On August 30, during the University of Kentucky Football season opener, UK debuted its new 30-second institutional spot voiced by UK Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Pope. The commercial showcases UK’s deep commitment to communities across the Commonwealth, highlighting the university’s work to build, lead and serve in all 120 counties of Kentucky.
What viewers don't see, however, is the careful preparation and behind-the-scenes effort that went into making the video possible, including work done by the Facilities Management team.
Filming for the final shot of the commercial took place on campus in the pedestrian bridge connecting the Kentucky Clinic and Biomedical Biological Sciences Research Building during the evening hours of August 4. The Campus Maintenance and Operations team in Facilities Management played a crucial role in making sure the space was camera-ready.
Ahead of production, several maintenance and cleaning tasks were carried out to ensure the shoot location was ready for a close-up. Facilities Management staff repaired a broken light diffuser, re-grouted tile, deep-cleaned the floors, repainted an air diffuser and coordinated with a vendor to clean the windows.
During the shoot, Campus Maintenance and Operations staff were on-site to provide real-time support and ensure everything went smoothly. The team included: Steve Ryan, facilities maintenance supervisor, Jeremy Gabbard, facilities maintenance manager, Matt Bain, facilities maintenance technician II, and Steve Irvin, facilities maintenance technician II.
This year's commercial gets to the heart of what the university does — working with communities and partners across Kentucky to advance the state. From responding to natural disasters in Southeastern Kentucky, to enhancing health care access in the Northeast, to developing agricultural innovations in the West, the message is clear: the University is here for Kentucky.
Facilities Management’s dedication reflects this same spirit. Our efforts, often behind the scenes, help create and maintain an environment where students, faculty and staff can achieve excellence.
Jeremy Gabbard, facilities maintenance manager, Steve Ryan, facilities maintenance supervisor, and Matt Bain, facilities maintenance technician II, were on-site to provide real-time support and ensure everything went smoothly.
Behind the scenes during the commercial shoot.