What do you do at EKU? 

Recruit incoming freshman from out-of-state territories to EKU

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Golf, Dog Park with my dog, Going to the movies with my Fiance

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

Lived in Ohio the last two years recruiting incoming freshmen for EKU

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Discipline equals freedom, Jocko Willink

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Your future is what you create it to be; that future starts at EKU by your hard work, on-campus involvement, connecting with other people to build important relationships.

What do you do at EKU? 

Help students with the non-academic side of their education.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Table-top gaming, audiobooks, and crochet

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I once played kazoo in a concert with members of the Louisville Symphony Orchestra

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

British telly!

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Ask lots of questions. Don’t be afraid to get clarification on complicated topics!

What do you do at EKU? 

I help administer the dual credit program at EKU, which allows current high school students to enroll in EKU courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. I’m knowledgeable in the admissions and enrollment processes at EKU, academic advising, program offerings, student resources, and financial aid.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I enjoy the outdoors, video games, anything to do with history, exploring, good food

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I’m not that interesting lol, but I would have to say that as an Eagle Scout, I’ve been to some really cool places and met some even better people through scouting

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

One of my favorite movies of all time is Cars, so I always recommend that. If you’re a politics nerd like me, you will also like the TV show Madam Secretary.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Don’t be afraid to reach out. When I was new here the EKU community took me in and I was able to find a lot of support, friendships, and success just from connecting with others.

Take risks that feel right. “

What do you do at EKU? 

I talk to high school students and their families about the next steps at college and what programs might be best for them.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Watching crime shows and gardening during the spring/summer season.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I love Harry Potter so much that my wedding was Harry Potter (Slytherin) themed.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Anything Harry Potter, and NCIS

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Do not be shy to ask questions, no one is going to think of you as a failure or that you are dumb if you ask questions. Do not let the pressure of having to be the first and be great at everything get to you. It is ok to fail as long as you get up again.

What do you do at EKU? 

I oversee clinicals and student teaching in for education majors in the College of Education & Applied Human Sciences.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I am a huge sports fan and concert goer.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I have attended over 300 concerts in my lifetime.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

The Office

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

I would tell any first gen student to never be afraid to reach out and ask questions or ask for help in any way. There is always someone on campus to assist them.

What do you do at EKU? 

I coordinate and create opportunities for faculty to learn different and exciting ways of teaching their students. I also coordinate EKU Winter & EKU Summer initiatives.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I enjoy working with the EKU Marching Band and Maroon Machine. I enjoy attending EKU events and volunteering in the community.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I was a clogger for almost 30 years (Nationally and locally).

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Books: the Harry Potter (JK Rowling) and Eve Duncan Series (Iris Johansen). I like true crime shows when I watch tv.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

There are very few absolutes at EKU. If you run into a wall, there is usually a way to help you with any conflict. If you are willing to do the work, there are an abundance of people that are willing to go out of their way to help you. There is a very good group of Gen 1 grads and advocates on this campus.

What do you do at EKU? 

I work in the Occupational Therapy department supporting the Fieldwork and Capstone coordinators. Together, we prepare graduate students for their final requirements of their degree and to enter the field as Occupational Therapists upon graduation.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I teach private voice and piano lessons. I enjoy sewing, painting, reading, writing and lots more!

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I won 1st place for a Transformation Cinderella gown in a cosplay contest.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

I’m really like a box of chocolates when it comes to books, movie and TV shows. I enjoy a wide array of each and it’s truly an impossible question to answer.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

It can be exciting to be the first one in your family to go to college. But it can also be daunting. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one wants you to fail! We are here to support and help you succeed!

What do you do at EKU? 

I help high school students who are interested in EKU discover which program within the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences would be the best fit for them!

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love to be outside with my family and my dogs! I also love to read.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

I love The Office and Parks and Rec!

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

As a first generation college student, there may a lot that you aren’t familiar with or need help with, and I encourage anyone to please feel confident in asking questions! There are no bad questions.

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach social work courses and in the process strive to inspire all people I encounter through word and example.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Spending time outside, socializing with family and friends, surfing the internet, and watching reality shows.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I love adventure and travel.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Any book you find of interest. Reading is the key to success.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Take risks. Strive for excellence. Be patient with yourself. Ask for help. Persist.

