Dr. Jill Keaton is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and earned a Master of Science Degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at the University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Dr. Keaton is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and co-authored a systematic review and meta-analysis pertaining to bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. She serves as the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program, Dental Assisting Program, and Community Dental Health Coordinator Program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College and teaches oral pathology, head and neck anatomy, and radiology. Dr. Keaton has served as an Ex-Officio Member of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry and was recently appointed a Commission on Dental Accreditation Site Visitor and test constructor for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.

Justin Ball is a native of Harrodsburg, Ky and has had the pleasure of serving the Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky as the Bursar/ Assistant Director of Business Affairs at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC). He has served in this role since 2012 and continues to enjoy the opportunity to serve this region with our college’s “Student First” Motto. He serves on multiple college committees and workgroups and has previously completed the CMBI (College Business Management Institute), the McCall Presidential Leadership Academy, the BCTC Presidential Leadership Academy, the National Leadership Forum, and the Leadership Lexington Conference. Prior to working in Higher Education for BCTC, He served in a variety of positions within the private sector of business, such as; Finance, Business Administration, Marketing, Sales, and Operations. He completed his associate degrees at Lexington Community College (LCC) and then transferred to the University of Kentucky, where He completed his BA in Business Administration and Marketing.

Jeff Herrin is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Bluegrass Community & Technical College. In his 9th year at BCTC, he has served in various coordinator positions within the Mathematics and Statistics Division. Jeff currently serves as Coordinator of the Mathematics and Statistics Division, but beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year, Jeff will serve as Assistant Dean of the MS Division.

Jeff is a graduate of UK (1992 BS, Mathematics), EKU (2002 MAT, Mathematics Secondary Education), and BCTC (2020 AAS, Computer Programming). When free time is found, Jeff enjoys camping with his family, woodworking, 3D design & printing, programming in various languages, and binge-watching episodes of How It’s Made.

Dixie Kendall is the Program Coordinator and an Assistant Professor for the Equine Studies program at Bluegrass Community & Technical College. Prior to her current role, Ms. Kendall held various management and leadership positions in the equine industry that have enabled her to apply industry experience in her teaching pedagogy. In her first year as a faculty with BCTC, Ms. Kendall was awarded the Rising Star Faculty Award. In addition to her role with BCTC, Ms. Kendall also serves on various academic committees such as the Guided Pathways Task Force as well as industry related Boards including the Equestrian Athlete Initiative with the University of Kentucky’s Sports Medicine Research Institution. Ms. Kendall is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration, Concentration in Equine Management at Midway University with an anticipated completion date of May 2022.

Gina M. Nicoletti-Bellinger is a dynamic and innovative leader who has risen to top management positions in the highly-regulated, competitive NCAA environment, where she has built and led successful, cross-functional teams that laid the groundwork for Centre College to expand team sports and recruiting, launched The Buck Fitness Center, and increased visibility on a national level. Throughout her career, Gina has trained and mentored coaches and student-athletes, streamlined operations, and optimized growth strategies, all of which has positively impacted the athletic department’s annual operating budget.  By inspiring a sense of purpose and direction, Gina has successfully led staffs and student-athletes through unprecedented crisis – most recently COVID19 –, change management, and growing a successful and well-respected athletic department. Gina earned her MS, Sports Psychology from Ithaca College, and BS, Physical Education from Elon College.

Andrew Patrick received his B.A. in History and Philosophy from Centre College and his MA and PhD in History from the University of Kentucky. While completing his graduate studies, he worked at the Kentucky Historical Society, first as an editorial assistant for the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society and later in community engagement where he administered the Kentucky Historical Marker program. In 2017, he returned to Centre to join the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) where he provides pedagogical support to faculty who incorporate community-engaged and experiential learning in their courses and began teaching in the History program. Subsequently, he has taken on the role of Associate Director of CentreWorks, a new downtown initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between the campus and community while encouraging entrepreneurial and creative thinking. He maintains his roles with the CTL and History program.

Dr. Chad Foster currently serves as associate professor in the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University. In this capacity, he enjoys working with students interested in the homeland security and emergency management fields of study. Chad became a full-time faculty member in 2014, after eight years serving as a Federal Emergency Management Agency contractor with responsibilities for implementing various preparedness programs. In 2001, Chad joined The Council of Statement Governments as a public safety and justice policy analyst, and managed multiple projects at CSG for five years. He began his professional career in the U.S. Army, which included two overseas peacekeeping operations. Chad earned an undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy, and graduate degrees in public administration and urban and public affairs from the University of Louisville.

Dr. Casey Humphrey is an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She also serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator within her department. Casey has a bachelor’s and doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University and has a Master’s of Health Administration from Des Moines University. She is a licensed occupational therapist with clinical expertise in brain injury rehabilitation. Casey holds certifications as a brain injury specialist and a driving rehabilitation specialist. Casey serves as the Education Chair on the executive board for the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association. 

