On July 1st, 2011, Dr. Eli Capilouto left his position as the Provost of the University of Alabama-Birmingham to become the 12th President of the University of Kentucky. Over the past five years, UK has undergone significant physical transformation of its academic, research, residential, health care and community spaces. Through partnership, increased philanthropy, and effective financial management, UK is self-financing the vast majority of its more than $1.9 billion infrastructure development.

Among the construction initiated or authorized in that time are 14 new residence halls, several dining facilities, a renovation and expansion to the Gatton College of Business and Economics, a new Academic Science Building, a revitalization of Commonwealth Stadium, a renovation and expansion of the Student Center, continued work to Chandler Hospital, and more. 

But, perhaps bigger than that, Capilouto is attempting to oversee a transformation of the college experience for UK students by investing in student financial aid, Honors programs, increased student resources in counseling and academic advising, and the strengthening of an academic community in areas of inclusivity and diversity. This week on Behind the Blue, we sit down with Dr. Capilouto to discuss his time here at the University, how the lessons learned in his life have shaped his approach to the office, what's on his music playlist, and much more...

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Steven Alvarez is used to questions about language, words and meaning.

But he couldn’t have been prepared for the questions being posed for teaching one class last semester.

Provocatively titled, “Taco Literacy,” the class taught by Alvarez to undergraduates in the Writing, Rhetoric and Digital (WRD) studies program at the University of Kentucky used food to explore issues of Hispanic language and culture – a growing population in Lexington. 

Some, however, criticized the class as an example of being frivolous. Soon, media in Lexington – and across the country – were approaching Alvarez to ask what he meant by “taco literacy.”

The class, while exploring some of the culinary smells and tastes of Hispanic and Latino food in Lexington, asked students to write often and deeply about culture and food’s role in it. Journals, blogs, websites and multi-media output were also aspects of the class as students developed their skills as writers and communicators.

In this edition of “Behind the Blue,” Alvarez, an assistant professor in the newly created WRD department, discusses the controversy, his teaching methods, and his scholarly activities.

And he discusses what makes a great taco, too.

Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be features, along with the most important news impacting the university.

If you have questions or comments about this or any other episode of 'Behind the Blue', email us at BehindTheBlue@uky.edu, or Tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue.