EKU Fall Magazine 2023

Contributors

100% OF STUDENTS

100% FREE TEXTBOOKS

EKU BOOKSMART MAKING HISTORY

EKU: the first public university in Kentucky to offer free textbooks to all degree-seeking students.

EXPANDING ACCESS

Students have saved a combined $25 million since the EKU BookSmart program began in 2021.

Starting Fall 2023, EKU BookSmart now includes graduate and doctoral students online and on campus.

CHANGING LIVES

EKU students will save a combined $43 million for a near 10% decrease in cost of attendance.

The EKU Magazine is published twice a year in collaboration with EKU Alumni Engagement and EKU Communications and Brand Management.

EKU President

David T. McFaddin, ’99 ’15

Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement

Mary Beth Neiser

Chief of Staff/Chief

Communications Officer

Colleen Chaney, ’18

Photography

Terri Attridge

Carsen Bryant, ’19

Benjamin Evin Keeling, ’07

Nic Moore

Writing

Sarah Bashford

Rixon Lane

Marie Mitchell

Elise G. Russell, ’06

Jerry Wallace

Makenzie Winkler, ’23

Design and Layout

Art Director

Nic Moore

Designers

Melissa Abney, ’11

Rachel Gorth, ’21

Editorial Managing Editor

Erick Collings, ’18

Alumni Engagement Staff

Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni

Engagement

Dan McBride, ’89

Senior Director of Engagement and Communications

Steve Greenwell, ’06

Assistant Director of Engagement and Communications

Alex Hanavan, ’15 ’17

Coordinator of Alumni Engagement and Programming

Ashley Turner, ’19 ’21

Administrative Assistant II, Alumni Engagement

Jessica Duerson

International Alumni Association Board President

Lucy Riffle, ’77

Vice President

Allison Allgier, ’92

Secretary

Allison Helsinger, ’07

Board Members: Joe Bentley, ’82 ’88; Josh Bleidt, ’00; Rodney Bussell, ’95; Michael Cocanougher, ’86 ’99; Mikayla Courtney, ’19; Tyler Dahmen, ’16; Stephen EdwardsMortley, ’01; Kyle Fleenor, ’12; Doug Hampton, ’71; Roger Hardin, ’75; Ann Harris, ’07 ’09; Kim Hatley, ’92; Jeffery Humble, ’07; Zach Lawrence, ’11 ’13; Kenna Middleton, ’79 ’81; Alvin Miller, ’81; Logan Miller, ’22; Iddah Otieno, ’01; Liz Ross, ’86; Katie Siahkoohi, ’16; Gracie Staude, ’22; Quaid Watwood, ’23; Randy White, ’90

Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Ave. Richmond, KY 40475-3102 eku.edu

Visit us online stories.eku.edu alumni.eku.edu development.eku.edu

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts, or in any employment policy or practice. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Eastern Kentucky University, Jones Building 416, Richmond, Kentucky 40475, (859) 622-8020, or the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202, 1 (800) 421-3481 (V), 1 (800) 877-8339 (TTY).

FORGING A PATH WITH PURPOSE

A LETTER from PRESIDENT DAVID T. MCFADDIN

Ihave often heard it said that planning your work and working your plan is the recipe for success. That’s exactly what we have been doing here at Eastern Kentucky University. The fruits of that work leave us with many successes to celebrate, from growing freshman enrollment to new academic programs to winning big in the classroom, the field of competition and in the communities we serve. These significant accomplishments are not happenstance, but rather, the direct result of bold visions, strategy and execution, and a whole lot of hard work from our entire EKU team. While we are pleased to share these accomplishments, it’s important that we remain focused on where we go from here. We will never simply remain satisfied but will continue to be focused on being better tomorrow than we were today, all to meet the needs of Kentucky and beyond.

When I stepped into the role of president at EKU nearly four years ago, my overarching priority was to set a strategic vision for the university to include key areas of campus, along with measurable goals. Last fall, the President’s Cabinet embarked on this task to refine our focus for the next five years in order to deliver on the excellence that is the new standard of expectation at EKU. With an emphasis on knowledge, innovation and transformation, we determined our top eight core areas of focus:

1.) Embrace Student Success as our Purpose

2.) Encourage Focused Academic Investment

3.) Emphasize Being an Employer of Choice

4.) Ensure Financial Strength

5.) Enhance the Campus Beautiful

6.) Elevate the University Brand

7.) Energize Collaboration Across the Service Region

8.) Enrich Strategic Partnerships

Everything we do and every choice we make at EKU aligns with these strategic priorities, furthering excellence and increasing opportunities for students.

As you’ll see in the feature stories of this issue, EKU alumni find success in pursuing their passions, but many times, must adapt and overcome adversity to achieve their goals. Similarly, EKU must be innovative and creative in carrying out our mission. In short, EKU is the School of Opportunity where everyone belongs, and EKU graduates shape the success and vitality of their professions and communities. We call ourselves Kentucky’s university, because we continue to serve more Kentuckians than ever before and more EKU graduates go back to work in our local communities than any other public institution, as well as experience high degrees of work satisfaction.

You’ll find our annual report and strategic plan in the following pages of the magazine. As a stakeholder in our institution, I commit to you that we will challenge ourselves to push beyond boundaries, continually asking “what is next?” and remain laser-focused to ensure excellence in all that we do.

David T. McFaddin President, Eastern Kentucky University

EKU STORIES IN THIS ISSUE

Commonwealth Credit Union Gifts $1 Million to EKU ————

EKU Introduces New Pathways to Teacher Certification

EKU Master of Public Health

Adds Fully Online Degree Option ————

EKU Family of Donors

Exceeds Fourth Annual Giving Day Goal ————

EKU BookSmart Program

Expanded to All Students

Letcher County Students

Receive Scholarship to Attend EKU ———— •

EKU Celebrates Graduates

Colonel Family Grows as Enrollment Increases

———— •

Students Gain Experience

Through Colonels at the Capitol Internships

————

EKU Welcomes New VP for Alumni & Development

COMMONWEALTH CREDIT UNION GIFTS $1 MILLION TO EKU

Commonwealth Credit Union (CCU) and EKU announced on April 12, an agreement of a $1 million gift supporting the Evans Banking and Financial Services program and the establishment of a new certificate program in Financial Technology and Cybercrime. The Learning Commons at Stratton Building will be renamed the Commonwealth Credit Union Learning Lounge.

“We are excited to announce this transformative gift from Commonwealth Credit Union,” said EKU President Dr. David McFaddin. “Their generous investment will make a difference for generations of students. EKU is proud to collaborate with CCU and offer innovative solutions in this critical field of study.”

EKU and CCU are committed to investing in educational programs that support the future and current workforce, while expanding professional opportunities in financial services and cybersecurity. The new certificate program began in Fall 2023.

NEW PATHWAYS TO TEACHER CERTIFICATION

EKU MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH ADDS FULLY ONLINE DEGREE OPTION

Those interested in earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree can now complete it 100% online with Eastern Kentucky University.

EKU’s MPH with health promotion concentration is fully online, while the environmental/occupational health and sustainability concentration continues to be offered on campus in a hybrid and flexible format.

