[1] Capilouto served as dean of the UAB School of Public Health from 1994 to 2001 before he returned to his research and faculty appointment as professor.

On May 4, 2011, Capilouto was selected to succeed Lee Todd, Jr., the eleventh president of the University of Kentucky (UK).

[4] It prioritizes five principles: Capilouto has led expansionary efforts in improving campus infrastructure, health care, research and the university budget.

[9] This effort promotes engagement throughout campus and the state, particularly through its Cooperative Extension Service in all 120 Kentucky counties.

He designated eight research priority areas (Cancer; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes & Obesity; Energy; Neuroscience; Substance Use Disorder; Diversity and Inclusion; and Materials Science) as a focused attempt to address Kentucky's biggest challenges.

[14] Leaning on his background in epidemiology and health policy and management, Capilouto in collaboration with the university's provost led the START (Screening, Testing and Tracing, to Accelerate Restart and Transition) Team.

[15][16] They worked intensely to reimagine UK's approach to education, research, service and care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January 2021, the START Team mobilized Kroger Field as a vaccine clinic administering nearly 250,000 doses.

The judge upheld the appeal, stating that the student records in the case are protected under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).