EASTERNKENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
1874-2024
RICHM OND,KY
• Colonel Corn Roast 10/ 24 10/ 23
• Light Up Your ResLife 10/25
• Campus Tours
• African American Reunion Check-In
• Homecoming Parade
• Block Party
• Young Alumni After Party 10/26
• 5K
• Alumni Awards and Pioneer Celebration
• President Benson Portrait Unveiling
• Tailgate
• Football Game
Contributors
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
Steve Fohl
Benjamin Evin Keeling, ’07
Chris Radcliffe, ’03
Writing
Sarah Bashford
Evan Bentley
Marie Mitchell
Alex Morgan
Elise Russell, ’06
Ethan Sirles
Jerry Wallace
Design and Layout
Art Director
Nic Moore
Designer
Melissa Abney, ’11
Editorial
Managing Editor
Erick Collings, ’18
Alumni Engagement Staff
Senior Director of Engagement and Communications
Steve Greenwell, ’06
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; Gary Brunker, ’71; Rodney Bussell, ’95; Michael Cocanougher, ’86 ’99; Mikayla Courtney, ’19; Tyler Dahmen, ’16; Ervin Daniels, ’94; Stephen Edwards-Mortley, ’01; Kyle Fleenor, ’12; Tracey Francis, ’02 ’06; Doug Hampton, ’71; Roger Hardin, ’75; Kim Hatley, ’92; Jeffery Humble, ’07; Julie Kiser, ’25; Zach Lawrence, ’11 ’13; Bernard McGinnis, ’91; Stevie Meek, ’19; Kenna Middleton, ’79 ’81; Alvin Miller, ’81; Logan Miller, ’21; Roger Osbourne, ’06 ’14; Iddah Otieno, ’01; Christopher Pitakos, ’12; Liz Ross, ’86; Katie Siahkoohi, ’16; 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
A
YCHANGING THE GAME
LETTER from PRESIDENT DAVID T. MCFADDIN
ou may have heard the phrase “game changer” used more frequently in association with Eastern Kentucky University over the past year, but what does that mean? For us, it means we are putting our best foot forward to innovate while staying true to the values that have carried us thus far as an institution. Through students, faculty, staff and alumni, members of the Colonel family are constantly moving the needle for positive change in the Commonwealth and across the country.
At the core of who we are, there is a notion of value in being change agents. Colonels spark positive change wherever they are. Whether through community centers in underserved neighborhoods or sustainable agricultural practices, innovation, service and opportunity are a cornerstone of EKU’s identity.
As one recent graduate said, “To be a Colonel is to care about your community and those around you.”
While we strive to promote positive change, we also aim to be competitive in our institutional goals—prioritizing our students, faculty, staff and alumni. This shows, as we have been recognized on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers, named to The Wall Street Journal’s list of America’s Best Colleges and moved up to a top two ranking for Military Friendly Schools, among many more prestigious accolades.
We’re proud to see our innovative work also result in record enrollment growth over the past few years, even during a period of national enrollment decline. We’ve focused our efforts on strategic and intentional growth, increasing opportunities for affordability, support and experiences to attract and retain our student population.
These efforts resulted in the highest retention rate in EKU history at nearly 80% from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023.
Within our resilience, we have also shown our adaptability. EKU is teeming with opportunity, especially for the modern world. In the past academic year, we implemented the first manufacturing engineering program in the state, further cementing ourselves as the School of Opportunity and a destination for students from all over the country. New and innovative programs like this one, and our many other excellent, wellestablished programs, demonstrate our dedication to ensuring students receive the best education possible and many career opportunities following graduation.
The alumni stories highlighted in this issue of the EKU Magazine further reinforce this theme of resilience— such as Mackinzie Dickman, ’16, who has persevered to compete in adaptive skiing, and Silas House, ’93, a first-generation graduate and now New York Times best-selling author and Kentucky Poet Laureate. Our alumni offer the perfect example of the game-changing opportunity that EKU provides.
As we celebrate our achievements, we look forward to what we can accomplish in the years to come. Our commitment to excellence has yielded remarkable results, empowering our students and alumni to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for all.
One Eastern,
David T. McFaddin President, Eastern Kentucky University
EKU STORIES IN THIS ISSUE
Celebrating Graduates and Honorary Degree Recipients
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• EKU Receives $5 Million for Corbin Childcare Center
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• Legacy of the Walters Collegiate Institute Continues Through Scholarship Fund
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• Employees Recognized for Excellence
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• EKU Becomes First Kentucky University to Accept SNAP Benefits on Campus
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• Renovations Enhance the Campus Beautiful for 2024-25
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• Unprecedented Success on EKU’s Fifth Annual Giving Day
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• Farewell to a True Colonel: Dan McBride Retires From EKU
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• EKU is Nationally Ranked for Best Occupational Therapy Programs
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CELEBRATING GRADUATES AND HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS
For Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, EKU recognized 3,530 graduates from all of the ceremonies combined. Of these graduates included the recipients of 347 certificates, 93 associate degrees, 2,418 bachelor’s degrees, 623 master’s degrees, 17 postmaster’s certificates and 32 doctoral degrees.
At Spring 2024 commencement, author Kim Michele Richardson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities (L.H.D.) degree for her contributions to arts and culture, particularly highlighting Eastern Kentucky’s history. In her speech,
Richardson emphasized the importance of embracing one’s heritage and inspired graduates with her personal story of perseverance and resilience.
At Fall 2023 commencement, EKU honored Dr. Aaron Thompson with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) degree for his distinguished service to humanity and, specifically, higher education in Kentucky. Thompson, ’78, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, encouraged graduates to share their unique stories and inspire others.
EKU RECEIVES $5 MILLION FOR CORBIN CHILDCARE CENTER
This year, EKU received $5 million from the Kentucky General Assembly to fund the construction of a childcare center on the Corbin Campus. The childcare center, which is part of the university’s initiative to bring a Scholar House to the Corbin Campus, will accommodate more than 100 children.
“Being the School of Opportunity means fostering an environment where everyone can thrive,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Ensuring that parents and their children have both educational resources and a comfortable living environment is central to our mission.”
Currently, there are two Scholar Houses on EKU’s main campus in Richmond. Scholar Houses provide affordable housing and childcare to single parents who are seeking higher education.
“This is where policy meets practicality and serves multiple needs simultaneously,” said Senate President
Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “The $5 million represents a long-term investment in strengthening today’s workforce by removing one of the greatest impediments to pursuing advanced education, alleviating the challenges that finding suitable childcare brings.”
EKU has been working closely with legislators, local officials and community leaders including Senate President Robert Stivers, Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus, the Volunteers of America and others to expand the Scholar House concept in Corbin.
LEGACY OF THE WALTERS COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE CONTINUES THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
From 1901 to 1906, Walters Collegiate Institute (WCI) served as an institution for higher education in Richmond between the time that Central University merged with Centre College and the establishment of Eastern Kentucky State Normal School. WCI was named for Singleton P. Walters, a major benefactor of Central University.
The Walters name and legacy lives on more than a century later, thanks to a fund that was first created in 1922 from the sale proceeds of a final piece of land on what is now EKU’s campus. For 102 years, money from
the fund was distributed to Madison County students in the form of no-interest loans. Recently, $407,821.22 was transferred to the EKU Foundation, and now the Walters Collegiate Institute Scholarship Fund will be tapped to award scholarships to students graduating from high schools in Madison County.
During its five years in Richmond, at a time when public education was in its infancy, WCI offered a classical college preparatory education to young men primarily from Madison County. Walters ceased operations once the Normal School acquired most of its property in 1906, and the newly minted Model School took over many of WCI’s functions. When the Institute’s remaining property was sold to Eastern in 1922, new trustees were added and the $10,000 from the sale went toward an endowment to fund the no-interest loans.