“Our MPH curriculum is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and competencies to face whatever public health issue or emergency arises,” said Dr. Michelyn Bhandari, associate dean of EKU’s College of Health Sciences.

EKU is now offering an online bachelor of science in elementary education. The new EKU Online program gives students the opportunity to earn the same respected degree that has been offered on campus for more than 100 years.

EKU also became the first public university in Kentucky to offer an Option 9 alternative route to teacher certification. Students will pursue their degree and certification while employed in a participating school district. Both programs introduced by EKU are in a continued effort to address the ongoing teaching shortage.

“Teacher shortages are causing a surge in demand for educators. Offering these pathways to teacher certification is another way EKU is working to increase the number of high-quality teachers in our region,” said Dr. Elizabeth Smith, dean of EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

The new online program blends academic and professional preparation, providing graduates with the competencies and credentials to gain jobs in the growing public health field. Accelerated 8-week courses are taught completely online with no campus visits required, and personalized support is available to every online student.

EKU FAMILY OF DONORS EXCEEDS FOURTH ANNUAL GIVING DAY GOAL

On Eastern Kentucky University’s fourth annual Giving Day on April 19, 2023, donors from every state, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, surpassed the goal of 2,292 donors— representing the number of graduates from Spring 2022. On the 2023 Giving Day, there were 2,563 donors, whose gifts totaled $432,600.

“These gifts directly support students through scholarships and program enhancements,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Each year, our Colonel family rises to the occasion. You can feel the love for this university and the passion our alumni and friends have for EKU.”

This year’s Giving Day theme, “Invest in Excellence,” demonstrated how donors help make the Eastern Experience excellent. Of the 2,563 donors who invested in excellence this year, 53% were alumni and 26% were first-time donors.

EKU BOOKSMART PROGRAM EXPANDED TO ALL STUDENTS

EKU announced the expansion of its free textbook program, EKU BookSmart, during the university’s annual Giving Day on April 19. Since Fall 2021, EKU BookSmart has provided undergraduate students with free textbooks. As of Fall 2023, the program expanded to include graduate and doctoral students online and on campus. EKU is now the first public university to offer free textbooks to all degree-seeking students.

“The BookSmart program is excellent for all students. It allows students to save a significant amount of money,” said music education major, Adriana Steele. “Before the BookSmart program, I spent $400 on books in my first semester. I remember hoping I had enough aid to get a book voucher. I can’t personally afford to pay out-ofpocket to rent or buy my books, but now I no longer have to worry about that.”

LETCHER COUNTY STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP TO ATTEND EKU

Eastern Kentucky University awarded 17 students the Bud Fugate Endowed Scholarship for Letcher County.

An anonymous donor gave EKU $1.6 million to establish the scholarship in memory of Bud Fugate. Fugate, a native of Mayking, Letcher County, Kentucky, dreamed of attending college when he graduated high school but was unable to afford it. Instead, he joined the Navy and served for 11 years. When he was medically discharged, he attended EKU and majored in industrial arts and later pursued a master’s degree in counseling. The Bud Fugate Endowed Scholarship for Letcher County aids undergraduate students from Letcher County who demonstrate financial need. In their pursuit of higher education, the scholarship helps to pay for tuition, housing and meal plans and is renewable for four years if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA.

EKU CELEBRATES GRADUATES

For Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, EKU recognized more than 3,300 graduates. Within the graduating classes, 36% were the first in their families to attain a higher education degree.

Holdyn Morrow spoke at the Fall commencement ceremony. Morrow had dropped out of high school with a 1.2 GPA but found opportunity at EKU. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“EKU provided a space for me where I have been able to grow and develop as a person without having to live my life in fear of failure,” Morrow said.

Kaitlyn Coyle graduated with three majors at the Spring commencement ceremony— broadcasting and electronic media, English and Spanish. To her fellow graduates, she said, “When I was given the opportunity to pursue three majors, I didn’t hesitate because my mother taught me that education is a gift.”

COLONEL FAMILY GROWS WITH INCREASING ENROLLMENT

STUDENTS GAIN EXPERIENCE THROUGH COLONELS AT THE CAPITOL INTERNSHIPS

The Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program allows EKU students the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge of the state’s political process while developing professional skills. Participants work alongside legislators at the Kentucky State Capitol throughout the semester.

The seven interns for Spring 2023, and the legislators they worked under, included:

Layla Alzatout Rep. Keturah Herron, ’09

Jeffrey Bates Rep. Patrick Flannery

Eric DeMunbrun Sen. Reginald Thomas

This fall, EKU welcomed its largest freshman class in several years. During a period of national enrollment decline, EKU led the Commonwealth with a nearly 30% increase since 2020, according to Dan Hendrickson, associate vice president for student success, engagement, and opportunity.

Campus was bustling with excitement at their arrival, and the incoming students were ecstatic to experience the Big E Welcome tradition in August. As part of the Exceptional Eastern Experience (E3) and Big E Welcome festivities, rapper Lil Jon performed a concert in the Ravine for new and returning students.

“In the transition to campus, on both the academic side and the social side, it’s important that we get students connected,” said Dr. Dannie Moore, vice president for student affairs. “We’re creating an exceptional experience for students but also creating a place where everyone feels like they belong.”

Carley Frost Rep. Deanna Frazier Gordon, ’91

Rylee Meachum Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, ’01

Jessica Overbay Sen. Brandon Storm, ’00

Zachary Weston Rep. Bobby McCool, ’91

“The first day of the internship, Rep. Frazier Gordon gave me a tour of the Capitol. As I stood on the steps with her, I was extremely proud to represent my school and be awarded the chance to work with our legislators,” said Frost.

NEISER NAMED VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Mary Beth Neiser joined Eastern Kentucky University in July as the vice president of University Development and Alumni Engagement. In this position, Neiser leads the university’s philanthropic efforts, donor and alumni engagement strategies, and administrative operations within the department.

Neiser, a Hazard native, comes to EKU after serving as the senior director of philanthropy for the College of Pharmacy at the University of Kentucky, where she secured contributions of $30 million for the Kentucky Can Campaign, to support deanship, scholarships, professorships and lectureships. “I am energized to serve EKU with a team of motivated colleagues who are excited to help discover the next transformational gifts,” said Neiser. “I look forward to continuing to meet the alumni and friends who are a part of this beloved community.”

COLONEL EARNS BACHELOR’S IN TWO YEARS AT 19 YEARS OLD

Chia Hui Ouyang, who goes by Joanna, was the Spring 2023 youngest graduate at 19 years old. She earned a degree in international business in two years, after starting her collegiate career at 17 years old.

“By doing this in two years, that converts to more time I can invest in my career,” explained Ouyang. From Taiwan, Ouyang returned home after graduation to work for a few years, then she plans to apply to Harvard University for her master’s degree.

At EKU, Ouyang served as president of the student organization, Society for the Advancement of Management, where she earned three first-place prizes in a national competition. Being able to represent EKU’s College of Business, she said, was her proudest moment as a Colonel. Ouyang also completed the EKU Honors program.

WHERE WE’RE

GOING

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY IS FOCUSED.

We are following the advice of a wise Eastern Kentuckian: EKU is planning our work and working our plan. We know where we’re going. Every choice we make will align to our eight priorities. If the return on investment isn’t proven, we will pivot to another solution. But at the end of every day, week and year, we will see the tangible successes of our investments. We will see growth. We will see more opportunities.

