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EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Serving Kentuckians Since 1906

Broadly construed, the mission of the Kentucky Institute is the promotion of good governance for the state of Kentucky with a particular focus on the EKU service region.  Governance is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented) and involves both the government and a myriad of other actors such as non-profits, cooperatives, the media, interest groups, and citizen activists.  Good governance, then, occurs when the governance process is characterized by participation, accountability, transparency, effectiveness, efficiency, responsiveness, inclusiveness, and equity.  To promote good governance, the Kentucky Institute focuses its efforts in three primary directions. 

• P-12 Education: engaging in initiatives to help students of all ages better understand the political system with a particular emphasis on promoting an understanding of the responsibilities and rewards of public service, and the significance of each citizen's active involvement in government. 


• Regional Stewardship: partnerships between the EKU unit and constituents in the external community (primarily within the EKU service region) on efforts such as economic development, livable communities, and social inclusion. 


• Basic and Applied Research:  basic research on the history and politics of Kentucky helps inform citizens and enhances educational efforts and applied research on public policy identifies avenues for creating better governing practices.