Beginning July 31, 2026 the Gaines Center for the Humanities is inviting applications for a special humanities-oriented seminar that includes an immersive travel experience. Ten or fewer students will be selected by way of competitive applications for a spot in this 300-level seminar (HMN 300).
The Bingham Seminar provides faculty and students a chance to explore a subject not within the university's regular course offerings and to do so on-site, as the Gaines Center provides funding to offset the cost of travel, either in the US or abroad. The Seminar meets according to a regular course pattern during the spring 2028 semester, with the travel portion taking place over spring break, or early in May following finals week.
The Gaines Center also offers funding to invite a special lecturer to help further enrich the experience. This lecturer may speak with the course, but must also host a lecture that is free and open to the public.
BASED ON AN ENROLLMENT OF 10 STUDENTS: THE GAINES CENTER PROVIDES:
For FACULTY:
$4,000 research and study grant
Up to $2,000 of travel expenses
Up to $2,000 towards a special Thomas D. Clark Lecturer
for STUDENTS
$1,000 travel scholarship per student
The application will open on July 31, 2026 for the 2028 seminar.
Founded in 1984 through the generosity of John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities serves as a beacon of innovative education at UK. As a laboratory for creativity and interdisciplinary scholarship, the center continues to advance the university’s mission of developing thoughtful, engaged leaders poised to shape the future of Kentucky and beyond.
For more information, call the Gaines Center at 859 257 1537 or contact Program Coordinator Catherine Brereton at catherine.brereton@uky.edu.