STRATEGIC DOING IN 2023-2024

EMBRACE STUDENT SUCCESS AS OUR PURPOSE

• Increase freshmen enrollment to 3,000 for Fall 2023

• Develop and engage in strategic out of state recruitment plan

• Develop a strategic investment master plan with ROI measures (BookSmart, E3, scholarship model, etc.)

• Reduce counseling center wait times

ENCOURAGE FOCUSED ACADEMIC INVESTMENT

• Complete program review focused on increasing flexibility and reducing barriers to degree completion

• Invest in interdisciplinary collaborations

• Create a pedagogical support program focused on STEM disciplines

• Increase participation in the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning

• Boldly innovate through academic programming to address statewide issues

EMPHASIZE BEING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

• Continue compression pool adjustments

• Modernize employee salary schedule

• Conduct benefit comparison study

• Standardize employee satisfaction survey

• Continue cost of living support

ENSURE FINANCIAL STRENGTH

• Analyze fundraising campaign feasibility study

• Optimize tuition revenue from enrollment growth

• Continue ongoing efficiency and effective planning and development

• Through increased athletics self-generated revenue

ENHANCE THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL

• Begin comprehensive campus master plan process

• Examine and institute a more effective ticket work order system

• Refine and update space utilization study and launch space audit plan

• Identify available funding to finalize building plan and design scope with an anticipated date to break ground on new Model Laboratory School

• Begin Phase 2 of Alumni Coliseum renovation

ELEVATE THE UNIVERSITY BRAND

• Deploy a campus-wide marketing campaign

• Finalize web migration and design

• Maximize the brand through increased earned media and social media engagement

ENERGIZE COLLABORATION ACROSS THE SERVICE REGION

• Identify and communicate community impact at the service region level

• Create an EKU response and resource team of EKU faculty and staff to address regional needs in eastern Kentucky

• Create a workforce plan to help address regional sector needs

ENRICH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

• Advocate for changes to performance funding model

• Seek state-funded investments in the 2024 – 2026 budget

• Regularly collaborate with local governments to improve town and gown relations

2022–2023

ANNUAL REPORT

TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 14,324 | 53.46% GRADUATION RATE

KY’S UNIVERSITY

1 year after graduation, 67% of EKU graduates are employed in Kentucky—the highest among KY’s public institutions.

PELL RECIPIENTS

41 % of this year’s graduating class were Pell recipients or Pell eligible.

194 Certificates

EARNINGS

6 months after graduation, EKU graduates earn an average of $50,000.

115 Associate Degrees

FIRST GENERATION

36% of EKU’s class of 2023 are the first in their family to attain a higher education degree.

583 Master’s Degrees

20 Post-Master’s Certificates

EKU HIGHLIGHTS

• Risk Management and Insurance Degree ranked #1 in the nation by AMBest Magazine

• Ranked #3 nationally in the Military Friendly ® Schools review

• Only ABET accredited Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology program in Kentucky, and one of only three accredited programs in the world

• #11 Best Online Nurse Practitioner School and #14 Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner School by NPSchools.com

2,374 Bachelor’s Degrees

47 Doctoral Degrees

• Ranked #14 in Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Law Enforcement by Best Accredited Colleges

• Online master of science in nursing (MSN) ranked #20 in the country by Fortune

• Nursing program ranks #4 in the state and #69 in the nation by RN Careers

• Ranked #9 in the Top 15 Best Bachelor’s Online OSHA Degrees

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

PRIORITY ONE

Knowledge

Knowledge is at the center of EKU’s commitment to serve as the School of Opportunity. From academic teaching and learning to experiential co- and extracurricular activities, EKU strategically advances academic and student success programs that support EKU’s diverse learners.

PRIORITY TWO

Innovation

Innovative thinking and bold action will elevate and differentiate EKU. Innovation will enhance organizational stewardship, intellectual and creative capacity, and economic vitality within EKU and the communities we serve.

PRIORITY THREE

Transformation

EKU is dedicated to transforming lives and communities. EKU’s learning environments support intellectual growth, creativity, empowerment, and life-changing experiences by centering access, equity, dignity, respect, and inclusivity.

LEADING A LIFE OF SERVICE

Whether as a professor, church pastor or trailblazing city leader, for Rev. Robert Blythe life has always been about serving others.

ROBERT BLYTHE, 71 ‘

By the time he served as president of his senior class at EKU, it was obvious that a bright future awaited the 1971 graduate. But, just four years earlier, he had arrived on the Richmond campus “somewhat shy,” as he continued to live at his parents’ nearby home. That reticence quickly faded as the mathematics major “learned who I was” and met “new people from places I did not know.”

As he began his career teaching mathematics at the high school and middle school levels, initially in Gary, Indiana, little could Rev. Blythe foresee then what direction his life would one day take. Then, in 1981, an opportunity arose to succeed his pastor, mentor and “greatest inspiration,” Rev. A. G. Goodloe, at his home church, First Baptist, at 302 Francis St. in Richmond.

At the time, he had no formal theological training, but he went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in divinity. Rev. Blythe continues serving the church as pastor, having led the congregation through the construction of a new facility and retiring the church’s 30-year debt in just 13 years. More importantly, “I hope that my legacy will be that I was faithful to my calling and that people’s lives were made better because of the work that I did in the name of the Lord.”

Meanwhile, he continued to teach in local public schools and in 1993 began an 18-year tenure at his alma mater, where he sought to help EKU students “learn how to learn.” Many of his proteges had struggled with mathematics.

Martha Hundley (‘75)

“I would tell them that regardless of their past experiences, this was a second chance. Some went on to become math teachers themselves or to accept positions that required the use of what we had learned in our classes.”

In 2002, two years after failing in his first bid for public office, Rev. Blythe made good on his own second chance, winning the first of eight consecutive twoyear terms on the Richmond City Commission. Then, in 2018, he became the first African American ever to be elected Richmond mayor. He was re-elected in 2022.

- REV. ROBERT BLYTHE

“I have tried to be a commissioner and mayor for the people,” he said. “I would like to be remembered as one who rallied people from different backgrounds for good causes. I am most proud that I have seen interest sparked in many young people of all ethnicities who feel they would like to do what I do. I am proud, too, of the work we have been able to do to give our senior citizens the opportunities for activity and longer life.”

As a city official, Rev. Blythe has engaged many of his fellow faith leaders in the work of the city, while remaining sensitive to diverse backgrounds. “What is common,” he said, “is that people want to be heard and respected. They need to be reassured that their differences in thinking do not remove them from the conversation.”

As educator, pastor and mayor, Rev. Blythe feels the “call on my life to give service to those around. I feel fulfilled when I am giving. And I like to see the results, the benefits to others, when they receive what I give.”

His fellow Colonels, his congregation and his community are all deeply grateful that the once-shy youngster from Richmond answered that call.

“I WOULD LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS ONE WHO RALLIED PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS FOR GOOD CAUSES...”