What do you do at EKU? 

I am an Appalachian artist and designer who teaches graphic design in the School of Art & Design at EKU.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I’ve been playing video games for 42 years, particularly role playing games. I love discovering new music across genres.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

TJ Klune’s “House by the Cerulean Sea” is a great read.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Be involved. Be interactive. Find a buddy in each class to share notes and stay organized. Participate in clubs and events on campus. College can be a life changing experience and it’s best not to go it alone.

What do you do at EKU? 

I’m a student in the Psy.D. program and am a graduate assistant through that program, which entails completing a variety of activities.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love to hike, garden, read, listen to and play music, explore, and spend time with my spouse and dogs.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I am a beginner-level dulcimer player.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

I definitely recommend “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. The movie Dead Poet’s Society is a Robin William classic. And I love true crime TV shows and podcasts.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

“DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS. There are a variety of resources out there and, if you are unaware of what they are, a quick Google search or asking the relevant person on campus about them can often be all it takes to get you on the road to getting connected to them.

MAKE USE OF THE LIBRARY. It is such a wonderful, quiet place to study, take a break, ask about resources, and grab a good cup of coffee!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There is a variety of student organizations on campus to help connect you to others. If you are really struggling, please do not hesitate to make use of the Counseling Center or Psychology Clinic!”

What do you do at EKU? 

Build and maintain diverse, accessible, and inclusive library collections, including books, databases, video, and more.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Thrift, read, watch spooky movies

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Mad Men, The Good Place, You’ve Got Mail, For a Good Time Call

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

There may be times when you face setbacks or challenges. Setbacks are a natural part of the process — you will fail a test, oversleep, and maybe switch your major. Keep pushing forward, and don’t be discouraged by temporary obstacles.

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach courses within the Child & Family Studies Program in the College of Education & Applied Human Sciences.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I enjoy watching TV, listening to podcasts, going on walks, playing with my two young children, and going out to eat with my husband.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I love going to concerts! My favorites concerts are Tyler Childers and Paul McCartney.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

I love American Horror Story!

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!

What do you do at EKU? 

Connect with employers to find off-campus part-time job opportunities for the EKU student population.

What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes outside of work? (please respond in a student-friendly way)

Video games, watching anime

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I’m super-close to learning to play the banjo

Is there a particular book, movie, or TV show that you love and would recommend?

Movie – Spider-man: Across the Spiderverse.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Connect with student groups on campus. Take advantage of your time here.

What do you do at EKU? 

I help folks with research, such as finding sources, using library resources, and evaluating information. I also teach library information as a guest in classes.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, and crafts. My family has a small farm, and I love to garden and hang out with our animals.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I once flew a small plane at a summer camp! Coolest experience.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Book: Sweet Creek Holler; an oldie but a goodie!

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Ask questions! No one will think it’s a dumb question, and others will be so glad you asked. You aren’t the only one who was wondering that! We are all here to help, and we would much rather you ask than miss out.

What do you do at EKU? 

I help students and faculty with their research ideas – everything from brainstorming a good research question, to navigating the correct databases, evaluating information, showcasing the scholarly information cycle, and much more!

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love reading books, playing videos games, watching anime, and sketching.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I like poems – Lazy Lazarus by Plath is one of my favorite.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

I like scary things like House of Usher or any other of Flannagan’s works.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

You are not alone – I remember being so overwhelmed my first year or more. You CAN go to college and be successful, IF you reach out to folks on campus who are here to support you. We have SO many resources for students – from counseling, to health services, to tutoring, to social gatherings, EKU REALLY tries its best to make you feel at home. You DO NOT have to know/understand it all on your own either – knowing when to ask for help is a lifelong skill that will take you FAR. NO ONE does it on their own – we all need help from time to time.

What do you do at EKU? 

I hold students accountable, I connect students to resources, I assist students in crisis.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love dancing, traveling, and musicals.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I am the oldest of five.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Jeopardy

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Ask for help when you need it.

What do you do at EKU? 

I recruit and advise new Transfer students.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Reading, watching Hulu/Netflix, playing with my 4 pups, shopping, going out to eat, meeting new people

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I can sing:)

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

A Court of Thorn and Roses series; Downton Abby; Real Housewives; Vanderpump Rules

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Ask the hard questions until you get the answer that helps you.

What do you do at EKU? 

I manage for Social Work program for our regional campuses

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I like to hike and be outdoors

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Don’t be afraid to reach out and use your campus resources when you need support!

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach writing!

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Napping, playing with my kitties, reading

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

I am reading Starling House right now and it is a great book about Kentucky

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

You can do this!

What do you do at EKU? 

I manage project related to promotional materials, work with division staff on budget management, prepare invoices for payment and complete purchasing in our electronic procurement system.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Acrylic painting, some Adobe Illustrator work, crafting, hiking in the Red River Gorge, baking, cooking, gardening

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I was born and raised in New Mexico and make a mean green chile stew.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Move: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013); movie: Out of Africa; book: Heidi comics: Calvin & Hobbes, Peanuts,; tv: Monk, Psych, Chuck, M*A*S*H

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Find your people – try joining several clubs & activities, EKU will be your home for awhile, so you need to make friends here. Try a class outside of your major in an area that interests you just to broaden your horizons.

What do you do at EKU? 

Recruit high school students to EKU’s College of Business

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Organizing, walking, eating

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Black Book by James Patterson; You’ve Got Mail; Dateline

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Do not overload yourself the first semester! Expectations are different than high school expectations. Really read the material before a test!

What do you do at EKU? 

I make sure that students have the stuff they need to be successful in their classes especially when they are writing papers or completing projects, a place that helps them study and complete their work, and we provide help and support from librarians.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love college athletics and love to attend any and all games and events where our students are participating. I also love musical theater. I always have coffee and a safe place to sit.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I have been to all 50 states

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It will be adapted into a show on Netflix, but read the books first!! The book is always better.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And go to class!!

What do you do at EKU? 

Associate Professor of Spanish and Latinx Studies, Director of El Centro, Faculty Innovator @ FCTL

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Fútbol, Ping Pong, and video games

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

The Rebel (1951) by Albert Camus

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Success does not happen in a vacuum, it takes a village, so be proactive in reaching out and connect to build your team.

What do you do at EKU? 

I work to recruit and assist prospective students & their families through the college process, from touring campus to applying to committing to Eastern!

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Baking, reading, gardening, and watching movies and TV shows!

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I am obsessed with sharks! They have always been my favorite animal and I will never pass a chance to tour an aquarium or be anywhere close to sea-life.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

There’s too many to suggest! I am currently into all things Bravo and have been binge watching the Real Housewives franchises in my spare time!

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Please do not be afraid to ask for help. It is already a major testament to yourself that you have chose to further your education – there are so many people and resources here to help you cross that finish line!

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach deaf education classes as well as a course in language and literacy development for special education majors and minors.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love to read, bake, go to the gym, and spend time outside.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I have a house full of plants.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Most of the Marvel movies are actually worth seeing!

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Try new things and say hi to at least one new person every day.

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach sign language and interpreting classes in ASLIE.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Hiking; spending time with my husband, 2 greyhounds, and 3 cats; going to concerts and festivals; crocheting; and naps in the hammock.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

Winter break is one of my favorite times of the year! I love curling up in a blanket, snuggling with my animals, lighting a scented candle, turning on the Christmas tree lights and settling in to read a good book! It’s the BEST!

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Outlander!! Such a great book series. The TV show is pretty good too.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Make connections on campus with other students and your professors. We really do care about you and love getting to know you! If you ever need anything shoot me an email or swing by my office. I am here for you!

What do you do at EKU? 

I coordinate daily campus visits for prospective students and their families so they can visit and experience our campus before they make a decision about where they go to college. I also coordinate high school visits when teachers or guidance counselors bring students to visit with a high school group so they can also experience our campus.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love to read and write. I often do both in my spare time.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I love to cook – I cook as much as I can because it gives me the chance to try something new often!

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

The Shadowbox Children book series – I love young adult literature, it is my favorite genre to read. This is one of my favorite series within that genre.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Take your time, take everything in, and recognize you will not learn everything you need to know in your first semester. It will take time to learn about our campus – not only where things are but also who is here to help advocate for your success. I am one of those advocates and am happy to provide support in any way I am able.

What do you do at EKU? 