By 1981, Frank Brown, grandson of Dan B. Walker, one of the original members of the endowment fund’s board of trustees, took over fund management. Brown estimates that since 1981, the board distributed approximately 60 no-interest loans totaling approximately $145,000 in value. Brown expressed pride in his family’s centurylong stewardship of the fund, which honors the Walters legacy and ensures continued support for local students.
EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
EKU celebrated exceptional faculty and staff members at the annual President’s Excellence Awards in April 2024. Five EKU employees were honored with a $3,000 cash award, and finalists each received $1,000. These awards recognize employees who go above and beyond in their work to make EKU excellent.
“EKU strives to be excellent in all that we do, and we are only able to do this because of our incredibly talented faculty and staff,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Congratulations to the award winners and finalists on this well-deserved recognition.”
The 2024 President’s Excellence Award recipients include:
Carrie Foster, Engagement and Hospitality Award
Allison McCann, Excellence in Community and Belonging Award
Dr. Bryan Makinen, Excellence in Leadership Award
Jasmine Nettles, Emerging Leader Award
Dr. Matt Schumacher, Excellence in Innovation Award
EKU also honored employees who have achieved 25 and 30 years of service with the university.
EKU BECOMES FIRST KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY TO ACCEPT SNAP BENEFITS ON CAMPUS
EKU has become the first Kentucky school in the Aramark system, the school’s food service provider, to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on campus.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about one in four college students faces
food insecurity. A Food Security Forum hosted on campus in early 2023 led to the creation of the Food Security Coalition, which meets every semester to discuss updates and changes to food security. From these conversations, the idea was presented to make SNAP benefits available on campus.
“By offering SNAP benefits on campus, EKU is making it clear that we want to support and invest in the physical and academic well-being of our students,” said Dr. Abbigail Hickey, assistant professor of food and nutrition, who started the EKU Food Security Coalition along with Dr. Amanda Green, associate professor of anthropology.
RENOVATIONS ENHANCE THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL FOR 2024-25
On the Campus Beautiful, the newly renovated Keene Hall opened for the fall semester, along with a new pedway crossing the Eastern Bypass.
At full capacity this semester, Keene Hall is home to 582 students. Associate Vice President of Student Life Karen Peavler said the Keene Hall renovations significantly enhance the campus living experience.
The new pedway connects from the Alumni Coliseum parking lot to the base of Keene Hall, adding another convenience to students living in the reopened residence hall.
“Safety is the focal point of all projects occurring on campus. The pedway provides the opportunity for a safer, faster and improved navigational experience for campus. Students, faculty, staff and community members can now safely cross one of the busiest roads in Madison County,” said Bryan Makinen, chief campus operations officer.
In addition to these campus improvements, Alumni Coliseum renovations are now underway. Alumni
UNPRECEDENTED
Coliseum will temporarily reopen in January of 2025 for the basketball season and spring graduation ceremonies. The state-of-the-art restoration is set to be finished by fall of 2025.
SUCCESS ON EKU’S FIFTH ANNUAL GIVING
On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, EKU hosted its fifth annual Giving Day and surpassed its goal of 2,324 donors. Within 24 hours, 2,477 donors gave over $720,000—the most funds raised during a single Giving Day since the tradition began in 2019.
Alumni, faculty, staff and students joined together to make this year’s success possible. Erin Murphy, ’20, said, “I gave because when I attended EKU, I was awarded a scholarship which helped me greatly with all four years of my undergraduate experience.”
More than half of the funds raised on Giving Day were allocated to scholarships.
Additional highlights from the 2024 Giving Day include: College of Health Sciences receiving the most gifts among the six colleges
Football having the highest number of donors among athletics teams
Athletics having the highest number of donors among affinity groups
Chi Omega leading Greek organizations in donor contributions
DAY
FAREWELL TO A TRUE COLONEL: DAN MCBRIDE RETIRES FROM EKU
EKU’s Dan McBride, ’89, retired on June 30, 2024, marking the end of a purposeful career at the university. McBride’s journey with EKU began as a Richmond kid who grew up on campus attending Model Laboratory School and evolved into a dedicated alumnus who helped shape the university’s athletics and alumni programs.
“I can’t remember a time when EKU wasn’t somehow a part of my life,” McBride said.
After graduating from EKU, he began his professional career on the radio crew and in athletics ticket sales, then advanced to high-level administration roles in athletics and alumni relations, including associate vice president and interim vice president.
McBride counts two moments as his biggest EKU Sports thrills: Football Coach Roy Kidd’s 300th victory and when the 2004-05 Colonel basketball team advanced to the NCAA Tournament, the first trip to “The Dance” in 26 years for Eastern.
Reflecting on the meaningfulness of his career at EKU, McBride said, “I think it means more when you work for a place that means so much to you, a place that helped mold and make you the person you are today.”
EKU IS NATIONALLY RANKED FOR BEST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAMS
EKU is home to one of the top Occupational Therapy (OT) programs in the nation, ranking No. 22 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Occupational Therapy Programs for 2024 and boasting a 99% graduation rate since 2020. The new Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program was accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) for the maximum seven-year period.
An occupational therapist works with patients who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling. They help patients develop, recover or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
After completing a bachelor’s in Occupational Science (OS), students can enter into the OTD program. Students who complete the combined OS/OTD program are eligible to take the national certification exam and apply for licensure.
EKU OT graduates, including Kris Kleine, ’00, work across the United States as well as internationally. Kleine chose to pursue the field after seeing the impact of EKU OT students on one of his relatives. He now serves as an occupational therapist in four elementary schools in New Hampshire and credits EKU’s program for providing hands-on experience and support, contributing to his successful career.
EKU AT A GLANCE
TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 15,026 | 79.7% RETENTION RATE
PELL RECIPIENTS
40% of this year’s graduating class were Pell recipients or Pell eligible
KY’S UNIVERSITY
1 year after graduation, 67% of EKU graduates are employed in Kentucky—the highest among KY’s public institutions
FIRST GENERATION
41.7% of EKU students are the first in their family to attain a higher education degree
EARNINGS
6 months after graduation, EKU graduates earn an average of $50,000
93 Associate Degrees 2,418 Bachelor’s Degrees
347 Certificates
• Among America’s Best Colleges by The Wall Street Journal
• No. 30 of America’s Best Employers in Kentucky by Forbes
• A Best Bang for the Buck College by Washington Monthly
• Among the most transfer-friendly colleges in the nation by Phi Theta Kappa
• No. 2 nationally in the Military Friendly® Schools review, and No. 2 as a Military Friendly® Spouse School
623 Master’s Degrees
17 Post-Master’s Certificates
32 Doctoral Degrees
• No. 1 in Kentucky and No. 4 in the Appalachian Region by Best for Vets
• Among Best Online Homeland Security Degrees by Forbes
• No. 22 in Best Occupational Therapy Programs by U.S. News & World Report
• Among the Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2024 by The Princeton Review
WELCOME
TO THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL
FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) AND TREASURER FOR THE EKU FOUNDATION
Brian Mullins has spent over 20 years in public finance with the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council and in private practice as a contractual CFO for over two years. During his tenure at Kentucky River Foothills, Brian Mullins successfully led the nonprofit, serving as CFO and CEO working with federal and state agencies on financing projects, including the EKU Scholar House, Kit Carson Commons and the Foothills Health and Wellness Center.
Brian Mullins is a two-time EKU graduate, earning a degree in business administration in finance in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration in 2004. Brian Mullins resides in Richmond with his wife, Brianna, and their four children — Cooper, Parker, Hayden (Robbins) and Lauren.
KYLE MOATS
VICE PRESIDENT AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
A veteran of college athletics, Moats brings 34 years of experience to his new role, with deep ties to the Commonwealth.