OCT. 13

• Parade

• HoCo Block Party

• NPHC Yard Show

• Young Alumni After Party

• Homecoming 5K

OCT. 14

• Alumni Awards and Pioneer Celebration

• Homecoming Tailgate

• Homecoming Football Game

MY JOB IS COOLER

THAN YOUR VACATION

NATE POWELL, ‘08

ot many people can honestly say that. But Nate Powell, ’08, is one of the fortunate few. Powell parlayed a lifelong love of the outdoors with a richly varied educational experience as a parks and recreation major at Eastern Kentucky University to create the career of his dreams.

As a child growing up near Cincinnati, Powell often wandered outside his home to explore the woods behind the cul-de-sac where his family resided. He and his friends built forts, camped and played in a nearby creek, feeling like “some of the first explorers of the area.”

Today, Powell’s backyard is the majestic Grand Canyon, where he serves the National Parks Service as a logistics support technician. He and his wife, Aly, a budget analyst for Grand Canyon National Park, and their young child live in the park. Their three-bedroom ranch-style home sits on the scenic South Rim.

“I wake up excited every morning to go to work,” said Powell, who came to the Grand Canyon with the National Parks Service in 2011. “I get to work in the most beautiful park, have the best coworkers and love what I’m doing.”

As logistics support technician, he provides support and coordination for design and construction projects throughout the park. Some days include a helicopter flight to the canyon floor—a privilege few enjoy.

“ONE MOMENT I AM SHIN-DEEP IN MUD, WALKING IN AN AREA OF THE PARK WITH AN ARCHAEOLOGIST WHERE CONTRACTORS ARE FELLING TREES. THE NEXT MOMENT I’M SHOVELING SNOW, THEN I’M PARTICIPATING IN A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT...”

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

“One moment I am shin-deep in mud, walking in an area of the park with an archaeologist where contractors are felling trees. The next moment I’m shoveling snow, then I’m participating in a multi-million-dollar project, catching sling loads for fisheries or hiking down to take photos for our engineers,” said Powell. “My supervisor likes to think of what we do as ‘whack-a-mole that we can win,’ meaning that tasks and needs are constantly popping up, but we can make sure it’s all taken care of and things run smoothly.”

Undecided about his major for his first two years at EKU, he learned from a parks and recreation major how much fun she was having in her classes. Powell’s own Eastern Experience included his first trip west of the Mississippi River—a backpacking spring break trip to Utah as part of EKU Adventure Programs. Add to that many trips to the nearby Red River Gorge and two more “life-changing” spring break trips—to Glacier National Park and Badlands National Park. While in Glacier, he met wildland firefighters patrolling via kayaks on the Flathead River and park volunteers on horseback, which solidified his decision to pursue a career path in parks and recreation.

He was also influenced by a cousin, Matthew Thomayer, ’06, EKU wildlife management major,

hunting buddy and Sigma Chi brother. Today, Thomayer is a senior environmental planner and permitting project manager with Jacobs Solutions Inc., as well as a semi-pro hunter, recording hunts nationwide with Blitz TV and The Learning Curve. As for Powell, he said, “I have put down my bow for a fly rod,” as his current spare-time obsession is flyfishing and tying flies.

“I GET TO HIKE, FLY AND FLOAT THIS FANTASTIC RESOURCE–FOR MY JOB.”

Powell’s father, a construction worker, once told his teenage son, “Just find a job you love doing; don’t worry about the pay and you’ll be happy.” It turned out to be sage advice.

“I get to hike, fly and float this fantastic resource— for my job,” Powell told the Grand Canyon News in January 2023. “I love our community and the wildlife, plus it’s fun to say I have 1.2 million acres in my backyard.” But the main benefit? As he and his colleagues often say, he gets “paid in sunsets.”

Carhartt Inc. Irvin, Kentucky

Toyota Georgetown, Kentucky

Valvoline Lexington, Kentucky

Bluegrass Tool and Industrial Lexington, Kentucky

EKU IS KENTUCKY’S MANUFACTURING

Kentucky may be best known for bourbon and horses. However, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state is the No. 1 producer of cars, light trucks and SUVs per capita, and in 2019, Kentucky exported more than $14.6 billion in aerospace parts and products. In a tournament presented by the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, the Chevrolet Corvette was voted the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky.

Additionally, much of the world’s sticky notes are made in Kentucky at the 3M factory. Carhartt assembles some of the well-known workwear in their Kentucky facility. And soon, two new electric vehicle battery plants will begin production in the Commonwealth.

As the “Made in Kentucky” list continues to grow, Eastern Kentucky University—conveniently located in the heart of the state’s manufacturing hub— provides skilled graduates across many fields to meet workforce needs. With robust programs in occupational safety, engineering technology management, supply chain, risk management and insurance, aviation and now manufacturing engineering, EKU supports manufacturing operations at every step and prepares Kentuckians for a successful career in any manufacturing role.

“THE TECHNICAL SKILLS I LEARNED DURING MY TIME AT EKU PREPARED ME FOR MY ROLE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, AND THE CONNECTIONS I MADE DIRECTLY AFFECTED WHERE I AM TODAY...”

Cody Hill, ’17, chose to pursue a degree in occupational safety and health (OSH) at EKU after researching the field, job market and career growth potential. Out of college, he interned for GeorgiaPacific, then worked his way up through various safety-related positions at a few of the company’s mills across the South. Now, he’s the environmental health and safety (EHS) manager at the Bowling Green Georgia-Pacific Dixie plant, which produces paper plates and bowls.

“The technical skills I learned during my time at EKU prepared me for my role in the manufacturing sector, and the connections I made directly affected where I am today,” Hill said. “In addition, EKU has a very well-established and respected OSH program, which I believe gave me a competitive advantage in the market.”

Alongside reputable programs, like occupational safety, EKU recently launched a degree program in manufacturing engineering to fill an industry need.

“We are the only manufacturing engineering program in Kentucky, but also in the region,” said Michael “Sean” June, Ph.D., director of manufacturing engineering at EKU. A manufacturing engineering advisory council— composed of professionals from Valvoline, Lockheed Martin, Hitachi, Hyster-Yale, Tarter USA

EKU GRADS FUEL MANUFACTURING IN KENTUCKY

From the industry perspective, Jessica Mayes, corporate metallurgist for materials engineering at Lexmark and member of the EKU manufacturing engineering advisory board, said skilled and qualified graduates not only meet current needs within companies, but also attract more manufacturers to the area.

“If companies are going to come to stay in a community, we’ve got to guarantee that they’re going to have people who are capable and want to work for them,” Mayes said. “It’s an important twoway street that the students know they will get great jobs and the companies know they will get great employees.”

Even beyond degree programs, EKU offers corporate partnerships and workforce development programs to assist companies in educating and training their

employees. Partnering with KAM further stamps the university’s role in the industry by connecting manufacturers with innovative solutions, resources and expertise.

“This collaboration supports the development of a skilled workforce, the advancement of research and innovation, and the growth of the manufacturing sector,” said Frank Jemley III, president and CEO of KAM. “The partnership also helps promote economic development and job creation in Kentucky and the region.”

Kentucky’s manufacturing industry is poised to flourish with EKU at the hub—providing a skilled workforce for the Commonwealth and advancement opportunities for Kentuckians along the way.

