Other recent announcements include the construction of the new $450 million Albert B. Chandler Hospital, which will was one of the largest projects in the state's history in terms of size and economic impact.
In 1997, the Kentucky General Assembly formed a compact with the university. The Top 20 Plan mandated that the University of Kentucky would become a "Top 20" public research university by 2020. According to the compact, states with "Top 20" universities feature higher average household incomes, higher education attainments, healthier lives and more financial security. The plan would also spur technological advancements due to university-based research and increase the marketability of the state to investors.
University leader claimed that the plan produced some results, including:
Enrollment increased.
The six-year graduation rate increased from 59.5 percent in 1998 to 61.2 percent in 2007.
Research expenditures increased from $124.8 million in 1996 to $297.6 million in 2003. It dipped slightly to $274 …