Dr. Richard Osbaldiston is the Chair of and a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University. He came to EKU in 2008 after completing his dissertation in social/personality psychology at University of Missouri. His classes typically focus around two themes: personal growth and research skills. His research program has morphed over the years to become almost entirely student driven. In the last decade, he has mentored over 200 undergraduate and graduate students who have presented research at state and regional conferences. He begins every lecture with an inspirational or motivational quote, and his favorite quote is, “The most powerful force on earth is the human soul on fire.”

Kelsey Berry is currently a senior graphic designer at Georgetown College. She has had the opportunity to shape the brands and identities of several organizations over the years and now enjoys using her skills to contribute to the mission of Georgetown College. She maintains GC’s visual identity by overseeing the design of a wide variety of college publications and materials as well as working with current graphic design students. In her five years with the college, she has helped several students gain real-world experience and develop professional portfolios. She also has assisted students in graduate school and/or job placement.

Abby Malik is currently the executive director of marketing and communications at Georgetown College. A 2001 Morehead State University graduate, she moved to NYC to obtain her master’s degree at Pace University. While there, she worked at Thirteen PBS and Beliefnet.com. After returning to Kentucky, she worked in the communications office at Centre College for five years, then spent the next decade moving up the ranks at KET. At Georgetown College, her leadership role focuses on strengthening relationships and processes, enhancing the College’s brand visibility, and coaching her team and her peers to be the best they can be.

Lilia Joy is a Professor of English at Henderson Community College. During her fifteen-year teaching career at HCC, she has taught courses in basic writing, English Composition, business writing, and creative writing. She has earned a BA/ MA in English from State Pedagogical University in Russia, MA in TESOL and MFA in Creative Writing from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. In her leadership role, she has coordinated the student literary magazine, founded and directed the writing center, and chaired the division of liberal arts and professional studies. Lilia Joy lives with her husband and two children in Henderson, Kentucky.

Marlisa R. Austin is a Professor of English and Humanities and currently serves as Coordinator of the African American Studies Certificate program at Jefferson Community & Technical College. Marlisa has held a number of leadership roles for Jefferson, including English Department Head and Humanities Division Chair, the largest departments at the College. Throughout her tenure, Marlisa has led College-wide initiatives focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including Achieving the Dream 2.0. In this latter role, she worked collaboratively with faculty, staff, administrators, and students to develop a strategic plan, programming and initiatives for African American student success in teaching, support, and community engagement. She was Faculty Co-Chair for the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focus on Reading. She presented at the Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education, the Kentucky Association for Developmental Education, the National Association for Developmental Education, the Annual Showcase of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the Two-Year College English Association-Southeast.

Marlisa holds a BA in Secondary English Education, an MA in Education, and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership.

Jennifer Huff serves as the Associate Director of Admissions over processing for Jefferson Community & Technical College, a position she has held since August  2017. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2017 as well as a Master’s in Organizational Leadership in 2019. In addition, she also teaches FYE (First year experience) as an adjunct faculty, is Residency Counselor for Admissions to assist students with the residency appeal process and is a TIER II for Jefferson County which is a position that serves as point of contact with questions or updates from our student support services and enrollment coaches.

Cristina Marsh oversees the administration, operation, program development, and curriculum alignment for eight KY Skills U program counties. Throughout her career, Ms. Marsh has worked to identify the needs and strengths of Adult Education students assisting in their transition to ABE, GED, certificate programs, and employment. Ms. Marsh has been involved in the implementation of academic standards in Kentucky serving as a coach on OCTAE’s SIA project. She also led a team of instructors to create contextualized lessons in Kentucky. Ms. Marsh taught math and ESOL at JCTC-KY Skills U Carrollton program, Spanish college credit classes, and community educational programs. Ms. Marsh graduated with a B.A. in Interior Architecture from the University of Art in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Advanced Internet and Computer Technology by Marengo Academy, in Spain. She moved to the U.S. 20 years ago and became a citizen on August 14, 2009.

Dr. Angela Scharfenberger is the Associate Director of Admissions, International Admissions at Jefferson Community and Technical College. Angela’s doctoral studies in Ethnomusicology (African Studies) prepared her to approach her work as an endeavor in building cross-cultural understanding. She has worked administrative and faculty positions in higher education for over fifteen years.  Within her role at Jefferson, Dr. Scharfenberger builds on the fundamental belief in social justice and is committed to efforts to support immigrant and BIPOC students that will strengthen our communities and create a more equitable world. She serves as a board member and instructor with Louisville Folk School, as well as an independent consultant for local arts and cultural programming.

Heather Yocum is the Site Director for Jefferson Community and Technical College-Carrollton Campus. Starting her career at Jefferson almost thirteen years ago she transitioned into a faculty role as a Counselor. Upon receiving her Associate Professor faculty promotion, she decided she was ready for a new challenge and that is when she interviewed and accepted her current administrative role. Heather is a former Jefferson student who is passionate about her hometown and making it a better place to work and live. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bellarmine University and a Master’s degree in Communication from Northern Kentucky University. Heather currently serves as volunteer for the Women’s Crisis Center and serves on various committees and boards in her community which include Carroll County Development Corporation and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.

Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, DeAnna Brown received her Bachelor’s in Manufacturing Engineering from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. She also holds a Master’s in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton.

DeAnna spent most of her career as a Civil Servant with the Department of Defense and Defense Contractor with Universal Technology Corporation (now ARCTOS). After working on several programs with institutions of Higher Learning, Mrs. Brown decided it was time for a career change and in 2018 joined her Alma Mater working on grant related programs. Because of the love of the students she also decided to become an Adjunct Professor for the College of Business. In 2020 Mrs. Brown joined the Kentucky State University and is currently the Director of Title III Programs.

Mrs. Brown is married to her college sweetheart, Mr. Frank E. Brown, Jr. and they have three beautiful sons; Franklin, Ethan and Brennan.

Tonika East, Ed.D, is a Nashville Native that has spent nearly over 20 years in the educational arena ranging from public education, vocational rehabilitation, and higher education. She is currently the Associate Director of Career and Professional Development at Kentucky State University and an Adjunct Instructor for University College. In her primary role, she organizes career and professional development programs with collaborative efforts from various campus departments and employer partners to connect students with experts, practitioners, or mentors through networking, internships, or employment opportunities. Tonika serves as the Awards and Innovation Chair for the Kentucky Association of Colleges and Employers (KACE). She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, the American Council for the Blind, and the National Federation for the Blind.

She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from Tennessee State University; one in Sociology and Speech Theatre Communications, a Master of Education in Mild and Moderate Disabilities, and an Educational Degree Specialist in Higher Education and Supervision, both from Middle Tennessee State University. Lastly, a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Studies from Trevecca Nazarene University. Tonika is the parent of two daughters and has a granddog named BeBe.

Dr. Timothy Forde serves as the Chair of the School of Education, Human Development, and Consumer Sciences at Kentucky State University. He also serves as the Chief Diversity Officer for the university. Dr. Forde received his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He has a MPH from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his bachelors from Oakwood University. Dr. Forde has been in leadership positions for the past 10 years. Additionally, Dr. Forde has written articles and presented workshops on the topics of culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive excellence. In his spare time, he enjoys racquetball, playing the piano and riding his Harley Davidson.

Micah J. Glenn, Ph.D. is the Coordinator for Board Operations and Strategic Initiatives for the Kentucky State University with over fifteen years of higher education experience in academic and student affairs. Specifically, he has worked in recreation, multicultural affairs, academic affairs, and senior administration. Dr. Glenn also serves as a Program Researcher for the Kentucky-West Virginia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KY-WV LSAMP). Dr. Glenn received a Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Kinesiology, a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Arts in Applied Research, Measurement, and Evaluation, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Louisiana State University.

Arlen J. Sims serves as the Interim Dean of Student for Student Engagement and Campus Life at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, and a visiting professor in the School of Business.  He previously served as the Director for First- and Second-Year Experience in the University College. Prior to working in Student Affairs and Academic Affairs roles. Arlen served as a business education Area Director for Sodexo Incorporated and Magic Johnson Enterprises. During his tenure with this joint venture, he managed 14 client portfolios, $5 million dollars of managed volume, over $ 1.5 million of Federal Grant Funding. More importantly, he had the opportunity to mentor young entrepreneurs and oversee a component of the educational internship program. Arlen is a graduate of Alcorn State University where he earned Bachelor of Arts in History and Pre-Law. He also earned a Master’s in Business Administration, from Indiana Wesleyan University. Believing in the concept of lifelong learning, Dean Sims is currently a Doctoral student at Morehead State University where he is enrolled in the Higher Education Administration program.

Ava Cook is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Madisonville Community and Technical College. Ava began teaching in 2009 and brings 27 years of nursing experience to her students. Ava graduated with an MSN degree from Northern Kentucky in 2014. She currently teaches Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, that consists of lecture, lab and clinical practice. Ava worked for over 16 years at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville, KY, where she worked in a variety of settings as a registered nurse, certified case manager and infection control manager. Ava also enjoyed working in the home health setting on and off for the last 26 years. Her teaching goal each semester is to engage, motivate and provide an innovative experience for all the students while providing them a safe, caring environment to learn and explore.

Melinda Walker is an Associate Professor of Psychology and the Liberal Arts & Education Division Chair at Maysville Community & Technical College. She began her teaching career approximately 14 years ago and teaches general, human relations, developmental, and abnormal psychology courses. Before pursuing a career in education, Melinda practiced as psychological associate at a community mental health center. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Morehead State University. She resides in Georgetown, Kentucky with her two children. Her personal interests include hiking and traveling.

