LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky's Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence recognized 31 graduating students and announced 30 new student fellows during an April 16 ceremony, marking the program's 20th class.

The Chellgren Center, which was established in 2005 through a gift from alumnus Paul W. Chellgren and his family, works to advance the university's commitment to student, teaching and program excellence. The center aims to raise aspirations of UK students and assist them in realizing their highest academic potential.

The Chellgren Student Fellows Program is open to all majors and begins during a student's second year at UK. During this time, students — also known as Chellows — receive support in understanding the research process within their discipline, identifying a faculty mentor to guide a spring research project and preparing for their careers. Students also engage in extracurricular experiences designed to expand their cultural and intellectual perspectives.

Warda Malonda, an incoming Chellgren Fellow from the College of Arts and Sciences, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. "The world of research is limitless and very diverse," Malonda said. "I look forward to exploring the many ways research can contribute to a better society while continuing to grow academically."

In addition to the new fellows, five faculty members were selected as Chellgren Endowed Professors for the 2026-29 academic term: Jason Hans of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; Kayla Johnson of the College of Education; Francis Musoni and Jennifer Osterhage of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Nathan Vanderford of the College of Medicine. The Chellgren Endowed Professorships are three-year appointments awarded to tenured faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching and research with a strong commitment to undergraduate education.

Since its founding, the center has supported undergraduate excellence at the university by empowering students, engaging faculty and advancing academic distinction. The program continues to expand opportunities for undergraduate research, experiential learning and academic enrichment across UK's colleges and schools.