He previously served 14 years at the University of Kentucky athletics department, serving as associate athletics director for marketing during the last three years (2000-02). Moats served as associate director of athletics for national marketing at the University of Louisville for four years starting in 2005 before becoming the athletic director at Missouri State University. During his 15-year tenure at Missouri State, Moats led a period of significant success and growth in the athletics program financially, academically and competitively.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
Eastern Kentucky University remains focused on changing the game.
We have our sights set on excellence, and we embrace opportunity in everything we do. We’re firmly focused on transforming lives and positively impacting our region and the Commonwealth through education. We won’t stop here. We are looking forward to building the future of EKU, which is bright. We are committed to our goals, and we will be working every day to achieve what’s best for our students and the place we call home.
STRATEGIC DOING IN
2024-2025
EMBRACE STUDENT SUCCESS AS OUR PURPOSE
• Reach total enrollment of 15,400, a 2.6% increase
• Maintain high retention level based on institutional peer-set benchmarks
• Utilize student participation and satisfaction data to broaden E3 events
• Integrate academic/student support centers to ensure seamless support for students
ENCOURAGE FOCUSED ACADEMIC INVESTMENT
• Conduct a feasibility study and prepare for the final passage of an EKU College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Create programmatic synergy between College of Education and Applied Human Sciences and Model Laboratory Schools
• Target curriculum revisions to be at the forefront of the needs of the Commonwealth through innovations in competency-based education, general education and credit for prior learning
• Build scholarship funding for Education Abroad to reduce financial barriers to participation
• Craft a plan to leverage assets like Foster Music Camp, EKU’s Band and Center for the Arts, positioning EKU as a leader in the performing arts
EMPHASIZE BEING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE
• Continue compensation and benefit investments along with position analysis to ensure market competitiveness
• Promote and leverage training opportunities that connect employees with industry experts
• Implement new and comprehensive onboarding processes for a seamless new employee experience
• Continue growth of employee utilization of performance evaluation process
ENSURE FINANCIAL STRENGTH
• Increase of dollars raised to $12 million for FY25
• Advocate for changes to the state performance funding model
• Continue to use foundation funds as strategic investments for the core mission of the institution
• Implement a zero-based budget model and maximize net tuition revenue to ensure fund availability for strategic and innovative investments
• Evaluate campus-wide software systems and resources to ensure a streamlined, cost-effective and secure IT infrastructure
ENHANCE THE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL
• Complete the campus master planning process
• Complete critical infrastructure improvements while preserving the natural environment
• Strategically utilize asset preservation and general fund support for enhancement projects
• Create targeted experiential wayfinding
• Enhance and revitalize student residential housing portfolio
ELEVATE THE UNIVERSITY BRAND
• Refresh key brand assets
• Promote the pedagogical and sponsored research of our EKU community as well as department rankings at the state and national level
• Implement an integrated marketing strategy using organic visual assets
• Begin planning phase for the largest fundraising campaign in university history
• Finish first in the ASUN all-sports standing ENERGIZE COLLABORATION ACROSS THE SERVICE REGION
• Bring affordable housing for students and childcare opportunities to the Corbin Campus
• Re-establish alumni chapter events and identify representatives for foundation and alumni board memberships
• Establish community networks to connect faculty and graduates with organizations in the region
• Create a response and resource team made up of EKU faculty and staff to address regional needs in Eastern Kentucky
ENRICH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
• Foster strategic partnerships that align with signature academic programs
• Collaborate with the City of Richmond and other local government and agencies on a hotel and convention center
• Leverage state and federal partnerships to support EKU core missions and statewide needs
• Build on the success of speed mentoring by connecting specific industries with appropriate college and faculty members
HOMESPUN TALES
SILAS HOUSE,’93
When his first book, “Clay’s Quilt,” landed on the New York Times Best Sellers list in 2001 and brought him national acclaim, Silas House was a 30-year-old rural mail carrier in his native Laurel County, Kentucky.
Six more highly successful novels and dozens of nationally prestigious awards and honors later, the 1993 Eastern Kentucky University graduate is recognized today among Kentucky’s brightest literary lights. But it’s not fame or fortune that drives this Kentucky Poet Laureate.
“The best compliment I receive is when people say, ‘You made me proud of where I’m from,’” he said. “Nothing pleases me more than that.”
House grew up in a modest coal-mining family rich with storytellers and began writing at an early age. “My seventhgrade teacher changed my life by validating me as a writer,” he recalled.
“I’m proud to be a product of public education.” While at EKU, the English major honed his craft under the tutelage of Drs. Barbara Hussey and Bonnie Plummer, among others. He took many of his classes at the university’s Corbin and Manchester campuses, where he “had an incredible experience.”
“I’m proud to be the first college graduate in my family. I also appreciate that EKU is a place that celebrates first-generation graduates,” said House,
who also taught at his alma mater from 2004-05. “(A college degree) changes the trajectory of a whole family. I feel like Eastern really helped me.”
The success of “Clay’s Quilt” suddenly thrust House into unfamiliar territory, a milieu still outside his comfort zone. “I’ve never got too caught up in the whole literature world,” he shrugged. “In my family, the worst thing you can be seen as is highfalutin.
“Raised country and Appalachian, I will always have impostor syndrome. I’ll always feel out of place. As soon as I open my mouth, people hear ‘poverty’ and (in their estimation) my IQ goes down. It makes me humble but also makes me fiercer. I want to be heard. I want to represent people.”
His second and third novels, “A Parchment of Leaves” and “The Coal Tattoo,” were also family sagas set in Appalachian Kentucky and likewise revered for their sharply drawn working-class characters and realistic portrayal of everyday life in rural Appalachia. In all his works, House “tried to write the most honest depiction” of what he saw all around him. “I’ve always tried to write about people I know,” he said. “My goal is never to romanticize or vilify but to complexify.”
“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO ME IS THAT I NEVER WRITE UNLESS I’VE WALKED IT FIRST.”
His other novels, “Eli the Good,” “Same Sun Here” (co-written with Neela Vaswani for elementary-aged children), “Southernmost” and “Lark Ascending” (set mostly in Ireland), continued to convey universal themes of family, the natural world, belief and doubt.
“The most important thing to me is that I never write unless I’ve walked it first.”
House’s environmental activism, specifically his fight against mountaintop removal mining, and his work on behalf of LGBTQ causes have sometimes made the author a controversial figure. Now, using his platform as Poet Laureate, he’s working on a signage program to honor the Commonwealth’s “rich literary history. We have a whiskey trail and a music trail. We need a writers’ trail.”
Maybe someday such an attraction will remind natives and travelers alike where House once gleaned inspiration as a rural mail carrier who could only dream that his homespun tales would soon enchant generations of readers far beyond his hometown of Lily, Kentucky.
MACKINZIE DICKMAN,’16
ADAPTING THROUGH ADVERSITY
SETTING SIGHTS ON THE 2026 PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES
Mackinzie Dickman (Kinzie Houston, ’16) says there’s nothing like the thrill of sailing down a ski slope, feeling free as she fearlessly navigates through challenging courses at 30-60 mph.
“Going down the mountain, digging into the snow, I feel connected, in control,” Kinzie said.
Although the public health graduate from Ohio had been skiing, snowboarding and wakeboarding with her family for fun since she was 2 years old, injuries from a 2017 car crash resulted in Kinzie becoming a wheelchair user by 2019. That drastic mobility change steered the tenacious 30-year-old
athlete onto an entirely different, yet exciting course. Kinzie is now training to ski competitively, seated on a monoski with its single central ski, while setting her sights on the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Italy.
Kinzie credits her public health degree from EKU with aiding in her recovery and moving forward with her new life-changing goal.
“I realized that if I didn’t address my trauma, I risked a downward spiral,” she said. “Luckily enough, I knew how to use resources from my education background and pull myself out of that hole.”
After eight months of intensive therapies, adjusting to her new capabilities and moving
to West Virginia, Kinzie contacted Challenged Athletes of West Virginia in the winter of 2020. She felt ready to return to Snowshoe Mountain, where she’d snowboarded regularly while attending EKU.
During her first lesson, Kinzie strapped herself into a rented monoski with its chair-like seat, held outriggers (adaptive ski poles) in both hands to assist with balance and initiating turns, then maneuvered through the beginner slope with ease, exclaiming, “This sport is great. I love it!”
“SOME THINK YOU CAN’T JUMP ON A SIT SKI, BUT I TOOK CHARGE AND JUST DID IT.”
However, her second lesson on initiating turns didn’t go as well. “I fell a lot. I cried a lot,” she said. But Kinzie persevered. By the fifth attempt, “something clicked.” And by the ninth try, Kinzie went from the “green” beginner level to tackling “black diamond” (steep, more advanced) to “terrain park,” which includes jumps and rails—all in a single weekend.
“Some think you can’t jump on a sit ski, but I took charge and just did it,” Kinzie said.
This was a game changer that meant taking risks, tackling new territory for herself and paving the way as a role model for others in the disabled community and athletes who are competing in adaptive sports.
Kinzie is already setting records. In February 2022, after successfully campaigning to add an adaptive category to the 1.5-mile Cupp Run Challenge downhill race, she was the first in that category to complete Snowshoe’s longest run.
In December 2022, Kinzie received a scholarship to attend race camp in Colorado. She was told that with the proper equipment and opportunities, she had the qualities to be a competitive racer. “They mentioned my coachability, positive attitude, personality— smiley, bubbly, happy—and that I’m passionate about skiing,” she said.
Kinzie’s rapidly developing skills caught the attention of the head coach at the National Sports Center for the Disabled, who invited her to complete the extremely demanding six-month winter training in Winter Park, Colorado. Afterward, she said, “My body was sore, I was tired, and I mentally needed a break.”
But Kinzie stays focused on her training goals. During the offseason, she lifts weights and rides an adaptive mountain bike “which has a similar turn motion” to her monoski. She also pays close attention to her diet to help build muscle.
“Going down a mountain with 40-plus gates in one and a half minutes requires a lot of cardio to keep it up,” Kinzie said.
Competitive adaptive skiing is an expensive sport, costing $10,000-$20,000 a year, depending on the number of races entered, equipment bought and repaired, coaching and travel.
Career-wise, Kinzie and her husband, Ted, both work at Snowshoe, with Kinzie instructing other adaptive skiers. She’s received grants and launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her costs. Whenever possible, she camps in a converted van while training away from home.
While a student fitness instructor at EKU’s Recreation Center and working with different abilities, Kinzie advocated for disability rights, access and opportunities. Seeing those issues now from a personal viewpoint, Kinzie is on a mission.
“I want to break down barriers to get more sponsorships for adaptive sports and create steppingstones for the next generation of adaptive athletes,” she said.
Kinzie has also set goals for herself to test the limits of what she’s capable of accomplishing.
“Every day in training, I try new things. I don’t ever want to stay in the same spot and become stagnant,” she said.
Family and friends cheer Kinzie on, and she also receives messages from former EKU professors who follow her progress and offer encouragement. “EKU is a family,” she said.
While she’s had to learn to “do life differently,” Kinzie says, “Everyone has adversity in their lives. You just have to learn how to overcome those challenges in your own way.”
EKU’S WOMEN IN AVIATION SOAR HIGH
As a young girl, Wilma “Willi” Walker would look up at the sky and dream of flying as she watched the airplanes fly over. In high school—at a time before any major United States airlines had hired women pilots— Walker wrote letters to airlines inquiring if they had women commercial pilots.
“Believe it or not, two of them answered, and one responded saying that while they had no policy against women being commercial pilots, not to bother because they weren’t planning on hiring any women pilots,” Dr. Walker recalled.
The discouraging response from the letter Walker received, however, couldn’t keep her grounded. With a longing to spread her wings, she chose to pursue a career in education, moving to Michigan and California and teaching children of the military overseas in England and North Africa.
Ultimately, she got her long-awaited opportunity to learn to fly when she landed at Eastern Kentucky University as a geography professor. Then, as fate would have it, Walker launched and built EKU’s renowned aviation program—the only one of its kind in the state.
It was more than 40 years ago that former EKU vice president Dr. Joseph Schwendeman chaired a feasibility study, determining the Commonwealth of Kentucky needed a university-level aviation program. Schwendeman had previously been chair of EKU’s Geography Department— where Walker taught as a professor—and, as a certified pilot in general aviation and former Naval aviator, Schwendeman had also been Walker’s flight instructor.
Above: Dr. Wilma Walker
Women make up less than 20% of the workforce in most aviation occupations, according to the Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB). The 2022 WIAAB Report notes the largest gender gaps in senior leadership positions, maintenance technicians and professional pilots, with about 5% of airline pilots and only 3.6% of airline captains being women.
“Joe (Schwendeman) found me in the hall of the administration building one day, tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Oh, do I have a job for you!’” Walker recalled. This is how it all started. “I never asked Joe why he tapped me to develop the program, but I think he saw me as someone who persevered no matter what,” she said.
Walker began developing EKU’s aviation program, all the while teaching geography. In 1983, the first courses in aviation were offered at EKU. The next year, an aviation minor was available, and 18 students enrolled. By 1989, the program hired its first full-time faculty member. Walker’s perseverance paid off when the program finally earned approval to offer Kentucky’s first baccalaureate degree program in aviation in 1991.
“I
LEARNED THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING CHAMPIONS IN YOUR LIFE AND NOW, BEING A CHAMPION FOR OTHERS.”
Walker led the aviation program for the next decade until her retirement in 2000 and has since continued to serve on the local airport board. Throughout her tenure at EKU, she guided countless students, including women, to achieve their dreams of a career in aviation.
Lisa Anderson, ’87, was among the first students in EKU’s Aviation program. Unsure of a career path but adventurous at heart, Anderson changed majors eight times before encountering Walker, who offered lifechanging advice: “Decide what you’re good at, what you enjoy doing and what will keep your attention to keep you going.” Walker went a step further, giving Anderson the opportunity to decide on a major in geography with a travel/tourism option and to include aviation courses.
As a graduate, she pursued advanced courses in aviation, acquiring two master’s degrees in the field. “From that early experience, I learned the importance of having champions in your life and now, being a champion for others,” Anderson said.
After working as a contract pilot, crew member and aviation consultant, Anderson spearheaded the development of the United Nations Aviation Risk Management Office (now Commercial Air Travel Safety Unit) in 2011. In this role, she manages the safety assessment process for more than 7,000 commercial air operators in nearly every country in the world. Working within a highly male-dominated department, Anderson is one of less than a handful of female chiefs in U.N. aviation globally.
LISA ANDERSON, ’87
One of many other success stories is Katherine Reynolds, ’97, originally from Berea, Kentucky, who is a captain for Delta Airlines and has been named “Flight Operations Employee of the Quarter.” Reynolds and Walker still keep in touch.
With the foundation that Walker built, EKU’s Aviation program continued to expand and make strides in recruiting women to the field beyond Walker’s retirement.
Megan Atkins Thoben, ’10, like Walker, knew she wanted a career in aviation from a young age. Currently, Thoben is the vice president of operations and customer engagement for the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) and Bowman Field (LOU), leading airport and terminal operations.
Throughout her childhood, Thoben accompanied her father, who flew for leisure, to nearly every general aviation airport in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. This bonding time in the skies led Thoben to have the same love for aviation as her father. With the support she received from her family and her high school, she never questioned her ability to have a career in the field as a woman.
“My mom, although she wasn’t a pilot, taught me from the very beginning that anything that I wanted to do, I could do,” said Thoben. “That was especially powerful in aviation because it is a very male-dominated field. My dad gave me my passion and love of aviation as well as the focus and determination it takes to do it from my dad. However, my mom was key in supporting and empowering me to make my way in the industry.”
Thoben knew she also loved to work with people. While pursuing the aerospace management concentration of the aviation degree at EKU, she learned how to efficiently organize airport operations and ensure the smooth coordination of flights, passenger services and ground activities all while maintaining seamless travel experiences for passengers. For Thoben, it perfectly combined her love for flying and working with people.
Thoben graduated with her aviation degree in three years and has worked in airport operations for more than 14 years. Her contributions to the industry have earned her recognition in Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40 list in 2021 and Today’s Woman Magazine as Most Admired Woman in the Young Executive Category in 2022.
It wasn’t until 1973 that a major United States airline hired their first woman commercial airline pilot, according to the National Air and Space Museum
Throughout her career, Thoben felt uplifted by her colleagues. “By and large, a big reason for my success is because I had male allies that didn’t make me feel like I was the foreign object in the room—they made me feel like I was needed,” said Thoben.
“WOMEN ARE WONDERFUL IN CHAOS. AND WHAT MORE CHAOTIC PLACE TO PUT IN FRONT OF YOU THAN AN AIRPORT? “
She continued, “It was the fact that I was bringing up things that the rest of the group wasn’t thinking about or wasn’t tracking and that I can multitask all these different things. Women are wonderful in chaos. And what more chaotic place to put in front of you than an airport? Being able to multitask and being able to think about multiple factors at once, then prioritizing them and being able to address them in a way that is most effective—that value in me has been seen and noticed by my male counterparts, and I have been elevated by them.”
Thoben attended EKU at a time when aviation students had to complete flight training hours at the Montgomery County Airport in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Once Madison County acquired a fixed base operator to support airport operations, EKU’s program landed much closer to campus at the Madison County Airport (now named Central Kentucky Regional Airport). This led to an increase in students in the program and aided in student success within the aviation industry.
Today, EKU’s Aviation program has an enrollment of more than 400 students, a fleet of 32 airplanes and a partner ownership in the Central Kentucky Regional Airport.
To support this growth, EKU recently announced an investment of $4.5 million to construct a general aviation terminal at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport. EKU was awarded $3.5 million from the federal Community Project Funding and
will match $1 million of the funding toward terminal construction.
The 50-year-old airport serves as the hub for aviation student training. Ownership of the airport belongs to four entities including EKU, the City of Berea, the City of Richmond and the Madison County Fiscal Court. The airport is overseen by an eight-person board—two appointed from each entity—and EKU is contracted to manage the daily operations.
The airport was originally built to accommodate small volumes of general aviation traffic. In the last decade, airport traffic has dramatically increased due in part to the growth of EKU’s Aviation program. Along with the current terminal, two government surplus trailers were brought onto the property to provide relief classrooms
and training space for EKU Aviation students.
Construction of the new terminal will enable Central Kentucky Regional Airport to accommodate the volume of customers as well as the needs of a modern-day pilot while addressing outdated facilities.
“What we see happening today at the airport is something that Joseph Schwendeman, Kenneth Hansson (former dean of the College of Applied Arts and Technology) and I had all talked about as what we would like to see happen. So it’s taken a while, but it’s happening,” Walker said.
As for building EKU’s successful aviation program from scratch as a woman in a male-dominated field, Walker chuckled and said, “It feels wonderful.”
DeVone Holt (LEFT) and Emery Scott Lee (RIGHT) at the brand-new Norton Healthcare Goodwill Opportunity Campus in West Louisville.
DEVONE
HOLT, ’95, AND EMERY SCOTT LEE, ’87 ’92, BRING COMMUNITY REJUVENATION PROJECT
TO WEST LOUISVILLE
A Legacy Opportunityof
For many years, West Louisville has been the victim of economic neglect. Due to the financial struggles throughout the years, the area saw restricted investment and development, leading to limited economic opportunities.
Despite the area’s difficulties, two Eastern Kentucky University alumni are working to rejuvenate the area through partnerships and a $170 million investment. On March 20, 2024, DeVone Holt and Emery Scott Lee celebrated the official opening of the Norton Healthcare Goodwill Opportunity Campus.
Holt, ’95, who grew up in West Louisville, has spent his career giving back to the community he calls home and bringing the opportunity campus from an idea to a reality.
“We wanted to build something the community could be proud of,” said Holt. “We wanted to make sure this building served as a catalyst for more development in West Louisville.”
Lee, ’87 ’92, who is also originally from Louisville, is the regional director of the Norton Healthcare West Louisville Opportunity Center and is carrying out its mission now that the campus has opened.
“We want to make sure that everybody knows they are welcome here,” said Lee. “This is basically their house.”
The opportunity campus includes a 125,000-square-foot lifestyle enrichment facility and Norton Healthcare’s comprehensive medical center. The medical center is the first hospital in West Louisville in more than 150 years
and, across the several partnerships, is one of the largest investments into the community in recent history.
The long-term goal of the opportunity campus is to create a space that rejuvenates the community. Through education opportunities, better access to healthcare, financial literacy courses and more initiatives, the opportunity campus aims to decrease poverty in the area by giving people resources to succeed.
“WE
WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY KNOWS THEY ARE WELCOME HERE.”
“We are focused on creating a place where people can come into this building with the connections to job opportunities to put them on pathways to selfsufficiency,” said Holt.
In addition to the institutional goals, Holt said one of his desires for the opportunity campus is to inspire hope in the members of the community.
“We have a phrase here in the facility that says ‘hope happens here,’” he said. “I think the greatest thing you could ever give someone is hope. We want to make sure
HOPE HAPPENS
that they don’t only come through these doors and get skills, but they walk out really believing that they can do something different and be something different—that there’s a hope for a future that maybe they didn’t see before they came into this space.”
Lee’s personal hope is not only to embrace his role as regional director but to find opportunities to expand the ways the campus can connect and serve community members.
As the opportunity campus continues to spread its impact in the West Louisville community, Holt said he is eager to see the ways it continues to grow and affect change.
“I’m proud of what this center has done already in generating hope and inspiration for people who didn’t think this type of investment was possible in West Louisville,” said Holt. “I think it has spurred a new sense of possibility for people who live in this area.”
“I THINK THE GREATEST
THING
YOU COULD EVER GIVE SOMEONE IS HOPE.”
Holt and Lee both said that though their careers have evolved and changed over time, their time at EKU prepared them well for life after graduation.
Holt said he was able to fine-tune his communication skills in college, which has been incredibly foundational to his career. “It helped me to think critically and helped me think about nuanced perspectives of issues that we consider important topics,” said Holt. “It helped me connect with people.”
HAPPENS HERE
Lee said that in addition to his education, his time at EKU gave him tools that span across any career path. “It really helped me learn levels of perseverance,” he said.
He also shared praise for the work Holt put in to get the opportunity center to become a reality.
“I can’t say enough about (DeVone’s) support. He held true to a vision,” Lee said.
In July, Holt was named the new president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, becoming the first Louisville native to hold the position. The
Muhammad Ali Center “provides education and community engagement to continue Ali’s legacy and inspire greatness.” In his position with the Muhammad Ali Center, Holt will continue to empower and give back to both his home community and Louisville as a whole, while positively impacting the lives of others.
Together, Holt and Lee are making a profound difference in the community. The vision of hope for the future has become a reality in West Louisville, inspiring a contagious optimism among those local to the initiative.
We are excited to welcome the entire Colonel family back to e Campus Beautiful
October 25-26,2024 the 2024
Reunite with fellow alumni and celebrate all things Eastern alongside current students, faculty and sta , as well as members of the Richmond community as we paint the town maroon
FROM EKU’S MEADOWBROOK FARM TO CASE DINING HALL
EKU SETS THE TABLE FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
“FARMING IS THE
GREATEST CONSERVATION TOOL THAT WE HAVE IN THE WORLD.”