Dr. Nancy Barnum has over 35 years’ experience as a registered nurse with clinical expertise in maternal/newborn and women’s health as well as nursing management. Dr. Barnum has worked as a staff nurse at Eaton Rapids Community Hospital and Henry Ford Allegiance Health, both in Michigan. Following a move to Lexington, KY, she worked as a staff nurse then nurse manager at the University of Kentucky Hospital Mother-Baby Unit.

Dr. Barnum also has over 25 years’ experience in nursing education, having taught in BSN programs at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and Hope College in Holland, MI prior to coming to Midway in 2012. Her teaching experience has included courses in maternal/newborn nursing, women’s health, nursing leadership, nursing research, and courses related to nursing professionalism.

With a PhD in Higher Education, she also has experience in curriculum design, teaching/learning, and evaluation. Dr. Barnum holds the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential through the National League for Nursing. Dr. Barnum’s research interests include both the history of and current trends in nursing education.

Dr. Diane Orr Chlebowy earned BSN, MSN (administration), MA (adult education), and PhD (nursing) degrees from The Ohio State University. She held administrative appointments as director of baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs at the University of Louisville prior to her appointment as Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Midway University. In addition, she served as an Executive Leadership Fellow in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Leadership for Academic Nursing Program. During her tenure in academia, she has enjoyed teaching students in the classroom and clinical area and has received recognition as an exceptional educator and mentor. She has been recognized nationally and internationally for her diabetes research expertise while publishing in numerous peer-reviewed journals and presenting at local, regional, and national conferences. Dr. Chlebowy continues to provide leadership in professional and community organizations to advance the nursing profession.

Assistant Professor Teresa D. Vincent, DNP, BSEd, RN, CNOR joined Midway University the fall of 2020 as the Program Coordinator for the MSN On-line Program. Dr. Vincent received her Doctorate Nursing Practice with a Leadership focus from Bellarmine University in 2006. She received her undergraduate in Adult Technical Education from Murray State University in 2001. At Midway, Dr. Vincent teaches MSN On-line courses for the administrative and educational tracks along with administrative responsibilities.  She has taught master on-line courses for Indiana Wesleyan University and Olivet Nazarene University. She was the director of the Surgical Technology Program for Kentucky Tech for five years. There her responsibilities included administrative, didactic, and clinical.

Natasha Davis is Assistant Dean of Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Associate Professor of Dance at Morehead State University located in Morehead, KY. Ms. Davis will complete her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky in May 2021 where her research focuses on conflict and conflict management amongst faculty and administrators in institutions of higher education. Ms. Davis holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University (Winchester, VA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC). Ms. Davis has taught, performed, and choreographed throughout the United States as well as China, London, and South Africa at universities, dance studios, theme parks, outdoor theaters, dance competitions, conventions, workshops, college championship games, as a former professional dancer in the NBA and as a former dance educator in the North Carolina public schools. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors representing the South Region of the American College Dance Association. Ms. Davis teaches modern, jazz, African, Afro-Modern, Afro-Jazz, hip-hop, ballet, tap, dance improvisation, dance composition, dance history and she is a certified Pilates Mat instructor. She is also an illustrious and proud member of the first nationally recognized African-American Greek lettered sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Gina Blunt Gonzalez is a Professor of Kinesiology at Morehead State University. She received her PhD from the University of Mississippi and her MA and BS degrees from the University of Central Florida. She teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate kinesiology and wellness courses such as programming for special populations, exercise program leadership, nutrition, research methods and statistics.

Dr. Gonzalez has several research interests which include behavioral interventions to increase physical activity, dietary supplement attitudes and behaviors, and motivation and goal orientation in rock climbers.  Dr. Gonzalez leads an active lifestyle and enjoys all things outdoors. She spends her free time traveling, hiking, cycling, camping, and rock climbing with her friends and family. On a nice fall or spring day, you will probably find her outside playing on the sandstone cliffs of eastern Kentucky.

Dr. Rebecca Roach is an Assistant Professor for the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Elementary Education in the Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University where she teaches courses in literacy.  She earned her Ph. D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky, a MA in International Development from Ohio University and a B.Sc. in Education from Morehead State University.  She is a former elementary teacher and international education consultant.  Fulfilling her lifelong commitment to service, she has served in AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, and the United States Peace Corps.  She currently serves as the Morehead State Director for the Kentucky Reading Project.

Sam Stapleton is a native Kentuckian, currently serving as a business faculty member and MBA Program Director with the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology at Morehead State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Engineering, Master of Business Administration and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Morehead State University. His research focus is on the promotion of business education, student career readiness and human resource development. Prior to joining MSU in 2013, Sam was employed for more than 20-years as a management professional in the areas of Operations and Human Resources Management. He is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), currently serving as an executive board member for the Bluegrass Kentucky chapter. Sam also serves on the MSU – Applied Engineering and Technology advisory board and is the campus advisor for Phi Beta Lambda.

