A Course for Excellence

By Katie Ray ’24

College of Arts and Science

Ella Smith-Justice, Ph.D., was appointed the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Since joining the university in 2006, her dedication and expertise have propelled her through various academic positions, from instructor to assistant professor, associate professor and eventually professor of Spanish. She has served as coordinator of the Spanish program for several years. In addition to her faculty responsibilities, she has served in a range of leadership roles, such as representing the humanities division on the faculty executive committee, being elected faculty chair for CAS, the Coleman College of Business and the College of Nursing and Human Services, and chairing the division of humanities. She blazed trails as the inaugural assistant dean of CAS and stepped up to serve as interim dean last year. Beyond her administrative duties, Smith-Justice actively engages with prospective and incoming students through initiatives like the First-Year Experience program, GROWL and UPIKE preview events. Her commitment to promoting a vibrant academic community is further evident through her representation of CAS on various committees at the university, where her insights shape strategic decisions and initiatives.

“I believe in the power of education to transform and transcend. As a leader, I want to empower others to learn and pursue their personal, academic and professional goals,” said Smith-Justice. “I believe very strongly that caring for others is the most important quality a dean can cultivate in their leadership toolbox. It is so important to me that our students, staff and faculty know they belong.”

Proud of her Central Appalachian upbringing, Smith-Justice, who grew up in southwestern Virginia, is happy to live in Eastern Kentucky with her husband, Josh Justice, who serves as the director of student affairs and academic excellence for the Kentucky College of Optometry and their son, James. Stepping into her role as dean, Smith-Justice envisions this as an opportunity to nurture a strong sense of community and belonging within CAS. Her goals include promoting active academic and professional involvement among students, staff and faculty while also promoting individual, personal growth.

“For me, it is all about CAS’s commitment to excellence,” said Smith-Justice. “I want this to be an exciting, thriving and dynamic place. I want our students, staff and faculty to know and feel that they belong. I want them to follow their personal journeys as their authentic selves. I want them to grow and impact the world in beautiful and positive ways.”

Kentucky College of Optometry

Renée Reeder, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE, DiplAAO, was named the new dean of the Kentucky College of Optometry. With her extensive experience at KYCO since 2018, serving in roles such as department chair for clinical affairs and assistant dean of curriculum and assessment, Reeder brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position.

Throughout her distinguished career in academic optometry, Reeder has developed a national and international reputation in the specialized realm of cornea and contact lenses. With 21 years of service at the Illinois College of Optometry, she played pivotal roles, such as pioneering the cornea and contact lens residency program as its inaugural coordinator. Additionally, Reeder served as the Cornea Center for Clinical Excellence chief for an impressive 14-year tenure. Following a brief departure from administrative duties to concentrate on professional service, she assumed the role of curriculum coordinator for ocular disease coursework before joining the esteemed team at KYCO.

“The application for the dean position seemed a logical progression of my career in academic optometry,” said Reeder. “I have dedicated my career and my life to this profession. Optometric education and cornea and contact lenses are my passions.”

Reeder’s active involvement extends far beyond the academic realm. She is engaged in her church community and has contributed significantly to committees at both the University of Pikeville and KYCO. Her commitment to advancing optometry extends globally, as she currently serves on three different optometric boards, two national and one international. Reeder remains deeply rooted in clinical practice, regularly lecturing and seeing patients. This hands-on approach not only keeps her relevant in her field but also underscores her dedication to the education and development of future optometrists. Leading by example, Reeder’s philosophy is clear: she does not ask faculty to do anything she would not do herself.

Central to Reeder’s comprehensive vision for KYCO is the institution’s continued growth in service to patients, ensuring that the care provided remains exemplary and aligned with the latest advancements in optometric practice. She is committed to cultivating a culture where both students and faculty elevate their service to the profession, making meaningful impacts on the well-being of others through their dedication and expertise. Reeder aims to enhance the curriculum to better prepare students for the challenges of patient care and success in board examinations.

“I truly believe I was called here to make an impact,” said Reeder. “Our scope of practice, our beautiful facility, our talented faculty and our mission to serve position us to shine brightly here in the commonwealth and beyond.”