KENTUCKY — We're continuing our series looking at some of the fastest-growing communities in our state.  This week on In Focus Kentucky, we’re highlighting Madison County, which is home to Berea College, and historic Boone Tavern. It also has a famous pioneer named Daniel Boone, who lived in Madison County and built Fort Boonesborough, which is now a state historic site.

But, the city of Richmond and Madison County are most recognized for being home to Eastern Kentucky University.

Dr. David T. McFaddin was appointed President of Eastern Kentucky University on August 20, 2020. He is no stranger to the area, as he and his family have been members of the Richmond community for over 20 years.

"Well, you know, there's just so many EKU Colonels across Kentucky, meeting individuals who are alums, or have family members who are alums, but you know, they're really excited about what's going on here at EKU as we come out of the pandemic. I'll say the big thing they want to talk about is our Booksmart program or free textbook program, which is something that really, kind of took hold and really launched during the pandemic and they're so excited to see EKU continuing to provide opportunity for students across the Commonwealth and really across the world," explains President McFaddin.

EKU also has regional campuses in Corbin, Hazard, Lancaster, and Manchester and offers more than 40 online undergraduate and graduate options.

"I think as we look at those regional campuses, they are a great outpost for us to connect in those communities and to be closer to the students that we serve. We're number one for Kentucky enrollment. We educate more Kentuckians per capita than any other institution in the state. And we put more of those Kentuckians back to work and in their home communities upon graduation and so having that footprint across the region is really important for us, but from Pikeville to Paducah. We have enrollment from all 120 counties across the state," adds McFaddin.

You can watch the full In Focus segment in the player above.