- Jonathan
Shell, ’10
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner
Cattle and hogs are raised at Eastern Kentucky University’s 720-acre Meadowbrook Farm, located less than 10 miles from campus. The meat from the livestock is then sold to EKU Dining and served on campus at Case Dining Hall. Food waste is then sent back to the farm to be composted, which feeds the soil for crop production, which feeds the livestock and brings the entire process full circle.
EKU’s localized food chain supports sustainable agriculture practices and sets an example for others to follow. Dr. John Settimi, EKU agriculture professor, explained that a portion of carbon emissions from meat production comes from the extensive transport of livestock. Often, the process is spread across several states, taking cattle hundreds of miles from Kentucky before eventually returning meat to the state to be sold at the grocery store.
However, the partnership with EKU’s Meadowbrook Farm means the cattle are shipped only once to a nearby USDA butcher in Kentucky and then back, making beef “one of our cleanest products in terms of carbon outputs,” according to Steve Caudill, EKU chief auxiliary services officer.
EKU’s innovation in this field fits right in line with Kentucky’s success in local food and conservation initiatives. As Kentucky’s agriculture
commissioner, Jonathan Shell, ’10, focuses statewide efforts on economic development in agriculture, research and development, local food networks and farm retail.
“The closer we can get from the farm gate to the food plate, the more profitable that our farmers are, and the more educated our consumers are,” Shell said. “Farming is the greatest conservation tool that we have in the world. We’re constantly
3,511 LBS. of beef and pork purchased from EKU’s Meadowbrook Farm in 2023-24 academic year
putting back into the land; we’re constantly using conservation practices on the farm; we’re constantly trying to find new ways through innovation and technology to conserve the resources that we have.”
Shell, a fifth-generation farmer, owns and operates Shell Farms and Greenhouses in Garrard County. Over the decades, the family farm has evolved from cattle and tobacco to growing and selling flowers, pumpkins and corn.
Wanting to make a difference in his community, Shell became the youngest member of Kentucky’s General Assembly in 2012 at 24 years old. Now, in his position as the state’s agriculture commissioner, Shell’s passions for farming and serving his community combine to advance the agriculture industry in Kentucky.
“The reason I love being agriculture commissioner is, every single day, I get to have conversations about agriculture and how to promote agriculture and how to move it forward,” Shell said. “Agriculture helps us to be a strong and vibrant civilization and country. A healthy Kentucky is a strong Kentucky, and it’s the same for America and the world.”
½ TON of food waste composted every day
Shell’s initiative around food networks and farm retail involves educating people about agriculture while offering the opportunity for farmers to sell goods directly to consumers.
EKU’s Meadowbrook Farm does just that. While the farm provides meals for students, it primarily functions as a hands-on learning environment for academic fields such as agriculture, pre-vet, biology and wildlife management.
Hunter Quinones, ’24, agriculture graduate, remained involved at Meadowbrook Farm throughout his time at EKU. By his senior year, Quinones worked at the farm as a student employee.
“Driving a tractor and feeding cows while watching the sun rise before I go to class? It doesn’t get much better than that, in my opinion,” Quinones said.
Originally from Virginia, Quinones found a passion for farming at a young age on his grandfather’s dairy farm in upstate New York. With the experience of working at EKU’s Meadowbrook Farm and knowledge of the management and business side of agriculture from his degree program, Quinones plans to restart his grandfather’s farm with his older brother.
Meadowbrook Farm Manager Matt Collins said, “There’s not one thing at the farm that the students aren’t involved in, whether that’s turning compost or taking care of the dairy cows or helping work beef cows or helping with lamb.”
While already providing a large portion of the meat served on campus, EKU’s Meadowbrook Farm plans to expand the partnership to include poultry and milk. Additionally, the farm eventually wants to sell its products directly to the local community.
“We’re supporting ourselves, we’re supporting each other, and we’re feeding our students and teaching people how to feed the world as we move forward,” said Caudill.
OVER 85% OF EKU STUDENTS
utilize EKU Dining for their meals
542,471 meals served at Case Dining Hall in 2023-24 academic year
EKU ATHLETICS
EKU MEN’S TENNIS CONCLUDES 2024 HOME SLATE UNDEFEATED
The Eastern Kentucky University men’s tennis team (20-6, 5-2 ASUN) concluded its 2024 home slate with an impressive 16-0 record, securing a 4-3 victory over FGCU (5-13, 2-6 ASUN) by winning four singles matches in three sets each. The Colonels clinched a spot in the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship with the win against FGCU.
To begin the dual match, FGCU claimed the doubles point, winning from the top two courts to secure a one-point advantage.
Evzen Holis earned the win in three sets from the No. 1 position, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. Fernando Bulnes won his fifth consecutive singles match from the No. 2 spot in three sets, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. J.Anurag Reddy claimed his 10th singles victory of the season from the No. 6 court, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-4.
Paul-Antoine Brazet secured the win for the Colonels from the No. 4 court in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. All six singles matches lasted three sets.
EKU MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD POSTS A TOP 50 FINISH
The Eastern Kentucky University men’s track and field team posted a top 50 finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with five points at Oregon’s Hayward Field, finishing tied for 48th place.
The Colonels tied with Power 5 school Missouri. EKU finished ahead of several Power 5 schools, such as Notre Dame, Louisville, Purdue, Washington State, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, Michigan State, NC State, Ohio State, Rutgers, Syracuse, TCU, UCLA, Wake Forest, Arizona, Boston College, Cincinnati, Colorado and Indiana.
Hakim Abouzouhir earned First Team All-American honors in the 3,000-meter steeplechase for the second straight season, posting a time of 8:27.09 to finish fourth on Friday.
Kristian Imroth finished in 21st place in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, recording a time of 8:52.92 to earn All-American Honorable Mention honors. Nikodem Dworczak earned All-American Honorable Mention honors in the 10,000 meters, running a time of 29:25.68 to finish in 20th place.
EKU SECURES 2024 ASUN REGULAR SEASON SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
For the first time as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference and the first time since 2018, the Eastern Kentucky University softball program clinched the 2024 ASUN Regular Season Softball Championship in April at UNF Softball Complex.
Despite the series loss, EKU (37-8, 18-3 ASUN) secured at least a share of the regular season championship in just its third season as a member institution of the league.
EKU’s 2024 ASUN Regular Season Championship is the fourth in program history (2002, 2004, 2018, 2024) and second in the last six seasons — all have come under head softball coach Jane Worthington, who recorded her 900th career win on April 21, 2024, at Bellarmine.
Worthington, the only head coach EKU softball has ever known, becomes the 48th coach in NCAA DI softball history to record 900 wins and currently sits 21st among active head coaches in total wins.
ALUMNI NEWS
IN THIS ISSUE
CLASS NOTES
PROFILES
Spencer Barrett, ’13
Josh Jarboe, ’12 & Tony Mudd, ’15
Chi Zhao, ’10
Sarah Hughes, ’17
Dear Fellow Alumni,
As another school year begins, I find myself reflecting once again on my transformative journey as a student at EKU and the profound impact it continues to have on my life. Arriving as a freshman, I quickly connected with a diverse group of peers whose backgrounds differed vastly from my own. These friendships broadened my horizons beyond the confines of Erlanger, Kentucky, instilling in me a deep sense of belonging within a larger community.
Dr. McFaddin’s characterization of EKU as a “game-changer” resonates deeply with me. Inspired by my time at EKU, I returned to Erlanger with a fervent commitment to serve. This commitment has manifested in various forms: from nurturing students and supporting families as an educator in local schools to responding as an EMT in my community’s ambulance service. Additionally, my involvement in church activities and contributions to statewide school safety initiatives reflect my enduring dedication to making a meaningful impact.
The values of service and community engagement that I cultivated at EKU continue to drive my efforts to be a catalyst for positive change in both my immediate surroundings and across Kentucky. I am convinced that many others who have experienced EKU share similar sentiments of transformation and purpose.