I help students stay in school and get to graduation

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Reading, hiking, playing golf, being active in church, spending time with my wife and grandchildren

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I played tennis for 25 years and ran 9 half marathons

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Field of Dreams is the best movie ever; I read lots of Irish literature; Doc Martin, Longmire, and Gilmore Girls are my favorite tv shows

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Look at this list! You have lots of resources around you and every one is ready to help with anything any time – use us! Every person on this list believes in EKU’s mission and believes in you. We are here to help you get where you are going!

What do you do at EKU? 

Work with students with disabilities

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Camping, hanging out with my family

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I’m fluent in American sign language

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

New girl

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We have all been in your shoes.

What do you do at EKU? 

I oversee the HR Administration team and operate as an HR Business Partner to specific departments on campus. We as team handle all full-time faculty and staff roles and perform various functions such as hiring, compensation, employee relations, and general HR questions.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Spending time with family, my dogs, and friends.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

Still working on discovering my talent.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

College is such an exciting time; even if it seems overwhelming, it’s not. We have so many resources on campus to help you. If you can’t find a resources that fits on your own, just ask because someone knows something or will help you find it. It’s OK to not know how everything works or need help. EKU is an awesome place. My first job was here at EKU as a student worker. I encourage all students to get involved with an organization, club, and if you need a job apply to be a student worker. There are so many opportunities at EKU.

What do you do at EKU? 

I help students find the resources they need to complete research projects and other assignments. My specialty is supporting education majors with their research and identifying children’s, adolescent, and young adult literature for their lesson plans.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Photography and watching college football and basketball.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I’m a twin who married a twin. I also have twin daughters.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Find the helpers! Everywhere you look there are people willing to help, so don’t be afraid to ask. The library is an especially student-friendly place full of people always willing to help.

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach library workshops for English and Communication courses and I help run the Noel Studio, which is a writing/communications lab where students can bring papers, presentations, and media projects for review by trained peer consultants.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Hiking, rock climbing, camping.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I spent most of my early adulthood traveling the country and rock climbing.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

I am Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout (book); TV Show – Ted Lasso

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

We have so many resources to help you; your professors really care. Learn to advocate for yourself, and keep trying even when the path forward seems difficult. Once you get going in a program that you really love, you’ll be so thankful that you didn’t give up!

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach in the Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral nursing programs.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I love to work jigsaw puzzles and play with my Australian Shepherd.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I learned how to play the violin at age 40, and learned to Irish dance at 42.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

“The Help” is my favorite movie.  It’s also a book :).

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Get involved in at least one club or friend group to enhance your college experience.

What do you do at EKU? 

Teach and facilitate online classes mostly social work department

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Community theater , hiking , watching soccer

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

2nd degree black belt in shaolin do

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

There are so many ! Just read Demon Copperhead by Kingsolver and it’s amazing

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

Believe in yourself , never give up and take opportunities to network with others with interests and expertises in your field of study and your passions

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach an undergraduate management course and a diversity course. At the graduate level I teach educational leadership courses. I also host the monthly Talking Out of School storytelling show.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

Running, travel, politics and advocacy, writing, entrepreneurship.

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I have lived in Brazil and speak Portuguese.

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Show: Schitt’s Creek; Authors: Silas House and David Joy

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

When facing a challenge, you don’t have to struggle alone. The EKU community is supportive and has resources. Ask around for help. It’s here.

What do you do at EKU? 

I teach Creative Writing as a way to help students express themselves through poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes outside of work? 

I played and coached soccer; love jazz and music in general; hiking; reading and writing; running

What’s a fun fact about you or a hidden talent people may not know about?

I can learn any instrument within a day or so. Deployed to Afghanistan .

Is there a book, movie, or TV show you love and would recommend?

Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius; Movie: Magnolia

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

It can be hard sometimes, but remember to keep rooting for yourself. No matter what.

What do you do at EKU? 

I work with the offices of Facilities Management and University Outreach and Engagement to keep databases of space utilization data up to date.

What advice do you have for FirstGen students?

It’s ok to take your time in deciding which path to take toward a degree, and even a career. I am 13 years in as a professional, and I’m still working on what I want to do when I grow up! So study abroad, take the fun electives, engage in all the clubs, and find a way to serve in a way that is best for you.