Chip Heath is the Director of Online Learning and a Marketing Lecturer in the Haile College of Business at NKU. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and MBA at Northern Illinois University. Chip attended the Ph.D. in Business Administration program at UK where his research focused on aesthetics and eCommerce. In 25 years of teaching, he has taught over 7,600 students in over 185 sections of 20 different courses. As Director of Online Learning, he led the development of the online BSBA, MBA, and MBLI programs and the transition to online delivery during the Spring of 2020.

Zara Basham currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Surgical Technology program at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC). She holds an Associate in Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology from Owensboro Community and Technical College. She served as a surgical technology program instructor from 2006 to 2011 when she assumed the Program Coordinator role at OCTC. During her 20 years as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) at Owensboro Health, Zara developed a passion for education. With over 20 years of scrub experience, she is a highly motivated and dedicated surgical specialist. She is a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), the profession's national organization, as well as the Kentucky State Assembly chapter, where she proudly advocates for her profession. Her surgical experience, coupled with her educational leadership abilities, allows her to act as a liaison between regional healthcare sector and industry partners, assisting students and encouraging partnerships in support of education and student success initiatives. Zara currently serves on the board of directors of Owensboro Community and Technical College, as well as the board of directors of the St. Joseph Peace Mission, a community nonprofit dedicated to children's advocacy.

Chef Robert W. Beighey, is a full time Associate Professor at Sullivan University’s College of Hospitality Studies (CoHS) in Louisville, Kentucky. Chef Beighey teaches introductory through advanced culinary classes and is the head coach for the Sullivan University Culinary Competition Team. He is currently in the MBA, Hospitality concentration program at Sullivan University and an “active” status candidate for the Certified Master Chef program with the American Culinary Federation.  He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Associates in Culinary Arts (Providence, Rhode Island Campus), Sullivan University, Bachelors in Hotel/ Restaurant Management (Louisville, Kentucky Campus) and currently pursuing his MBA, hospitality concentration. He received his Certified Hospitality Educator designation in 2008 from the American Hotel & Lodging Education Institute, Approved Culinary Evaluator in 2007, Certified Culinary Administrators designation in 2006, and Certified Executive Chef designation in 2001 from the American Culinary Federation.

Professor Ashley Mack is an educator in Sullivan University’s General Education Department, Natural Sciences and Mathematics division. For the past five years she has taught Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Medical Microbiology courses. She also serves as the Natural Sciences Curriculum Specialist.

Ashley earned her B.S. in Biology from Kentucky State University. She also has earned two M.S. degrees from the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine, one in Anatomical Science and Neurobiology and the other in Physiology and Biophysics. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ashley serves as a member of the Academic Council, General Education Revitalization Committee, and Black Student Union faculty advisor.

Dr. Summer Jackson serves as the Executive Programs Director in the Office of Academic Affairs at Cumberlands. Dr. Jackson works with the faculty and students of the Executive Programs, serving as the Director for the course site locations across the country. Dr. Jackson has worked within different positions and with the Executive Programs since their inception in Summer 2015.  She also assists with other academic projects across campus. In addition to her role with the Executive Programs, Summer serves as a Project Manager, leading Academic IT and Faculty Development projects collaborating with departments across the university in implementation and training efforts. She has worked in higher education for over a decade, with extensive experience in student enrollment, especially regarding undergraduate, graduate and international admissions, IT, project management, academic programs, and course management.

Beyond her work in the Office of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jackson is a professor of marketing, human resources, leadership, management courses and has served as a dissertation committee member for doctoral students. She strives to present course knowledge in a practical way that helps students step out of the classroom and immediately apply the course’s objectives in their work environments and community. Her passion for this application isn’t just for her students, but for the youth; she has worked with many regional college readiness opportunities over the years.

Dr. Jackson has served on various boards and organizations in the southeastern Kentucky region, with a passion for leadership and youth in particular in Eastern Kentucky. In her free time she enjoys traveling throughout Kentucky, the U.S. and internationally, cheering loud while watching (and attending) basketball or football games, and attending as many concerts as she can fit in!

Dr. Jennifer Knuckles is Department Chair/Assistant Professor of the Human Services Program at the University of the Cumberlands.  She completed a BS degree with an emphasis in Social Work from the University of the Cumberlands in 2001.  In 2007, Dr. Knuckles completed an MSW from the University of Kentucky with an emphasis in Community Studies.  She then went on to complete an Ed.D. with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in 2017.

Dr. Knuckles began her professional career in social work in 2002 and remained in the field for eight years.  During this time, she gained experience in medical social work, child protective services, and school social work.  From there she began teaching full-time in the human services program at University of the Cumberlands for three years before accepting the role of Department Chair. Dr. Knuckles has been a certified social worker through the Kentucky Board of Social Work since 2011.   She has recently expanded her knowledge base and clinical experience to include work as a psychotherapist specializing in ADHD and trauma.

Dr. Knuckles teaches a variety of courses in the human services program but most enjoys the coursework in Understanding Child Maltreatment and Human Services in Schools.  She has taught for the University of the Cumberlands for 10 years and truly believes learning is a life-long journey.

Dr. Stephanie Thacker is a native of Corbin, KY.  She joined the University of the Cumberlands in April 2014 in Graduate Advising, where she assisted graduate education students.  Since that time, she has held various positions throughout the University in staff and administrative positions.  Dr. Thacker has been a member of the Hutton School of Business faculty since 2017, where she teaches general business, management, and marketing courses.  She also serves as a dissertation committee member for doctoral students.

Dr. Thacker completed her graduate and undergraduate studies at the University of the Cumberlands and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology from the University of the Cumberlands.  She has a background in management, marketing, and course design and development.  Her research interests lie in leadership, marketing management and strategy, organizational learning and change, and strategic decision-making.

Roger Brown is an Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Agricultural Economics Department at the University of Kentucky where he’s taught full-time for 16 years, initially as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer. Roger teaches undergraduate courses in agricultural marketing (online), technical communication (hybrid), and rural and ag-based tourism (study abroad). His research interests include the scholarship of teaching, especially distance learning. He serves as Chair of the University Senate’s Committee on Distance Learning and e-Learning. Roger is also past Chair and long-time board member at Life Adventure Center, a non-profit organization in Versailles, KY that uses outdoor adventure to transform lives affected by trauma and build more resilient people.

Deborah S. Chung is an Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on information communication technologies’ impact on communication professionals and their audiences. Specific interests include online news, active audiences, citizen journalism, visual communication, interactivity, and sociology of news. Her award-winning research is featured in prominent journals in the field of journalism and mass communication. She is the co-author of Understanding Citizen Journalism as Civic Participation. Deborah primarily teaches courses in mass media and diversity, media ethics, and visual communication. At the graduate level she teaches classes in mass communication and society and advanced research methods. She has served several significant leadership roles, including those within the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), the major professional organization in the journalism and mass communication field. She earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington.

Dr. Dolphus R. Dawson III is an Associate Professor in the Division of Periodontology in the Department of Oral Health Practice in the College of Dentistry.  Dr. Dawson serves as the Director of Graduate Periodontology.  Dr. Dawson is a clinician scientist whose research has focused on the oral/systemic linkages of chronic inflammation in periodontal disease.  Dr. Dawson is a Vice-Chair of the Medical IRB and serves in numerous College, national/international dental organizations.  Dr. Dawson was recently appointed as a CODA Site Visitor in 2020 for Advanced Education Program in Periodontics.  Dr. Dawson is a certified instructor of the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry and trains the residents in LANAP protocol for treatment of periodontal disease.

Sally V. Mathias, MD, is a neurologist and specializes in the care of adults and adolescents with epilepsy. Originally from India, she completed her neurology residency at University of Kentucky followed by a fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology/ epilepsy track at Vanderbilt University. After her fellowship in 2016, Dr. Mathias joined as Assistant Professor of Neurology at University of Kentucky and the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Her clinical interests are women’s epilepsy and epilepsy surgery. Dr. Mathias is actively involved in clinical research and has received several awards for research from American Epilepsy Society and American Academy of Neurology. She is also a member of several committees within the university and on a national level. She enjoys being a physician educator and has received several teaching and mentorship awards. Dr. Mathias is also the Associate Program Director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program at University of Kentucky.

Dr. Sylvia Y. Ofei completed her undergraduate education at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She then pursued and completed her medical degree at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. Following her medical education, she returned to Columbus where she completed her General Pediatrics residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She continued at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where she completed her Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship. She received funding for her research focused on liver disease in Fontan patients and was under the NIH T32 training grant through the Heart Center. With her grant funding, she pursued her Master of Public Health (MPH) focused on Health Services, Management and Policy. Her fourth-year research fellowship allowed her to complete her MPH as well as her prospective research project. She is board certified in General Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology. Following her fellowship training, she accepted a position August 2016 as assistant professor at University of Kentucky in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. She is currently focusing her clinical care in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases. Her research projects are evaluating patients with fatty liver disease. Her interest in healthcare finance and the operations of a healthcare system have led her to pursue a healthcare focused MBA.

Elizabeth Salt, PhD, APRN is an Associate Professor with the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. In this role Dr. Salt has had the opportunity to serve in a number of leadership roles including the chair of the College of Nursing’s Promotion and Tenure, Faculty Practice and Nominating Committees. Her service to the University of Kentucky has included membership of the Undergraduate Council, Health Care College Council and the Faculty Provost Merit Appeal Committee. She has also served profession of Nursing and Rheumatology specialty in a number of positions including the Guideline Committee for the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification Taxonomy Committee. Community leadership roles include Vice Chair of the Citizen Foster Care Review Board and Kentucky Child Fatality Board. Dr. Salt’s most recent funded research interests involve the relationship between psychosocial factors and biomechanical behavior in low back pain and medication adherence and patient-provider communication in rheumatoid arthritis patients.  Dr. Salt is the Director of the Honors in Nursing Program in the College of Nursing and teaches in the undergraduate program.