CONCEPT TO COMPLETION:

EKU teaches the skills for every step in the manufacturing process

ENGINEERING

Develops the product and the infrastructure to manufacture it

WORKPLACE SAFEY

Protects employees, and the environment, in the manufacturing process

DISTRIBUTION

Pilots take the finished product from the factory floor across the world to the marketplace

MARKETING

Promotes the product to generate customers who want to buy it

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Manages logistics to ensure a finished product arrives to the customer

FROM STUDIO

to Startup

Ashley Norman, ’11, half of the husband-and-wife team that created Dirty South Pottery in Winchester, Kentucky, didn’t choose pottery as her profession. It chose her.

Originally, Ashley came to EKU with plans to pursue nursing. That’s in sharp contrast to today’s career calling, where she sits contentedly at her pottery wheel, elbows deep in wet clay, shaping mugs, bowls and plates before glazing and firing them in their three electric kilns.

The studio is where the magic happens. “You start with a chunk of clay, and in two weeks you turn it into a mug that someone will love and cherish,” Ashley said.

Once Ashley realized nursing wasn’t the best fit for her, she switched her major to photography, which required taking a ceramics class. Molding the malleable clay with her hands in the introductory course with favorite professor Joe Molinaro was gratifying but centering the clay on the wheel in the advanced class seemed intimidating.

“If you don’t get it exactly right then everything goes wonky and wobbly and is likely to collapse,” Ashley said.

When Ashley took advanced ceramics to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she was surprised

to find that she quickly got the hang of the wheel and enjoyed experimenting with different shapes. An added bonus: meeting her future husband Carvel, from Glasgow, who was taking pottery classes at EKU to beef up his own portfolio.

After Ashley graduated, the couple married, moved to her hometown of Winchester, and pursued fulltime jobs—Ashley in property management and Carvel in the bourbon industry. But she couldn’t shake the urge to make art.

So, the couple dabbled with pottery as a summer side hustle, creating pieces in their backyard shed and firing them in their “baby” kiln, which barely fit eight mugs at a time.

The Normans successfully showcased their pieces at festivals, selling under the name Dirty South Pottery, which reflects that their profession leaves them “completely covered in clay,” and that they were both raised in the South.

Again, fate stepped in when the “perfect studio space” in downtown Winchester was auctioned in 2014. The Normans won the bid, renovated the 3,000-squarefoot building (which they’re already outgrowing) and opened for business in 2015. Carvel soon joined full time to help meet the increasing customer

“You start with a chunk of clay, and in two weeks you turn it into a mug that someone will love and cherish”

demand. A map in their showroom displays pins recording sales in every state but Connecticut.

“I might have to drive up there and leave a piece of our pottery someday to complete all 50 states,” Ashley jokes.

AN EASE AND FAMILIARITY TO TAKING 50 POUNDS OF CLAY TO MAKE 30 MUGS IN AN HOUR”

Working side-by-side, the Normans complement each other’s strengths. Carvel is the extroverted people person, well suited for customer service, and the more introverted Ashley is happiest listening to music or paranormal podcasts on her headphones while working at the wheel. “There’s an ease and familiarity to taking 50 pounds of clay to make 30 mugs in an hour,” she said.

Being your own boss has its perks, like designing a unique Bigfoot mug, which has become a huge hit with customers who “share their stories of Bigfoot sightings.”

Professionally, the Normans have weathered unforeseen twists and turns without deviating from their goal of producing pottery that brings people together for communal meals. The community-minded couple also hosts an annual fundraiser to support local homeless and arts programs.

From her valuable hands-on training at EKU to her real-life entrepreneurial experience, Ashley has learned to be adaptive, creative and innovative with their business. What started in an EKU pottery studio molded into a successful and rewarding career that allowed the Normans to pursue their passion for building community one piece of pottery at a time.

“THERE’S

JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Join at no cost today – visit alumni.eku.edu/register Expand your personal and professional networks

AD PLACEHOLDER

1.) JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Create a profile at alumni.eku.edu. Expand your personal and professional networks.

2.) KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST AND GREATEST AT EKU

Stay up to date in EKU news and attend events such as Keeneland Day at the Races, Homecoming Parade, and more! Keep up relationships with Greek life, athletic teams, clubs, or the groups you made memories with.

3.) LEARN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK

There’s no better way to stay connected and show support to EKU than to give your time back to keeping the Campus Beautiful in tip top shape.

4.) HELP YOUNGER GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS SUCCEED.

Alumni can be a huge resource to the life of Eastern Kentucky University and its students. Alumni can help younger students by:

- Giving a gift of any amount for scholarships or special funds

- Promoting shadowing and internship opportunities

- Recruiting new students to EKU

5.) DON’T FORGET THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL IS ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU

Once you leave Eastern Kentucky University, it doesn’t stop there. Alumni are still welcome to use many of the campus services we have to offer including: Campus Recreation, EKU Libraries, University Club at Arlington and EKU Center for the Arts.

MOVIE FILMED AT EKU OPENS DOORS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

SAMIERA BROWN, ‘24

The campus of Eastern Kentucky University is to be featured in a made-for-tv movie, giving the EKU and Richmond community a chance to experience filmmaking. When the independent film crew needed extras, a record 2,400 students, faculty, staff and community members signed up. Some students even had the opportunity to fill key positions and gain behind-the-scenes experience.

as a performing arts minor. Aspiring to become an actress, director and scriptwriter, she jumped at the opportunity to be part of the movie.

In addition to learning about the industry and behind-the-scenes work, Brown said, “The film that has been brought to EKU has most importantly taught me how to be motivated in areas of my life even when there’s no motivation around you and you don’t see opportunities to reach your dreams.” With the unique experience of filmmaking now added to her resume, as well as a network of connections, future opportunities within the industry are more likely for Brown.

The filming on EKU’s campus began on July 10 and concluded on July 26. The film crew shot scenes across campus including North Hall, Case Dining Hall, Powell Building, Coates Building, Sullivan Hall, Arlington, the Ravine and the Taylor Fork Ecological Area.

Sophomore Samiera Brown started as an extra on the film set. After noticing her eagerness by showing up every day and staying into the night, she was asked to be a production assistant. Behind the scenes, Brown assisted the production crew in making and moving sets, as well as helping the main crew with wardrobe, makeup and any other needs. “This experience has encouraged me to pursue my dreams as well as my career,” she said.

With a one-year-old daughter, Brown chose to attend EKU because of the resources and support available to parents. She is pursuing a social work major and is involved with the theater department

“THIS EXPERIENCE HAS ENCOURAGED ME TO PURSUE MY DREAMS AS WELL AS MY CAREER.”

A FOUNDATION OF SUPPORT

Successful capital campaigns and a healthy endowment are never accidents. When Eastern Kentucky University raised a record $61 million in its recent Make No Little Plans campaign—exceeding its goal by $11 million despite the impact of a global health crisis—the leadership of 21 devoted visionaries on the EKU Foundation Board played a critical role in ensuring the institution remains a School of Opportunity for generations to come.

The Foundation Board was established in 1963 as an affiliated non-profit corporation to provide support, financial and otherwise, for the further development of the university. Its initial goals were to increase both the number of annual donors and the total dollars raised from private sources, and the Foundation was also critical to the university’s acquisition of the Arlington estate a few years later.

