Tyler Chapman

Student Speaker, May 2025

Chapman, from Ekron, Kentucky in Meade County, is graduating with a master’s degree in public administration from the UK Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. He will deliver the student address at the 9 a.m. Saturday, May 10, ceremony.

A first-generation college student, Chapman previously earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Western Kentucky University. 

During his time at UK, Chapman has worked as a graduate assistant for University Events, helping plan major campus programs including the College Business Management Institute and UK Commencement, representing the university at the North American Association of Commencement Officers. Through this role, Chapman also helped support student recruitment efforts.

As a student in the Martin School, Chapman recently completed a capstone project for the Kentucky League of Cities, focusing on real-world policy solutions to support local governments across the state. 

“UK has been a reminder that the hard moments are the ones that define you,” Chapman said. “Balancing grad school, work and running for office simultaneously wasn’t easy —  but it taught me the real meaning of showing up.”

This is the message Chapman hopes his fellow graduates will take away from his commencement address.

“It’s not about having a perfect journey — it’s about choosing to stay ‘in the arena,’” he said. “Especially in times like these, when so much feels uncertain and the ground seems to shift under our feet, showing up matters more than ever.”

While it’s easy to celebrate big moments like graduation, Chapman says it’s important to remember those who supported your journey. 

“It’s the people who stood by us through the hard days who really make it possible,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of the Class of 2025, and excited to see where we all go from here.”

After graduation, Chapman plans to continue working in public service — helping build stronger communities, making government more transparent and making sure the people who need it most aren’t left out of the conversation. 

“Wherever the path leads, I know I’ll keep showing up,” he said.