Information for Parents & Family

Welcome to the Lewis Honors Family Community!

Whether you are a family member supporting a prospective or current Lewis Honors College student, we welcome you to the Lewis Honors Family Community led by the Family Advisory Council and the larger University of Kentucky Parent and Family Association.

For an overview of the 2025-2026 academic calendar year, click here.

Emily received multiple offers from various university Honors programs including UK Lewis Honors College. After reviewing all the benefits that UK Lewis offers she happily chose Lewis and is having the time of her life meeting wonderful faculty and new friends also in Honors. As a parent, it made my heart sing to receive a letter from her, about 3 weeks in, saying 'Mom, I love it here at UK and Lewis Honors is the best decision I have ever made.'

Kelli Hardeman

Mom of Emily Hardeman-Erbar '27

Support for Students

Academic Advisors

Each Lewis Honors College student is assigned an academic advisor who will be a constant resource until graduation.

CPD Counselors

Each Lewis Honors College student is assigned a Center for Personal Development counselor to cultivate self-awareness, well-being, and career readiness.

Peer Mentors

Each Lewis Honors College student is assigned a Peer Mentor who fosters a sense of community in the Honors Residential Experience.

Alumni Mentoring

Sophomores may apply for an alumni mentor who will assist students in developing professional skills and positive life habits.

A group of people sitting in a circle, laughing while eating ice cream.

Student Involvement

Students can explore a variety of clubs and organizations to establish their sense of community.

A group of students sitting in a lecture hall listening intently. The camera is focused on a boy in a red shirt and a blue lanyard.

Student Resources

Students have access to many resources to ensure student success.

Stay in Touch

We invite you to follow us on social media @ukyhonors, join us for events, or contact us at honors@uky.edu or 859-257-3111.

News and Upcoming Events

UK Alumni Association to honor 2026 Lyman T. Johnson Award recipients at 35th annual luncheon

By Meredith Weber

Sep 29, 2026

The University of Kentucky Alumni Association’s Lyman T. Johnson Alumni Constituency Group will host the 35th annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom. Awardees include five from the Lewis Honors College. https://uknow.uky.edu/student-news/uk-alumni-association-honor-2026-lyman-t-johnson-award-recipients-35th-annual-luncheon

Making every opportunity count: Ryan Hidek’s UK Invests story

By Lindsey Piercy

Sep 25, 2026

For many students, college is the first time they begin taking ownership of their finances. University of Kentucky freshman Ryan Hidek, from Lyndhurst, Ohio, is one of them. Through UK Invests, he is learning the fundamentals of budgeting, investing and financial decision-making while beginning to build a foundation for his financial future. Hidek, a civil engineering major in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering and student in Lewis Honors College.

New Sanders-Brown program helps recent graduates explore careers in Alzheimer’s research

By Hillary Smith

Sep 23, 2026

Six recent UK graduates are participating in the Kentucky Alzheimer’s Disease Research Training and Education Program, or KYAD-PREP. Supported by a five-year, $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, the program provides paid, full-time research positions, mentorship, coursework and professional development for recent college graduates interested in aging and Alzheimer’s disease research. For one of the participants, Meghana Gazula, KYAD-PREP has provided structured mentorship and time to become a more independent researcher before applying to medical school.

View all news