News and Events

Fall Conference 2025 - China

Oct 9, 2025, 5:00 PM – Oct 10, 2025, 5:00 PM

— Keynote Address — Brad Farnsworth, Principle at Fox Hollow Advisory Brad Farnsworth has more than three decades of experience as a campus leader, instructor, and association executive.  A recognized authority on China, he has travelled there since the early 1980s, and he maintains strong connections with Chinese universities and the Chinese government. 

2025 Negotiation Simulation - Korean Peninsula

Sep 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – Sep 27, 2025, 3:00 PM

This fall, students, faculty, and alums participated in the U.S. Army War College's ISCNE simulation on the Korean Peninsula. Teams were set a few days before the event, with students suddenly taking on the role of major superpowers as they navigate the political unrest that is ever bubbling along the DMZ.

Patterson In-Person Open House - October 20th, 6-7:30, MH 312

Oct 20, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Please join us for our in-person Open House. During this event, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, meet faculty and current students, and ask any questions you have about applying or the program itself. Snacks and drinks will be provided. When: October 20th, 6-7:30PM Where: Miller Hall 312 If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to nash.meade@uky.edu. RSVP using this link: https://forms.gle/yW4kVCAp8jRf1fiR6

Fall Conference 2026 Keynote Address - Ambassador (ret.) William B Taylor

Oct 22, 2026, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Please join us for a keynote address from the distinguished Ambassador (ret.) William B Taylor.

Fall ISCNE Crisis Simulation

Sep 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – Sep 19, 2026, 2:30 PM

On September 18-19, 2026 the Patterson School conducted an International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise in collaboration with personnel from the United States Army War College. Over two days, Patterson students and guests performed diplomatic duties representing seven countries participating in a multilateral negotiation on the future of the South China Sea. Patterson students led teams representing China, the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, supported by Patterson faculty and guests experienced in international diplomacy.

Patterson School Fall Conference

Oct 23, 2026

We are looking forward to our fall conference this semester. More details to come!

Stempel Road Naming Ceremony

Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 – 7:00 PM

You are cordially invited to join us for a ceremony honoring the late John Stempel on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Exchange, just off the University of Kentucky campus. In recognition of Dr. John Stempel's extraordinary service and leadership at the Patterson School and throughout his distinguished career, his family, in partnership with state and local government and Patterson alumni, has arranged for a state roadway to be named in his honor.

Patterson School Summer Reading List 2026 and Book Club Dates

May 6, 2026

The Patterson School has chosen the following texts for our summer reading this year:

Steve Pile - Affect and City Life: Notes from London

Apr 17, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Professor Steve Pile from Open University (UK) will be giving an exciting talk on Zoom entitled ‘Affect and City Life: notes from London’ (please see the abstract below). The talk will take place on April 17 at 2:00 pm at https://uky.zoom.us/j/4073288434 He has been invited as a speaker for a Gaines Center Cooperative composed of Michael Samers (Geography), Charlie Zhang (Gender & Women Studies), and Yujia He (Patterson School). All are welcome.

Patterson School Lexington Alumni Event

Apr 24, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

The Patterson School is excited to host a local event for our alumni. We invite you to join us here in Lexington, at the Old North Bar this April. PleaseRSVP if you plan on attending: https://forms.gle/j5ee4imRn9u3nkzB8.