Our Programs | Student Success

The UK Martin Luther King Center takes pride in providing and collaborating on a multitude of quality programming opportunities to our campus community of students, faculty, staff, parents and members of the greater Lexington and regional communities. From weekly study tables to monthly programming and leadership development, forums and symposiums, the King Center offers something for everyone to engage, connect and learn. In collaboration with other campus offices, the King Center is also excited to provide concerts, movie screenings and more!

Check out our signature programs below:

Cafecito Con Los Wildcats

Cafecito con los Wildcats is an initiative designed to cultivate meaningful conversations between current UK students, alumni, staff, faculty, and members of the community. These gatherings serve as a platform for various guest speakers to share not only their personal experiences and insights, but also the challenges and opportunities they have encountered along the way. Our students are encouraged to participate in group discussions, fostering connections among themselves and generating dialogues that help empower them from a collective perspective. Join us for an enriching experience that celebrates the variety of perspectives in our community.

Food for Thought

Food for Thought is a monthly discussion series presented in collaboration with Underground Perspective (UGP), MLK Center interns and an expert faculty advisor. This program offers a welcoming space for the UK community to engage in meaningful dialogues on topics related to community. Join us for thought-provoking conversations and a unique opportunity for education and exchange among presenters, faculty and attendees.

Leaders Invested in Forward Thinking (LIFT)

This one-day retreat brings together student leaders who are eager to strengthen their leadership skills and build positive, connected communities through their student organizations. Participants will explore leadership and organizational best practices, strategies for effective team engagement, mental well-being and tools to support personal and group success.

Let's Talk

This program provides access to informal confidential conversations with licensed counselors from the UK Counseling Center.

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Tapas and Topics

Small plates, big conversations. Open to all students, this series is hosted in partnership with student organizations. It creates space for thoughtful dialogue across perspectives, encouraging participants to engage with topics that are often complex, personal or rarely discussed.

MLK Center Living Legacy Dinner & Awards Ceremony

The Annual MLK Center Living Legacy Dinner & Awards is a meaningful gathering that honors the past, reflects on the present, and envisions the future of our office. As part of this experience, we celebrate outstanding members of our campus community through the Living Legacy Awards. These awards recognize undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and student organizations who exemplify the spirit of Dr. King’s work and carry forward his enduring legacy.