SPRING 2025
BGCFyi DR. EUNICE BEATTY: A Lexington
Legend of Service and Generosity As Lexington celebrates its 250th anniversary
administrator at Bluegrass Community and
Now, as co-chair of Lexington’s 250Lex
history, our progress and the people who
of Kentucky College of Allied Health, she was
on its past while looking toward the future.
Award—just one highlight of her remarkable
and me as co-chairs, our early conversations
in 2025, it’s a time for reflection—on our
have shaped the city we call home. Few
embody the spirit of Lexington quite like Dr.
Eunice Beatty, a lifelong Lexingtonian whose dedication to education, community service
and philanthropy has left an indelible mark on the city.
“I am a native Lexingtonian, so my entire life
has been in this community,” Eunice shared.
“When I start thinking about my life here and
all the people that have been part of it, I could probably write a book! It has absolutely been my joy to live in Lexington all my life.”
Technical College (BCTC) and the University
celebrations, Eunice is helping the city reflect
recognized with the National Master Teacher
“When Mayor Gorton appointed Kip [Cornett]
career in education.
were about ensuring this milestone reflected
A history of trailblazing runs deep in her
family. Eunice’s mother, Ann Lawson Taylor, made history in 1976 as the first African
American licensed ophthalmic dispenser in
the full breadth of our city’s history,” she
explained. “Lexington has changed in so
many ways, and we want to honor that while celebrating where we are today.”
Lexington. Her husband of nearly 50 years,
For Eunice, one of the most profound changes
legacy, serving 34 years with the Lexington
segregation to integration. “I was a teenager
African American police chief in 2001.
young people facing challenges of their own,
Anthany Beatty, Sr., also carved out his own
she has witnessed is Lexington’s journey from
Division of Police and becoming the city’s first
during integration,” she recalled. “Now, I see and I think back to what it was like for my
Eunice’s journey began at Tates Creek High
Even in retirement, the Beattys remain
degrees from the University of Kentucky: a
their time, talent and treasure. Their family
As Lexington’s yearlong celebration unfolds,
Community Foundation for nearly 20 years,
Homecoming event. “It’s like we’re celebrating
School before she went on to earn three bachelor of health science in dental hygiene, a master’s in education, and a doctorate in educational psychology and counseling, with a minor in marriage and family science. As a professor and
devoted to Lexington, giving back through foundation has been housed at Blue Grass
generation to navigate those transitions.”
Eunice is particularly excited about the June
and they are proud honorary co-chairs of
a birthday all year, but June is our big
Community Foundation is a trusted partner
everyone who has lived in or visited Lexington
the Fund for Greater Lexington. “Blue Grass in helping us give back in meaningful ways,” Eunice said.
celebration month,” she said. “We’re inviting to come back and celebrate with us.”
Dr. Eunice Beatty is more than a Lexington
The Beattys’ spirit of service
legend, she is a guiding light of generosity,
next generation. Their
“Lexington is where I was born and where I
and Embry, are
about Lexington is the people—it’s absolutely
has extended to the
sons, Anthany Jr. continuing the
leadership and love for her hometown.
grew up,” she said. “But the thing I love most the people.”
family’s legacy of leadership and
generosity. “We
are most proud of our sons,” Eunice said.
To learn more about Eunice and 250Lex, visit 250lex.com or scan the QR code to listen to
“They were great
the full conversation
great men and
DoGood Radio Hour
kids, they are
with Eunice on BGCF’s
we just adore
podcast.
them.”
SPRING 2025
BLUE GRASS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION