The governance of the University of Kentucky is vested by law in its Board of Trustees. Within the limits set by the state constitution and federal and state laws (the Council on Postsecondary Education in Kentucky has powers and duties that relate to the governance of the University of Kentucky), the Board of Trustees is the final authority in all matters affecting the institution and exercises jurisdiction over the institution's financial, educational, and other policies and its relation with state and federal governments.

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees consists of sixteen members appointed by the Governor, two members of the faculty, one member of the non-teaching personnel, and one member of the student body. The terms of the appointed members are six years. The President of the University attends all meetings of the Board of Trustees, including its executive committee.

KRS 164.170 as amended during the 2004 legislative session authorizes the Board of Trustees to meet at least quarterly each year rather than meeting on specified dates.

Please note that Board of Trustee minutes beginning in 1862 are now available on Archived Minutes. The University of Kentucky Libraries, Special Collections and Digital Programs, has digitized 61,000+ pages of 1,230 Trustee meeting minutes, complete with accompanying reports and appended items.