1. Student Opinions on Campus Brewpubs and Brewing Courses
Offered By Eastern Kentucky University
Department of Recreation and Park Administration
Caitlin Robinson and Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D.
1. Brewers Association. (n.d.). Number of Breweries. Retrieved from https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics/number-of-breweries/
2. Kentucky Microbreweries and Craft Distilleries. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.kentuckytourism.com/dining/bourbon/microbreweries.aspx
References
The purpose of this study is to determine student opinions on brewing
classes offered at Eastern Kentucky University and the possibility of an
on-campus brewpub. The researcher surveyed students about their
interest in the classes and a brewpub, whether or not they support the
university offering a brewing certificate, how they believe the classes or
a brewpub will effect campus life, and their experiences with visiting
and buying beer from microbreweries.
The results indicate the program would be successful if EKU expanded
the courses to offer a concentration or certificate in craft brewing. The
majority of students supports the brewing courses and claims that an
on- campus brewpub would allow students to showcase the skills they
learn from the classes, present opportunities for students to socialize
and create a stronger sense of community among the campus. Due to
student interest and support, the program would likely do well to remain
and develop at EKU. With more students learning about craft brewing,
central and eastern Kentucky would likely see an increase in the
brewing industry and craft breweries.
Abstract
60% had a high interest in the brewing courses
70% support EKU offering a certificate in brewing
70% think EKU should have an on-campus brewpub
55% want EKU to sell alcohol on campus
55% don’t think brewing classes or a brewpub will increase
problems on campus
Introduction
Two different strategies composed the methodology of this study. The
first consisted of a literature analysis of articles related to the topic. This
included articles that detailed student responses to brewing courses and
on-campus brewpubs at U.S. colleges. Additional articles discussed the
role of alcohol on college campuses and on-campus alcohol policies
practiced by U.S. colleges as well as the growth of the brewing industry
in the U.S.
The second strategy consisted of surveying a random sample of twenty
students at Eastern Kentucky University. The survey determined
students’ opinions on the university-offered brewing courses and an on-
campus brew pub, assessed the interest in the program, and whether
they think a brewing program would positively or negatively affect
Eastern Kentucky University and the community.
Methodology
According to the twenty students surveyed, the positives of the classes
and a brewpub include a decrease in drinking and driving, extra
revenue for the university, a stronger since of community, social
opportunities, increased knowledge and awareness of alcohol use,
preparation for employment in an expanding field, and a possible
increase of students to EKU because of the unique program. The
negatives included the possibility of increased underage drinking on
campus. The survey also assessed student interest in buying locally
crafted beer. When asked if they had ever purchased a beer from a
local brewery or microbrewery, fourteen students said no. When asked
if they had ever visited a local brewery or microbrewery, twelve
students said no. However, the growth of local breweries and the
introduction of university offered brewing classes is a relatively new
phenomenon. The seemingly low interest could be because students
simply have not heard of or experienced local breweries or craft beer.
Discussion
The results of this study indicate the majority of students supports the
integration of brewing courses into the university curriculum and feels
that an on-campus brewpub would be an opportunity for students to
showcase the skills they learn from the classes. Due to student interest
and support, the program would do well to remain and develop at EKU.
If students continue to study beer brewing and earn concentrations and
certifications, central and eastern Kentucky would likely see growth in
the brewing industry in the future. This would be a positive effect on
Kentucky communities as these locally owned breweries and
businesses create economic growth and bring in new money to the
area that will re-circulate through the community. It is certainly an
improvement for more universities to offer opportunities such as this
that will help de-stigmatize beer and alcohol from being a catalyst for
trouble into a credible and respected profession.
Conclusions
Results
Recently, several U.S. colleges have introduced the science of brewing
and fermentation into their curriculum and some offer certifications or
degrees in the field. Even more, some of these colleges have built
brewpubs on campus or plan to soon.
According to the Brewers Association (2015), there are now 26 schools
offering training in craft brewing, and 14 of those programs are
university affiliated. Many peer-reviewed articles mention that interest in
the brewing programs is very high among students at colleges across
the country. Specifically, this study gauges interest and determines
opinions of students at Eastern Kentucky University regarding its new
fermentation program and the possibility of an on-campus brewpub.
Where do you prefer to buy your beer?
5%
15%
45%
35% Major Brand
Craft Breweries
No Preference
Do Not Buy Beer
U.S. schools offer craft brewing training
microbreweries in the U.S. as of 2014
microbreweries in Kentucky
of those schools are university affiliated
Eastern Kentucky University introduced brewing courses into its curriculum Fall 2015.T he Keen Johnson building, above, is located in
the center of campus. (Photo credit: Caitlin Robinson)