Sarah Fitzgerald, Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer for the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement | Photo by Carter Skaggs
You may know the University of Kentucky for its academic excellence + high-flying basketball team, but the growing community is also a pathway to a rewarding career for thousands of locals.
The institution consists of service workers, caregivers, landscapers, engineers, business professionals, and problem solvers. At UK, employees can discover opportunities for growth, a collaborative culture, meaningful work, work-life balance, and an inclusive environment.
We recently connected with three different UK employees to see how their careers have benefited at the university.
Keep Growing at UK
They say, “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”
For 2002 UK graduate Sarah Fitzgerald, that certainly rings true. A proud alum and the university’s current Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer, Sarah found a home at UK first as an undergraduate student and now as an employee for almost 13 years.
“You can come here, do your job, do it well, and go home,” Sarah said. “Or, you can come here and take that extra step.”
Her role overseeing the UK LEADS Scholarship Program and the UK Fellows Society is one of the many ways Sarah has been able to give back to students and people at UK — a major reason why she’s stayed as an employee for over a decade.
“Good people surround you, so mission-driven for the students, the state, health care, and research,” she said. “We don’t lose sight of it. That’s why I stay here.”
Tree Sandford, Associate Director of Facilities Management for Maintenance and Operations
Photo by Carter Skaggs
Be part of something bigger
Harold “Tree” Sandford has been part of UK’s Facilities Management team for more than 40 years.
As Associate Director of Maintenance and Operations, his role is as dynamic as it is essential. Whether he’s 20 stories high cleaning windows at Patterson Office Tower, replacing lights at Kroger Field, or scuba diving in the aquatic center’s pools to tighten bulkheads, Tree keeps the university running smoothly.
“Unfortunately, things break. If they didn’t, I wouldn’t have a job,” Tree jokes.
But for him, working at UK is about much more than repairs. “As a staff member, every time UK wins a national championship or wins a big football game or you see the amazing things that the folks at UK HealthCare are doing — helping people, taking care of children — it just makes you so proud that you’re part of that staff.”
Keep reading to explore job openings and hear how UK has shaped the career of another employee who went from undergrad to Ph.D. student.
What inspires you to join the University of Kentucky?
A. Career growth opportunities B. Being part of collaborative, mission-driven communities C. Making impacts throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world D. Improving the lives of students
Art With Heart | Times vary | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center | Free | Experience this curated exhibit featuring the work of 25+ regional artists — net proceeds of art sales to benefit The Nest.
StrongerLife Balance Workshop | 7 p.m. | StrongerLife | Free | Join Dr. Jeff Musgrave, physical therapist, as he explores the latest research on balance and shares practical tips for improving this skill — a facility tour will be available at 6:30.
Friday, Jan. 24
Jukebox Nights | 4 p.m.-12 a.m. | Lost Palm | Price of purchase | Head to the rooftop bar for shared plates and tiki drinks, then move + groove to decade–driven beats from the 1970s.
“Blue Velvet” | 7:30 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre | $8 | Celebrate the legacy of the late David Lynch with this one-time screening of his exhilarating and terrifying classic.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Hands-On Hang-Out | 12-4 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider | Price of purchase | This family-friendly afternoon will be packed with interactive educational experiences from the Living Arts & Science Center and Kentucky Wild.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Weekly Sound Bath with Amy Hudson | Times vary | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | $25 | Stay stress-free in the new year as you melt away to the sweet + serene sounds of crystal singing bowls.
Cheeseburger chasers rejoice, Smalls Sliders is coming to Lexington. The award-winning burger brand’s simple menu focuses on made-to-order sliders, fries, and shakes. Opening dates and addresses have yet to be announced, but four locations are on the way.
Eat
Speaking of new restaurants… We had six restaurants open last December alone. See our roundup of all new and coming soon restaurants — and be sure to bookmark it to stay in the know.
Sports
Mayor Linda Gorton released the game schedule for Lexington Basketball Week, which runs Saturday, Jan. 25-Saturday, Feb. 1. Part of 250Lex, the celebration of one of our city’s favorite sports includes high school and college games + recognition of Kentucky’s basketball trailblazers. (LEX18)
Announced
The Lexington Legends announced its daily promotion schedule for the 2025 season which features everything from Bark in the Park to $2 Tuesdays. It may be a while before its time to play ball, but season tickets and group sales are available now.
Try This
Bluegrass Printmakers invites you to a make-your-own Valentine party on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Loudoun House from 12 to 5 p.m. The free event will include refreshments + printmaking materials to create your own custom Valentine — no registration required.
Cause
International Book Project is seeking donations to fill an entire shipping container with science, math, English grammar, and world history books for partner schools in Ethiopia. Gently used books may be shipped to or dropped off at the nonprofit’s Delaware Avenue office.
Listen
Kentucky Native Cafe’s Last Monday Reading Series has returned to Michler’s Greenhouse. Head to the hidden garden oasis on Monday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. to hear readers George Ella Lyon and Dorian Hairston, and sip on cozy winter cocktails.
Yes, healthy grocery shopping can be easy and affordable. Meet Thrive Market, where healthy living is simple. Get groceries for the whole family delivered to your door, free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients.Join to save 30% on your first order and claim a free gift worth $60.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. With crystal-clear sound and a sleek, discreet German design, those experiencing hearing impairment can enjoy clear speech with minimum background distractions, even in the noisiest environments. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hers is a holistic program crafted by experts in weight loss, nutrition, and psychology. Receive personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals by a medical professional, along with access to GLP-1 medications starting at $165 per month with a 12-month plan.*
Category
Concert
Railbird is ready to rock
While Hozier (pictured) isn’t on the lineup this year, we’ll get to jam out to Luke Grimes + Bendigo Fletcher. | Photo by LEXtoday
Lexington music lovers can finally breathe a sigh of relief, the lineup for Railbird 2025 is officially here. Returning to The Infield at Red Mile, this two-day music festival will feature headliners Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll.
Need to know info:
Dates: Saturday, May 31 + Sunday, June 1
Location: The Infield at Red Mile
What to expect: Three stages featuring world class musical artists like Bailey Zimmerman, The Red Clay Strays, and Mojo Thunder.
Get your game face on, because tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. Pro tip: sign up for the presale passcode, because some ticket packages sold out in hours last year. General admission starts at $235, with VIP experiences starting at $740.
Special thanks to reader Abigail C. for using her 25 Questions in 2025 to remind us to keep an eye out for the Railbird Lineup. What questions do you want answered this year?
The Buy
The Buy
Single use face towels. Real talk: those washcloths you’ve used for years are likely harboring bacteria and roughing up your delicate moisture barrier. Go for a hygienic, gentler alternative with Sky Organics hypoallergenic face towels, made from 100% renewable plant fiber.
I’ve talked about my love of the Lex theatre scene before, and if you’re looking to get involved you’ve got two upcoming chances. Tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. Woodford Theatre plays host to auditions for both male and female versions of “The Odd Couple.” Meanwhile, ActOut Theatre Group is holding auditions for “Angels in America” this Saturday, Jan. 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. Break a leg.
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