Martina Vasil, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Music Education and Division Coordinator for the Department of Music Education and Music Therapy at the University of Kentucky. She directs the summer music education program at UK and teaches collegiate courses in general music, popular music education, and qualitative research. In 2019, she was awarded the District 7 College/University Teacher of the Year Award from the Kentucky Music Educators Association and also the Service Award from the UK College of Fine Arts. Martina is Vice President of the Association for Popular Music Education and serves on the editorial board of The Orff Echo, the national journal of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. She has published in the International Journal of Music Education, the Journal of Music Teacher Education, UPDATE: Applications of Research in Music Education, and General Music Today in addition to authoring several book chapters. She is a frequent international and national presenter in her research areas of popular music education, music teacher education, and Orff Schulwerk.

Dr. Leslie Vincent is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Marketing & Supply Chain at the Gatton College of Business & Economics.  Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Vincent received her PhD in Management with a specialization in Marketing (2005) and her BS in Management (2000) from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia.  Her research interests include new product and service development, marketing strategy, and meta-analysis and her research has been published in top journals such as Management Science, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and The Journal of Consumer Research.

Dr. Vincent has extensive teaching experience at both the undergraduate and graduate level.  She has taught courses such as Marketing Management, New Product Development, Services Marketing, Marketing Research, and Marketing Strategy for Business & Engineering.  She currently serves at the Associate Director the Masters in Marketing Program that is scheduled to launch fall 2021 pending Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education approval.

Dr. Vincent is also very active on Faculty Senate at the University of Kentucky is an elected member of Senate Council.  She also is the chair of the Senate’s Academic Programs Committee as well as an active member of many other committees at the University of Kentucky.

Dr. Cynethia Bethel-Jaiteh is an assistant professor at the University of Louisville School of Nursing where she teaches in the undergraduate and graduate programs. She is a certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) at Park Duvalle Community Health Center in West Louisville.

Dr. Bethel-Jaiteh is a native of the city of Louisville, who graduated from Berea College with a BSN. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with her MSN in Pediatric Primary Care. In 2017, she received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Northern Kentucky University where she explored breastfeeding in the African American community. She was funded by an AACN/CDC academic partnership to implement a breastfeeding promotion quality improvement initiative at a local health center.

She is involved in several nursing and professional organizations such as National Black Nurses Association/KYANNA Black Nurses of Louisville where she is the president of the local chapter and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, where she serves as the conference chair. In 2016, the National Black Nurses Association awarded her an Under 40 Award. This award recognizes nurses age 40 and younger who have shown strong leadership and excellence in practice. She was also honored to be included in Who's Who Louisville: 2018 African American Profiles.

Kristen Lucas (PhD, Purdue University) is the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs for the College of Business at University of Louisville and an associate professor in the Management & Entrepreneurship Department. She previously served as Assistant Dean for Program Innovation & Strategic Initiatives between 2017-2019. Her key leadership accomplishments include building and launching a graduate certificate in Distilled Spirits Business, creating pathways to promotion for non-tenure eligible faculty, and leading the initial transition to fully remote course delivery during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her research on workplace dignity has been published in outlets such as Journal of Management Studies, Organization Studies, and Journal of Business Ethics. She teaches courses in organizational behavior and crisis management and has developed a new competency-based curriculum for business communication, which has been adopted at schools across the country.

Maya Lynum-Walker has been a member of the University of Louisville staff since 2018. She currently serves as Coordinator of Advising and Student Services at the Kent School of Social Work. In her role, she provides support to all students of the Bachelor’s program. She is responsible for collaborating with campus resources, staff, and students to create a holistic learning experience.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Lynum-Walker graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kentucky State University. She later received a Master’s of Science in Athletic Administration and Coaching from Western Kentucky University and a Master’s of Arts in Adult and Higher Education from Morehead State University.

She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership with a specialization in Student Personnel. Maya is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, INC.  Maya and her husband Rico have two children, Zaya and Maliyah

Meghan J. Pifer is an Associate Professor of Higher Education Administration at the University of Louisville. For 5 years, she served as the Co-Principal Investigator and Associate Director of the U. S. Department of the Army’s Master Educator Course. She was also the Co-Principal Investigator and Co-Director of the 2020 MEC Fellowship Program. Dr. Pifer holds a PhD in Higher Education from Penn State University and an EdM in Higher Education Administration from Boston University. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the University of Louisville, Dr. Pifer served as an instructor at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State, and held faculty positions at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and Widener University.

Vanessa Lyons, Ph.D., RN, CNOR, CNE, is the Access and Success Coordinator for the Associate in Science in Nursing program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, Kentucky. She has been teaching at WKCTC for four years but has been teaching in various online programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels for 12 years. Dr. Lyons completed an Associate in Arts, an Associate in Science, and an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degrees through Paducah Community College. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in education through Walden University. She completed a Ph.D. and a graduate certificate in healthcare informatics through the University of Missouri. She is currently enrolled in a graduate certificate program in student success through Walden University. Before moving to academia, Dr. Lyons specialized in informatics and perioperative nursing for 15 years.

