From July 25th through July 30th, 2022, multiple complex thunderstorms developed south of I-64 and not only brought record-setting rain and deadly flash flooding but also devastating river flooding to Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia. The Robinson Center was not exempt from the devastation. Experiencing extensive damage to multiple buildings and total decimation of others, facility staff relocated the Administration and Business Offices to a makeshift area in the Auditorium and restored normalcy as was possible professionally while trying to restore normalcy in their personal lives as well.
Despite these challenges, one thing remained constant. The University's Land-grant Mission continued to emphasize teaching, research, and engagement to promote the well-being and success of the leaders in the next generation. Together, we learned; we discovered; and we engaged every single day, and this informational session will highlight the initial aftermath and impact of this historic flooding event on a facility that has been around since 1923.
Participants will: visualize how stakeholders have strategically rebuilt the facility to prepare for the next one hundred years of service. Experience firsthand accounts for the initial devastation to iconic structures, equipment, and destroyed research. Gain a better understanding of how stakeholders have rebuilt this research station to better promote UK's Land-grant Mission more efficiently and in a broader spectrum. Recognize when we made it past the trauma of the initial event to the healing aspect. More importantly, know when our focus became more about the present, the future, and no longer about the past. Our future is bright, and we want to share it with you.
