Dr. David McFaddin was unanimously appointed in August of 2020 to be the 14th President of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Facing unprecedented challenges during his first year in office, he overcame unexpected budget expenses, implemented a successful plan for a return to on-campus instruction, and developed a formal proposal to address college access and affordability.

Prior to his current role, Dr. McFaddin was responsible for programming and operations across a wide swath of EKU’s academic, administrative, athletic, and outreach departments. He also championed EKU’s legislative and policy agenda at all government levels.

Before joining EKU, Dr. McFaddin held regional and statewide leadership posts with AT&T for nearly 15 years. His tenure there included major legislative, regulatory and strategic initiatives that paved the way for billions of dollars of capital investments in Kentucky.

A native Kentuckian, Dr. McFaddin holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from EKU, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky, and a graduated summa cum laude, with a B.A. in Public Relations from EKU.

He is a past chair and an executive board member for the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, committee Chairman and board member for Leadership Kentucky, a board member for the Chemical-Weapon Destruction Community Advisory Board and helms a variety of EKU philanthropic entities. In 2012, David was awarded the prestigious U.S. Presidential Service Award for his community volunteerism leadership efforts and he received the 2013 EKU Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

David is married to his wife Melissa and is the father of three children: Isabel, Sophia and Connor.