Partnering for Impact: How Fischer Homes and UK Are Building a stronger Kentucky through OneUK
Fischer Homes, one of the nation’s largest and most reputable homebuilders, is helping shape the future of Kentucky’s workforce while supporting the next generation of leaders. Headquartered in Northern Kentucky and ranked the 31st largest builder in the U.S. by Builder Magazine, Fischer Homes operates across Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri, Florida and North Carolina. Through the University of Kentucky’s OneUK initiative, the company is partnering with UK to recruit top talent, foster innovation and give back to the communities it serves.
Since last fall, Fischer Homes has hosted the Career Builder Days on UK’s campus three times, providing students with direct exposure to career opportunities in the homebuilding industry. During the February event, Fischer Homes representatives visited classrooms, met with faculty and held an open networking session for students. One of the classroom visits included the College of Communication and Information’s Career Readiness class, offering Fischer Homes an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of students preparing for careers across industries.
The event demonstrates Fischer Homes’ philosophy of “hire the talent, train the skill,” and its commitment to increasing its hiring of UK students for co-ops and full-time positions. Career Builder Day not only allowed Fischer Homes to showcase its career opportunities but also gave UK students a clearer understanding of how their skills could translate into real-world success.
Fischer Homes’ partnership with UK also extends beyond talent development. In spring 2025, the company completed the first philanthropic initiative outlined in its OneUK engagement plan by sponsoring an hour of UK’s DanceBlue Marathon, which raised more than $2.1 million for the patients and families of the Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. The $10,000 sponsorship reflects Fischer Homes’ belief in supporting causes that align with its values while engaging directly with UK students in a meaningful way.
“Our partnership with the University of Kentucky through OneUK is about more than recruiting; it’s about investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Gemma Maxwell, Market President for Fischer Homes’ Northern Kentucky Division. “By connecting students with real-world opportunities and innovative career paths, we’re helping them build a foundation for success while strengthening the communities we call home.
Through OneUK, UK and Fischer Homes have identified three primary goals for their partnership: talent, innovation and support. Together, they are working to attract bright minds for problem-solving and career growth; engage UK faculty and students in research that will help Fischer Homes develop product solutions and maintain its position at the forefront of national homebuilding; and explore philanthropic opportunities that align with Fischer Homes’ mission and values.
“Fischer Homes has been an active and trusted partner in recruiting UK talent for years, especially through our engineering and business programs,” Tori Summey, associate director for employer engagement at the University of Kentucky, said. “What’s been exciting about their OneUK partnership is seeing that connection expand, reaching more students, collaborating with new colleges, and supporting student organizations. Fischer Homes' continued presence on campus has significantly elevated their brand awareness and opened more pathways for students to discover rewarding careers. It’s been a true win-win for our students and the university."
As Fischer Homes looks to the future, its partnership with UK demonstrates the strength of connecting industry and higher education. By linking talent development, research and community engagement, Fischer Homes and UK are working together to build a stronger future for students, the company and the Commonwealth.
Learn more about how the University of Kentucky is partnering with organizations like Fischer Homes to grow talent, drive innovation and support Kentucky communities here.