As we embark on a new academic year, I encourage everyone to cherish their memories of the Campus Beautiful and consider reconnecting with this transformative place that shaped our lives. Reflecting on our shared experiences at EKU can inspire us to continue striving for excellence and contributing to our communities in meaningful ways.
Lucy R. Riffle
Lucy R. Riffle, ’77
CLASS NOTES
Dr. Jon Draud, ’60, Kenton County commissioner, received the lifetime achievement award from the Northern Kentucky Education Council during the 2024 Excellence in Education Celebration.
Sandra Hardcastle, ’64, published her first book, “JFK, Here’s My Contribution to Our Country,” in October 2023.
James Albert “Bert” Scent, ’68, was honored by Barbourville Independent School at their 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards.
Ronald Hardy, ’71, announced his retirement from Hardy Propane Gas Co. in Irvine, Kentucky, after 57 years.
Mike Perlow, ’76, Murray State University nursing professor, has been selected as the 2024 Murray State University Alumni Association Distinguished Professor.
Marla Ridenour, ’78, former longtime Beacon Journal sports columnist, will receive the Andy Palich Memorial Service Award. In the journalism halls of fame in Ohio and Kentucky, Ridenour became the first woman to cover the Browns in 1981.
Mary “Kaye” Spalding Peterson, ’79, was invited to participate in a worldwide Zoom meeting by the World Health Organization (WHO) involving people around the world living and coping with diabetes.
Karen Hart Delaney, ’80, a 1976 graduate of Pendleton Memorial High School, is the Pendleton County Schools 2024 Wall of Fame recipient.
Susan Skees Hermes, ’84, was named to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s prestigious Roster of Fellows during their 2024 awards ceremony in Orlando.
Bobby “Terrell” Medley, ’85, has been promoted to the position of senior market loan officer in the Williamsburg market of Community Trust Bank, Inc.
Greg Guilliams, ’87, was announced as the fifth head baseball coach in Flagler College’s 50-year history.
Jimmy Masters, ’87, was named head golf professional at the University Club at Arlington.
Brian Ebel, ’88, made his second MLB All-Star Game appearance at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, this year, serving as one of two athletic trainers for the American League All-Stars. Ebel also served on the training staff as part of the 2007 MLB All-Star Game in San Francisco.
Spencer Barrett, ’13 Connecting Millions on TikTok
Spencer Barrett, ’13, built a substantial following on social media platforms by creatively tapping into nostalgia and using throwback content that resonates with his viewers.
Barrett, a Lancaster, Kentucky, native, started his TikTok channel in 2020.
“We were all at home, but TikTok was where everyone really was,” said Barrett. “That was our way to communicate and connect with others.”
Online communities began discussing the past and what was nostalgic to them, and the content quickly became popular throughout all social media platforms. Barrett started posting his own nostalgia content in hopes of connecting people together. His platform now has more than 200,000 followers and 3 million likes.
“It became its own series and grew into everything from movies you forgot about, to the songs or TV shows you forgot about,” said Barrett. “It unlocked something for people to watch an old commercial or a theme song from a show.”
Although he’s made a name for himself online, he is also the senior digital manager for A&W Restaurants. Barrett began his career at A&W Restaurants soon after graduating with a bachelor’s in public relations from EKU. He is responsible for A&W’s content planning and creation and presence on all social media platforms.
Josh Jarboe, ’12 & Tony Mudd, ’15
Colonels Shine in “Forty Under 40” Class
EKU graduates Josh Jarboe, ’12, and Tony Mudd, ’15, made the Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40 list for 2023. The program honors “professionals under the age of 40 thriving in their careers, demonstrating their skills at work or in the community and contributing to make Greater Louisville a better place,” according to Louisville Business First.
Josh Jarboe is the principal broker-owner of RE/MAX Empire and co-founder of Motto Mortgage A2Z. About being recognized among Louisville’s Forty Under 40, Jarboe shared, “With over 600 nominations in 2023, the honor of being anonymously nominated was profound in itself.”
The time Jarboe spent at EKU fostered enduring friendships and valuable connections in his industry. “Effective communication lies at the heart of real estate, and the skills I honed during my studies have given me the confidence and edge in a competitive field crowded with thousands of licensed professionals statewide,” he said.
Tony Mudd, Certified Safety Professional and founder of Sensori Safety, said, “Being recognized in Louisville’s Forty Under 40 is an incredibly meaningful achievement for me. From internships to collaborative projects, I had the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to tangible situations. I draw upon these skills daily, approaching challenges with the same determination and resilience that I cultivated during my time at EKU.”
Tammy Duff, ’90, was named Hazard Community and Technical College’s director of the University Center of the Mountains.
Lorenzo Fields, ’91, is now head football coach at Wildwood High School, where he graduated in 1985.
Jack Castle, ’92, was appointed as the director of the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department.
Kristie Mattingly, ’93 ’96, was appointed as K-12 district math coach by Lincoln County Schools.
Diane Nguyen, ’93, was named to Brown-Forman Corporation’s executive leadership team as chief people, places, and communications officer.
Ted Schultz, ’93, Columbus Republic sports editor, has been named the Corky Lamm Indiana Sportswriter of the Year by the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.
Eric Mercer, ’94, was inducted into the Warren County Public Schools Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
DeVone Holt, ’95, was named the president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center.
Christy Muncy, ’95, was appointed criminal chief on the management staff of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio.
Scot Ecker, ’98, was named the chief finance and operations officer of the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education in Wisconsin.
Ryan “Ty” Howard, ’98, was named director of Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s Danville campus.
Christy Spitser, ’98, was named interim market president of CHI Saint Joseph Health.
Maggy Krietbel Monhollen, ’03, previously the longtime Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission director, accepted a position as the manager of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
Duane Gill, ’04, was named by the Montana VA as the new director for the Montana VA Health Care System.
Diana Lane, ’04, was named the district gifted and talented teacher for Lincoln County Schools.
Jon Bentley, ’05, will be the fifth boys head basketball coach for the East Jessamine Jaguars. Bentley previously coached at Montgomery County High School and Estill County High School.
Antonio “Tony” Blackman, ’05, has been hired as the next principal of Henry Clay High School.
Kelly Sirginnis, ’05, was named principal of Tates Creek Middle School.
Chris Southworth, ’05, who has recently been promoted to branch manager for Ruppert Landscape, will lead the company’s new permanent location in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Eric Thornsbury, ’06, has been selected as the next principal of Winburn Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky. Thornsbury has more than 20 years of experience in education and service to Fayette County Public Schools.
Bobi Conn, ’07, Appalachian author, released her new book, “Someplace Like Home,” a fictionalized account of her family.
Sara Crum, ’07, was named the next superintendent of the Jessamine County Board of Education.
Grant Stepp, ’09, was recently named Kentucky State University’s athletics director. Stepp previously served as an associate AD at EKU.
Renee McFall, ’10 ’24, has been named director of Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s Winchester campus.
Anthony E. Jones, ’13 ’21, was named vice president for diversity and inclusion at Centre College.
Tyler Rench, ’13, was appointed by the Division of State Fire Marshal to serve as volunteer fire service coordinator, a newly created position to support Ohio’s volunteer fire service.
Joshua Lewis, ’13, is the head women’s soccer coach at the University of South Carolina.
Felicia Lindsay, ’14, was named program director for Audrey Grevious and Family Care centers.
Matthew “Matt” Noblin, ’14, was named principal at Sandersville Elementary School in Fayette County.
Chi Zhao, ’10 EKU Grad, now Harvard Fellow, Joins Allied Gaming Board of Directors
Chi Zhao, ’10, research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, has been appointed as an independent board director for Allied Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed company. She chairs the nominating and corporate governance committee and serves on the compensation committee.