Kelly Paul is an English Instructor at WKCTC where she proudly teaches Writing I and Writing II online, face-to-face, and hybrid. She also teaches Business Writing online. Most recently, she has created an online ENG 233 Introduction to LGBTQ Literature course, which is a Humanities/Cultural Studies option. She conceptualized this class to look at the LGBTQ movement with Literature as a vehicle to explore this topic with major works in the cannon (and a few not within the cannon) of Queer and Gender Literature in the 1950s up until 2010. She is also the Distance Learning Coordinator for ENG 102 where she conceptualizes and constructs the online ENG 102 course shell, which was awarded Exemplary Status by Blackboard Inc. in 2020 according to the Bb Exemplary Course Program Rubric.

Kelly serves on several committees, but her favorite is the Online Learning Committee at WKCTC.  Kelly is a native of California and received her BA in English Literature from California State University in 1990. She then completed a two-year secondary teaching certificate at CSUDH. Kelly completed a Masters in English Studies at Murray State University. Kelly is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Professional Division.

Dr. LorryBeth Wilson helps high school students to understand college pathways and reasons to enroll in dual credit courses. With the ability to mold and change lives of students leading to opportunities for their next journey, listening learning and informing becomes the focus. Treating others the way you want to be treated is the guiding principle in this mission. She and her husband have two daughters who stay busy with both indoor and outdoor activities, which revolve around the two girls. In 2017, she earned her doctorate in higher education with a dissertation focused on dual credit. Working in education for her entire career, fourteen years in K12 as high school business teacher and school counselor; and currently ten years at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Dual Credit Director.

Jeffrey Budziak, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Political Science and the Assistant Dean of the Potter College of Arts & Letters at Western Kentucky University. He joined the faculty in the fall of 2011 after earning his bachelor’s degree from of the University of Dayton and his Ph.D. from the Ohio State University. His teaching and research interest focus on law and courts and on quantitative research methodology. He joined the Potter College of Arts & Letters’ Deans office in the fall of 2019 where he works on issues related to budgeting, staffing, and data management.

Molly Dunkum, a native of Kentucky, joined the faculty at WKU in 2003. She received PhD and Master’s degrees in mathematics from the University of Kentucky after receiving an undergraduate degree from Georgetown College. She conducts research in the area of algebraic combinatorics.

William N. Mkanta is a professor of healthcare administration, and head, in the Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University (WKU). He completed his Ph.D. in Health Services Research from the University of Florida in 2005 prior to joining WKU in 2007. His research focuses on access and utilization of health services and his work in this area has enabled him to engage mainly with vulnerable populations, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, immigrant, refugee, Medicaid, and minority populations. Some of his publications in these areas have appeared in journals such as Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology, Inquiry, and the Journal of Cancer Education, among others. In different phases of his career, Dr. Mkanta has examined health system issues including HIV care and value-based purchasing and published his review work in AIDS Patient Care & STDs and the Journal of Healthcare Management. He is currently working in international collaborations to develop a global health service curriculum, institutional partnerships, and capacity building as part of his engagement in international education and research.

Dr. Leslie North is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences at Western Kentucky University (WKU). She currently serves as the Director of Sustainability for WKU, Associate Director for Education and Outreach for the WKU Center for Human-GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES), Director of the WKU Karst Field Studies program, and Program Leader for the Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies degree program. The primary focus of her academic career has been the study of effective informal learning education and communication materials and techniques, particularly those related to water resources, ecotourism, karst landscapes, and sustainability. Leslie works regularly with a number of national and international organizations on issues related to these foci, including the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Iceland Arctic Cooperation Network, The $100 Solution, and the City of Bowling Green, among others.

Evelyn Thrasher is Associate Dean and Professor of Information Systems in the Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University. In her time at WKU, Evelyn has served as the Director of the GFCB Professional Education and Knowledge Program, the Knicely Faculty Fellow in the Center for Leadership Excellence, and the coordinator for AACSB accreditation. Evelyn earned a PhD in Management and an MBA from Auburn University and a BS in Mathematics from East Tennessee State

University. Evelyn is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Kentucky and a 2018 graduate of the Harvard University Women in Education Leadership Institute. Evelyn serves on the Board of Directors for HOTEL INC and is a member of the Bowling Green City Shapers cohort.

Dr. Matthew Shake is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Western Kentucky University.  As Co-Director of WKU’s Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging, Dr. Shake works with academic and community professionals across many different health-related disciplines.  His research focuses on adaptations to cognitive aging barriers to behavior change in older adults.  He has served on a variety of WKU committees and will be a Graduate Program Coordinator beginning in summer 2021.  He enjoys leading by fostering success in colleagues and students.