Appalachian Student Award Gift Fund at the University of Kentucky.
How to give
Online:
By mail:
Make checks payable to “University of Kentucky” and note “Gurney Norman Appalachian Student Award Gift Fund” in the memo line.
UK Philanthropy
PO Box 910628
Lexington, KY 40591
Questions about giving may be directed to Laura Sutton, senior director of philanthropy, at 859-257-3551.
Date:
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Location:
Gatton Student Center
Arts and Sciences students receive 2025 Oswald Research and Creativity awards
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research recently announced the 21 undergraduate winners of the 61st annual Oswald Research and Creativity Awards. Chad Risko, Ph.D., faculty director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, and research ambassadors presented the awards.
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Jonathan Allison is a professor of 19th, 20th and 21st Century British Literature and Culture.
A Formal Reading of MFA Poets
Formal attire encouraged. Light refreshments following the reading.
Date:
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Location:
The Niles Gallery, Little Fine Arts Library