As a research fellow, Zhao studies and conducts independent research on philanthropy, impact investing and sustainable finance.
“My mission is to make impact investing and philanthropy more accessible,” Zhao said. “For the last decade, I created partnerships and helped mobilize resources to set up funds, businesses or initiatives for social good.”
On the board of Allied Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., Zhao brings extensive global and academic experience. Prior to her research fellowship, she was the director of investor relations at Unity Ventures in Beijing.
“As we continue forward on our path as a public company and further execute against our strategic plans, we are thrilled to bring in a highly qualified, independent director in Ms. Chi Zhao,” said Yinghua Chen, CEO of Allied Gaming & Entertainment. “Ms. Zhao’s vast multinational experience in strategic management, board governance and corporate oversight will be extremely beneficial as we continue expanding our operations.”
Zhao received a bachelor’s in broadcasting and electronic media from Eastern Kentucky University.
Sarah Hughes, ’17
A Transformational Career Change
EKU’s nationally prominent Master of Public Health (MPH) program is a growing network of highly respected professionals nationwide. While a civilian working in occupational safety and health, in 2015, Sarah Hughes encountered Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Rebecca Hampton Ebersole, an EKU MPH alumna and an environmental health officer in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. LCDR Ebersole recommended the EKU MPH program, setting in motion a transformational career change.
LCDR Hughes, ’17, is now an environmental health officer in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and a research health scientist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). She has authored more than 12 publications with safety recommendations for workers and is at the forefront of important research related to the dangers of lead and other occupational health hazards.
A document LCDR Hughes developed along with three colleagues concerning actions to protect workers and communities from lead exposure recently appeared on the White House website.
LCDR Hughes said she is “passionate about tailoring guidance to the people who need it most, especially vulnerable and overlooked populations of workers.”
LCDR Hughes continues to stay connected to EKU and to the faculty who “have been relentlessly supportive of my career.” She has presented on campus three times since 2021 and spoke at the annual EHS (Environmental Health Science) Symposium in March.
Sarah Burton, ’14, was appointed principal for Adair County Primary Center for the 2024-25 school year.
Hannah Meredith, ’15, senior manager of strategic innovation at CVG Airport, was named Next Generation Leader for Entrepreneurship by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Sarah Aaron, ’17, was named assistant principal of Russell County Middle School.
Phillip Hyde, ’17 ’20, has been selected as the next principal for Edythe J. Hayes Middle School.
Wylie Caudill, ’18, was the official artist of the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Rebecca “Becky” Hurt, ’18, is the new media manager for the Berea Tourism Commission. Hurt owns and operates Becky Brown Jewelry, which recently transitioned to an all-online business after several years in the Berea Hotel building.
Dr. Patsy Jackson, ’19, was named interim president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Candace Arnold, ’21, was named marketing and communications specialist of the Danville-Boyle County Tourism Office.
Sandra Diba, ’22, a Democratic Republic of the Congo refugee, opened an African food truck in Lexington, Kentucky.
Kaitlyn Frutiger, ’24, joined the West Virginia University athletic training staff and tends to the athletic training needs of the women’s cross-country and track and field programs.
Dr. Deborah Taylor Givens, FRND, EKU emeritus professor and Communication Department chair, was inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame.
JACK ISON
1 9 37—2024
Jack Ison, long-time assistant football coach and member of the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame, passed away on Jan. 27 at 86 years old.
Ison played halfback at EKU during the 1959-60 seasons, graduating in 1961 and returning to EKU for a master’s degree in 1963. Beginning in 1967, Ison served as EKU’s assistant football coach for 30 seasons. He began his coaching career in charge of the Colonels’ defensive secondary, also serving as defensive coordinator until 1993.
Ison also worked closely with EKU’s weightlifting and strength and conditioning program for a good portion of his 30-year tenure, leading to the Colonels’ strength and conditioning room being named after him.
There were many highlights in his career, including EKU’s first national championship in 1979. During his 38-year collegiate coaching career, his teams won 23 conference titles and four national championships.
GUY STRONG
1 930 —2024
Guy Rowland Strong, retired coach and educator, passed away on May 19 at 93 years old.
He graduated from Irvine High in 1948, then played basketball at the University of Kentucky, where he was one of the 1951 NCAA champions.
Strong transferred to EKU in 1951-52, enlisted in the Army and went on to serve in the Korean War. Upon returning to EKU, he played basketball and baseball, graduating in 1955. After several years of coaching, he came back to EKU as head basketball coach from 196773, leading the Colonels to a conference championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament. Eventually, Strong landed at George Rogers Clark High School in administration, where he also had two stints as basketball coach.
Throughout his career, Strong’s teams achieved numerous championships, and he became a member of several halls of fame.
JACK BRICKING
1 9 42—2024
John “Jack” Raymond Bricking passed away on June 15 at 82 years old.
Bricking grew up in Bellevue, Kentucky. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business education in 1967 and a master’s in business administration in 1969. Bricking followed a family tradition by enlisting in the Air Force. He went on to be an entrepreneur for half a century, including operating a tavern called Poopeotzies in Richmond.
Bricking opened the legendary Poopeotzies Bar on First Street in Richmond in 1973. Known for its pinball machines, wooden tokens and creative t-shirts, Poopeotzies soon became a popular and well-loved hangout.
For many years, Bricking was also executive director of Homes for Greyhounds, a nonprofit organization that found homes for retired racing greyhound dogs.
Bricking established a scholarship at EKU for students who are veterans, named for Jack and his late brother Joe.
HELEN CHENAULT
Helen Sue Parks Chenault, widow of Douglas Chenault, passed away on June 14. Born in Corbin, Kentucky, she graduated from Eastern Kentucky State College and married Doug. The couple enjoyed 56 years of marriage in Richmond. She generously committed decades of volunteer work with the Red Cross Bloodmobile drives, Richmond Garden Club, Richmond Area Arts Council and other local organizations.
Helen helped to organize the Richmond Garden Club as an original charter member in 1958. As the club’s president from 1965-67, the Richmond Garden Club focused efforts to revitalize the White Hall mansion, and Helen was among the club members to serve in the mansion’s restoration. With the strong foundation the charter members established, the Richmond Garden Club provides an EKU horticulture scholarship, plants trees at Habitat for Humanity homes, provides floral arrangements for local events, and more.
DOROTHY
“DOT” KIRKPATRICK
1937—2024
Dorothy “Dot” Louise Kirkpatrick passed away June 27 at the age of 86. She is survived by her close friend of more than 60 years, Nancy Sue Daniel of Richmond.
Dr. Kirkpatrick earned her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky, spending 40 years teaching and coaching at Eastern Kentucky University. Throughout her life, she followed EKU sports and actively supported all teams.
Kirkpatrick was known for her creative painting of walking sticks that depicted the lives and interests of their owners. She created gourd art and won many blue ribbons at the Madison County Fair and other competitions over the years.
Kirkpatrick was also involved in the EKU Retirees Association, serving terms as president and vice president.
Benjamin Bayer, ’77
Richard Bromley
Dr. Karen Lynn Dilka
Cecil Gover, ’88 ’91
Mary Jane Ballou, ’66
Benjamin Bayer, ’77
Mildred Brandenburg, ’47
Marion Cox, ’67
Cecil Dunn, ’60
Laurence Hayes
John Jenkins
Marcia MacLaren, ’80
Marthalyn Feltner, ’57
Elizabeth Griffin, ’52
Ulysses Horn, ’58
Carl Howard, ’63
Sara Sims, ’17 ’22
Barbara Sowders, ’63 ’67
Dr. Kerstin Warner
Patricia Ison, ’60
Mike Karpathakis, ’98
Marcia MacLaren, ’80
Homer Rice, ’51
Brent Rutemiller, ’78
Emma Spurlock, ’24
Kenneth Spurlock, ’68
Sue Spurlock, ’72