Over the past 60 years, its members have come and gone, but the EKU Foundation Board, working closely with the Board of Regents, administrative

leaders, University Development and Alumni Engagement, the alumni board, and faculty and staff, has been a constant force in the advancement of Eastern. That synergy has resulted in a healthy endowment of about $97 million, approximately 95% of which funds student scholarships with the remainder funding programs.

The Board consists of 16 Eastern alumni, typically community and business leaders with a proven record of philanthropy, each serving three-year terms, sometimes consecutive.

They are joined by the chair of the EKU Board of Regents, the EKU president, the chair of the International Alumni Association Board, the vice president of University Development and Alumni Engagement, and the vice president for finance and administration, who serves as treasurer. Together, they oversee the endowment and investments, and ensure that donor intentions are met, while serving as philanthropic models and ambassadors for the university. In fact, each member is expected to give at any level annually and required to make a $25,000 major gift commitment, payable over five years. Those lead gifts are crucial to the launch and eventual success of any fundraising campaign.

Through their extensive networks and circles of influence, Foundation Board members also bring additional donors to the university, help guide the campaign and often serve as event hosts for campaign-related events.

Jeri Isbell, a retired IBM/Lexmark executive who joined the Board in 2019 and became chair in 2022, said she is a “firm believer that if you are on a nonprofit board, it is your responsibility to not only give of your time and your expertise but also your funds. It is an easy choice for me to donate to EKU. The trajectory of my life was enhanced by EKU, not only through my education (bachelor’s degree in business administration, 1979) but also through the friends and experiences I had there. It is my honor to be able to provide for current and future students and play a small part in their opportunity for success.”

Still today, approximately 40% of Eastern students are the first in their families to attend college, Isbell noted. And roughly half of the Foundation Board members are first-generation college graduates themselves, who are now “in a unique position to influence an improvement in family generational achievement.”

Growing the endowment to fund scholarships and facilitate student success remains a priority, Isbell said. “Some of our students have to pause their education because of financial difficulties. The financial difficulty faced can be as little as $500. We need ways to allow students to tap into support so that they can stay enrolled. And we need the donations to support our students.”

“...WE NEED WAYS TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO TAP INTO SUPPORT SO THAT THEY CAN STAY ENROLLED. AND WE NEED THE DONATIONS TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS.”

- JERI ISBELL

Isbell, who had earlier served on the Business and Technology Board at Eastern, became chair of the Foundation Board just as EKU was completing its 2022–30 Strategic Plan. She helped the Board model its 2022–30 plan to “dovetail” with the university’s plan. “We have stretch goals for 2030 and each year, we set the annual goal that will path us to 2030. Annually, we score ourselves against our set goals for the year and then set the following year’s goals.”

Dr. Deborah Alexander, who traveled the world as a senior foreign service specialist with the U.S. Department of State before retiring in 2017, said “the timing was perfect” when she joined the EKU Foundation Board in 2020.

“My life focus these days is about our legacies,” Alexander declared. “What do I leave behind, and how am I remembered? The Foundation Board presented opportunities to learn more about higher education philanthropy, to serve EKU, and to become part of a community that is truly committed to our students’ success.”

“THE FOUNDATION BOARD PRESENTED OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION PHILANTHROPY, TO SERVE EKU, AND TO BECOME PART OF A COMMUNITY THAT IS TRULY COMMITTED TO OUR STUDENTS’ SUCCESS.”

- DR. DEBORAH ALEXANDER

Alexander’s career in government service, much of which was spent abroad, gives her a unique international perspective on the Board. But the 1977 social work graduate hasn’t forgotten her family roots in eastern Kentucky, the hurdles that many from the region face in financing a college education, or, for that matter, her own life story. “The only way I was able to [earn a college degree] was because I had financial assistance. I can’t imagine where my life would have gone without that support.”

Likewise, it took Alexander years to save enough to fund her education abroad endowment at Eastern. “But I’m an alumna. I come from the EKU service region, and my family roots are working-class. I know what it is like to struggle financially, and I know how to budget and invest. I’m committed to college for anyone who wants it.”

“IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT OUR STUDENTS AND TO UNDERSTAND HOW EACH OF US CAN HELP IN THEIR GROWTH.”

- JERI ISBELL

The Board is also focused on its non-fiduciary engagements with the university community, helping it to stay connected to student needs and to trends in higher education. “We’re also committed to a Board that looks more like our student body,” Alexander said. “We’ve added more women and members of color, but we still can make progress.”

The Board is always looking for new members: individuals who want to give generously of their time, talents and treasure to make a positive difference in the university, in its academic programs, and in the lives of its students. Anyone interested in serving on the Board should contact Mary Beth Neiser, executive director of the EKU Foundation and vice president for University Development and Alumni Engagement, at marybeth.neiser@eku.edu.

“It is a great opportunity to learn about our students and to understand how each of us can help in their growth,” Isbell said. “It is an opportunity to give back and to learn, and it has been an honor to serve on the Board with a fantastic group of leaders.”

EKU ATHLETICS

MCKINNEY SELECTED TO SERVE AS COUNSELOR FOR MANNING PASSING ACADEMY

EKU quarterback Parker McKinney earned the honor of being selected as a camp counselor for the Manning Pass Academy, the organization announced in June.

The camp is hosted by the Manning family on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La., June 22-25. Archie Manning serves as executive director while his sons Peyton, Eli and Cooper are Senior Associate Directors.

The Colonels’ all-time passing leader, McKinney owns single-season and career records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass attempts, completions and total offense.

A two-time All-ASUN selection, McKinney was named as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award in 2022 for the best offensive player in FCS football. The Coalfield, Tenn., native was the ASUN Co-Offensive Player of the Year last season and has been named ASUN Offensive Player of the Week seven times in the last two years.

Numerous previous Manning Passing Academy counselors have gone on to professional success. Eight former attendees were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft: Bryce Young (Alabama), Anthony Richardson (Florida), Will Levis (Kentucky), Hendon Hooker (Tennessee), Stetson Bennett (Georgia), Aiden O’Connell (Purdue), Clayton Tune (Houston), and Sean Clifford (Penn State).

BEACH VOLLEYBALL SETS RECORDS IN 2023

In just its fifth season of existence, the EKU beach volleyball team put together a record-setting campaign in 2023.

The Colonels set program records for wins and sweeps in a season, while stringing together the longest winning streak in program history and setting multiple career and single-season marks for most victories by individuals and pairs. EKU opened the season with three consecutive wins, and won five matches in a row during the month of March en route to a 15-win campaign. The Colonels won eight of their first 10 contests, beating Austin Peay twice in two days for the program’s first wins ever over the Governors and topping a previously unbeaten Missouri State squad. Eight of EKU’s 15 victories came via 5–0 sweeps, including back-toback sweeps over in-state rival Morehead State on Senior Day in Richmond.

SOFTBALL ANNOUNCES MOLLIE PAULICK’S RETURN AS ASSISTANT COACH

The Eastern Kentucky University softball team has added standout alum Mollie Paulick to its coaching staff, announced by head coach Jane Worthington.

Paulick played for EKU from 2016–2021 and departed the school as one of its best pitchers in program history. She returns to the maroon as an assistant coach and will preside over the pitching staff next season.

After her collegiate career wrapped up in the spring of 2021, Paulick joined Bellarmine's staff in the fall, serving two seasons with the Knights as an assistant coach and interim head coach.

"Mollie is the perfect addition to our staff," said Worthington. "She was an exceptional pitcher for our softball program, and I expect her to be equally as good as our pitching coach. She loves EKU and the Richmond community. We are excited to have her back on campus."

"I'm beyond excited to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater and work with the pitching staff," said Paulick. "I want to thank Coach Worthington and Matt Roan for bringing me back to support this program as a coach. I can't wait to help the team grow on and off the field."

The Colonels are coming off a 28–24 (.538) record last season, falling just short of the ASUN Tournament field for its second straight season as a member of the league.

SECOND ANNUAL “SUITS FOR SENIORS”

SOCIAL SEES INCREASE ACROSS THE BOARD

EKU football’s second annual “Suits For Seniors” social featured increases in total dollars brought in, total gift amounts, and total attendance. The event covered suits for EKU football’s 2023 and 2024 senior classes.

The event, held in April at the Mule Barn at the University Club at Arlington, saw a 48% increase in total dollars brought in, while gift amounts rose by 74%. Attendance from last year’s event increased by 43%.

“‘Suits For Seniors’ was a huge success,” said head football coach Walt Wells. “We extend a special thanks to the community and our former EKU football players for their generosity, commitment and love of EKU football. We had unbelievable increases in attendance and gifts as we continue to raise the standard. I want to thank Grant Stepp and Taylor Randall for helping coordinate this event and making it the special night EKU football and the city of Richmond deserve. We

need everyone to save the date for April 26, 2024. ‘Suits For Seniors’ 2024 is on the clock!”

This year’s event included a red-carpet event, silent and live auctions, live musical performances, dinner and a $10,000 reverse raffle.

“‘Suits for Seniors’ was an amazing night with friends who love EKU and EKU football,” said attendee Jennie Haymond. “Coach Wells and the coaching staff have reignited the fire for all of those supporters and the results were evident at this year’s ‘Suits for Senior’ as EKU football and the Maroon Fund really stepped it up! In addition to the increased attendance, the obvious camaraderie, laughter and good time had by all, the money raised to support the student-athletes was beyond impressive. To be able to provide full fitted suits for the football team’s current and future seniors gives those players more than just a sharp look. It’s a show of investment in our young men beyond what they do on the field. If you haven’t made it out to this event, don’t be the one that misses out next year!”

ALUMNI NEWS IN THIS ISSUE

CLASS NOTES

Dear Alumni,

Fifty years ago, I moved into Case Hall on a hot August day. While walking on campus with my parents, we met an Army Air Corps and college friend of my father’s, President Robert Martin. He officially welcomed me as a Colonel, and my Eastern adventure began.

PROFILES

Ivan Olivas, ‘21

Brent Rutemiller, ’78

Danielle Mullins, ‘20

Chase Barnes, ‘15 ‘22

Today, I am proud to be the president of your Eastern Kentucky University International Alumni Association. After graduating from EKU with a degree in elementary education, I spent my career working as an educator and volunteered as a paramedic. Since retirement, I have maintained my service to education, consulting for the Kentucky Center for School Safety.

My love for Eastern has never waned. I made life-long friends, had a lot of fun and got an exceptional education. When I found out that the Alumni Board needed members, I wanted to give back and so I nominated myself. I was chosen to be on the board and have served on the awards and scholarship committee and as vice president.

The purpose of the Alumni Board is to connect alumni back to the university. I hope you will join me in doing just that. Whether it is by assisting on move-in day, cheering at an athletics game, attending an alumni event or making a gift on Giving Day, your involvement is welcomed.

I hope to meet you when you come home to EKU.

Please let me know how the Alumni Association can serve you. Go Big E! Lucy

R. Riffle

Lucy R. Riffle, ’77

CLASS NOTES

Allyn Mavity, ’72, has worked at Baptist Health Richmond for 50 years— outlasting even the original name of the company once known as Pattie A. Clay.

Larry Kirksey, ’73, former EKU wide receiver and long-time professional and collegiate football coach, became EKU’s 10th inductee into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dr. James Bennett, ’74, was honored with the 2023 Humanitarian Service Award from the Graduate School at Penn State.

Deanna Cochran, ’75, along with her co-author, have published a children’s book, “Little Turtle’s Kiawah Island Journey.”

Aaron Thompson, ’79, Ph.D., president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), was awarded the Thomas R. Ford Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Kentucky Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Shanda Crosby, ’83, was recently named an Excellence in Teaching Clark County Public Schools High School Representative by Campbellsville University.

Debbie Edelen, ’85 ’00, APRN, will provide patient care at Ephraim McDowell Health’s newly expanded occupational health center.

Lee Morris, ’98, was announced as the next head girls golf coach of the Tri-Village Patriots for the Tri-Village Local Schools Athletic Department.

Chrissy Roberts, ’98 ’99, was announced as the new director of player development for Boston College women’s basketball.

Charlie Pack, ’02, has been appointed head men’s basketball coach at Kentucky Christian University.

Julia Bohannon, ’03, Ph.D., has been appointed to the Revelation Biosciences Inc. scientific advisory board. Bohannon is an associate professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Melissa Everage-Douglas, ’03, has been selected to lead the Lady Jackets basketball program at Williamsburg High School. Douglas is a 1996 graduate of Williamsburg High School and was a four-year letter winner with the Lady Jackets.

Luke Toy, ’09, has been named the new principal of George Rogers Clark High School.

Katina Alami, ’11, was chosen as the 2023 Kentucky Mother of the Year.

Ron Chi, ’11, who has served as interim chief for the Office of Innovation at Fayette County Public Schools, moved into the position on a permanent basis.

Ivan Olivas,

Breaking Barriers

As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household of Latino heritage, Ivan Olivas, ’21, found a sense of community at Eastern Kentucky University. The software engineer teamed with his employer, PayPal, to help ensure future generations of Latino students have similar opportunities for success.

Olivas reached out to an employee resource group at PayPal, Aliados, which was established to enhance the visibility, recruitment and advancement of Latinx employees while positively impacting education through outreach initiatives. The result was a $5,000 gift by the company to the Latino Education Assistance Development (LEAD) Fund at EKU.

“Costs are one of the most significant barriers for many Latinx students completing their degrees,” Olivas said. “Contributions to reducing that burden go a long way in removing a primary stressor for many Latinx students.”

Before becoming a successful professional, Olivas participated in national honors conferences, served as president of the Latino Student Association and founded the first multicultural Greek organization on campus, Sigma Lambda Beta. He earned bachelor’s degrees in computer science and Spanish.

’21

Brent Rutemiller, ’78

A Champion’s Mentality

Whether as a competitive athlete, nationally prominent swimming coach and program builder, magazine executive, or International Swimming Hall of Fame CEO, Brent Rutemiller, ’78, has left an indelible mark on the sport he loves.

As a coach and executive, Rutemiller “always wanted those around me to shine brighter than me. My basic philosophy is that if you want to win, first help someone else win.”

He’s carrying that same ideal into the newest fight of his life, against plasma-cell leukemia. He hopes that his own ordeal illuminates a path forward in the ongoing fight against cancer and inspires others facing similar difficulties.

In March 2023, the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) honored Rutemiller with its prestigious Collegiate Award, citing his varied contributions to the sport, some of which include serving as the national team coach for United States Swimming, being selected by his peers as one of the 30 Most Influential People in the sport over the past 30 years, and many other accomplishments and recognitions.

Jonathan Slone, ’12, was recognized for his contribution to research and scientific excellence as one of the recipients in the Exposure and Risk Assessment category of the 2023 Alice Hamilton Award for Occupational Safety by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Gabriel Evans, ’13, was recognized as a distinguished alumni by Pikeville High School’s Alumni Association during their 2023 graduation exercises. Evans is director of music and organist at Rutgers Presbyterian Church and teaches music full time as a public school educator in New York.

Ryan Bonner, ’13, is the boys basketball coach at Ashland Blazer High School. Formerly the interim coach, Bonner’s interim label was removed following the team’s fifth consecutive region championship and an Elite Eight finish at the KHSAA Sweet 16 Championship.

Brittany Wray, ’13 ’16, the current education director for the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education, is being promoted to deputy director for the organization. Wray has worked with KAEE since 2016.

Mrs. Brittany Freeman, ’13, is the Teacher of the Year for grades five and six at Laurel Elementary School. This is her fourth year teaching in Tennessee.

Adam Kleman, ’13, was promoted to associate head coach for Indiana State soccer. Kleman served as assistant coach for the Sycamores the past four seasons.

Joel Chick, ’16, joins 4R Restaurant Group to lead 4 Rivers Smokehouse as president.

Trooper Branden Sisca, ’19, was fire chief at the Trappe Fire Company when he was killed in March 2022 while on duty with the Pennsylvania State Police. A new station is being built in his honor. Since 2008, Sisca served as a volunteer firefighter, then as chief.

Kate Ray, ’20, was announced as the new principal of the Laurel County Schools Center for Innovation.

From EKU Colonel to Miss Earth USA

Richmond native and public relations graduate, Danielle Mullins, ’20, was crowned Miss Earth USA 2023 on January 8.

“With a personal mission to serve and empower others, I realized that pageantry is an opportunity to fulfill my life’s purpose and kept with it,” Mullins said. “My passions are based around improving our planet, so when I found the Miss Earth organization, I knew I had found my pageant home.”

As part of her outreach, Mullins will be starting a We Clean Trails chapter in Louisville, hosting community clean ups, visiting schools across the country and sharing ways to help the environment, such as advocating for fellow makeup artists and makeup enthusiasts to recycle their mascara wands more efficiently. Another one of her endeavors includes advocating for more plant-based menu options by collaborating with restaurants.

Representing the United States, Mullins will compete in Vietnam for Miss Earth 2023 this fall.

Kentucky Communities

With a service mentality, Chase Barnes, ‘15 ‘22, travels across Kentucky providing resources to prevent drug overdoses as the harm reduction program manager for the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

“I’m a liaison that advocates for people working at the local level. I take everything that I know, hear and see from the local health departments so I can seek what’s available at a federal level and apply for it,” Barnes said. “It makes it easier for health departments and gives them the resources they need to have the biggest impact in their communities. But at the end of the day, we’re all one team — we’re all here together. I’m here to support them, however they need it.”

Through grant funding, the harm reduction program provides educational tools for local communities, training and distribution of opioid overdose reversal medication to first responders, and syringe service programs for local health departments across the state.

“Many of us in public health want to stay and work in Kentucky because there is such a need. We all want to see better health outcomes so that Kentuckians can live better, healthier lives,” Barnes said.

Chase Barnes, ‘15 ‘22 Helping

Danielle Mullins, ’20

Photo by: Rezanation Media

CHESTER ROSE, ’73

1947—2023

Whether as a coach, umpire or fan, Chester Rose could often be found helping and supporting young people, particularly with their athletic pursuits.

After a standout prep basketball career at Hazard High School, where Rose helped lead his teams to the Boys Sweet 16 three times, the 6-foot-6 forward played two seasons under Coach Guy Strong at EKU: 1967-68 and 1968-69. He then went on to coach several high school sports in Richmond and Hazard along with serving as a Little League umpire. He worked as a firefighter in both communities, too.

Up until his passing, he was also a frequent guest at Alumni Coliseum, often standing by the gymnasium floor doors, cheering on his beloved Colonels.

JOE EDWARDS, ’71

1 947 —2023

Countless country music stars counted him as a friend. For newspaper readers throughout Tennessee and beyond, he was a trusted, and sometimes entertaining, source.

Throughout four decades with the Associated Press, Joe Edwards documented the stories behind the stars and songs that transformed Nashville into Music City. He wrote the AP’s Nashville Sound country music column from 1975 to 1992 and did commentary for The Nashville Network during the 1980s. The former Eastern Progress editor also served the AP as sports editor, broadcast editor and day and night supervisor.

In 1982, a story he wrote about the popularity of the song “Rocky Top” led to it becoming Tennessee’s state song.

CRAIG L. AMMERMAN

1 9 4 8 —2023

When he was editor of the Eastern Progress in 1968-69, it was easy to predict greatness for Craig Ammerman. And the young journalist didn’t disappoint.

After working for the Associated Press from 1969 to 1979, Ammerman went on to serve as managing editor of the New York Post and executive editor of the Philadelphia Bulletin. In 1984, he and a partner launched a successful publishing business, Health Ink, with Ammerman serving as its president until 2003. He then went on to be chair of StayWell Custom Communications and executive vice president for business development of StayWell, its parent company.

He was equally passionate about golf, serving on several United States Golf Association committees, including its Executive Committee from 2002 to 2007.

DON FELTNER, ’56 ’60

1 933 —2023

After a highly successful baseball career at Eastern, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and service in the U.S. Army, Don Feltner returned to his alma mater to begin a long and distinguished career, most notably in university relations and development.

He was the founding director of the EKU Foundation, established in 1963, leading a series of capital campaigns that raised more than $50 million for his beloved university, resulting in numerous campus improvements and facilities, including the Chapel of Meditation, Donald Dizney Building, the Tom and Hazel Little Building, Harry Moberly Building and the Ashland Fire and Safety Building. A member of the EKU Sports Hall of Fame, he was also instrumental in the acquisition of the Arlington estate and began major giving programs such as the Colonel Club and Diamond Boosters.

Lonnie W. Ayers, ’01

C. David Coffee, ’69

LaVerne Cook

Diane W. Hill, ’60

Joan Kleine, ’72

Michele McCrary, ’90

Lonnie Napier

George D. Norton, ’52

Merrell Patrick, ’55

Coy W. Pigman, ’64

Ishmael ‘Ish’ Purcell, ’72

Claudia M. Smiley, ’71

Norb Ryan, ’77

Rupert Stephens, ’64, ’70

Chris ‘Bucky’ Stevens, ’80

Jocko Clemons Stigall, ’92

Donald N. Walters, ’59

Jeffery D. White, ’76

Dr. Danny R. Robinette

Dr. Kenneth Ted Clawson Dr. Kenneth Griffin Peggy J. Ochs

Barbara E. Lichty, ’76

Office of Alumni Engagement

Alumni Center at Blanton House

Eastern Kentucky University

521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, KY 40475-3102

eku.edu