"My spirit is rejuvenated when I see the lightbulb turn on when a student finally grasps a subject or learns something new."
What is your favorite thing about NKU?
By far my favorite thing about NKU are the people. The faculty, staff and students that I have met throughout the years have changed me for the better. I was fortunate enough to be a part of NKU’s Upward Bound program beginning my freshmen year of high school, and there are countless people who were mentors and trusted advisors when I was a student who have now turned into my extended family. Even when people move on from campus, there is still a sense of community and belonging because of our shared experiences defined by our time at NKU.
Where is your favorite spot on campus? What makes that spot so special?
I don’t know that I have one favorite spot on campus, there are too many to pick from. However, I am very fond of being on campus at dusk and looking out over Loch Norse. As a student, I was a business major and by my junior and senior year, I had many night classes. I have fond memories of getting out of class and walking with friends along the lake discussing upcoming class projects or just relaxing after a long day. I remember when the lake was just an old farm pond, and I always try to take a moment to enjoy the major transformation when I walk past it now. It is a reminder of not only the progress and growth of campus, but also within myself.
What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think about NKU?
Home.
What is your favorite way to spend your free time?
My favorite way to spend a free day is with my two great nieces and great nephew. I take my auntie status very seriously. I also enjoy baking and decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies and cooking in general. I could watch cooking and baking shows for hours at a time. I enjoy going to concerts and traveling. I am always ready for a good road trip. I also volunteer for my church’s youth group and teach Sunday School, and I am president of the Pendleton County Tourism Council.
What is your greatest passion?
I have a passion for meeting new people, learning their stories and helping others find their own passions. As an outreach coordinator, I have the opportunity to speak to youth and learn what makes them happy and what their dreams and goals are for the future. Creating programming that allows youth to explore the vast opportunities, fostering curiosity and building self-confidence keeps me motivated. Watching a student light up when they realize that their dreams are attainable with a little planning, dedication and hard work makes me happy. My spirit is rejuvenated when I see the lightbulb turn on when a student finally grasps a subject or learns something new. Working with youth makes me stop and look at the world through a child’s eyes, with innocence, hope and imagination. Many times as adults, we make things more complicated than they need to be. Most days, I feel like I learn more from my students than they do from me!
Tell us anything else about yourself and/or NKU that you want folks to know (include any NKU social media handles you are connected with/use, ex: #NKUWiseWomen)
I am very honored to be selected for this distinction, and I am humbled to be included with the other women on this campus. NKU has truly been so good to me for the past 20+ years, from a clueless high school freshmen in Upward Bound, to a business major who wasn’t quite sure what she was going to do with her life, to being a staff member who is privileged to be a part of the great work being done.
I recently joined communities I found through TikTok called #RippleTime and #MoooitForward. Both of these movements have to do with paying it forward and making ‘ripples’ in your community. One small act of kindness can lead to major change, like when you throw a rock into a body of water. No matter how small the rock, it will create waves. When someone does something nice for you, pay it forward and do something nice for someone else. Since I am a country girl at heart and love farm animals, the #MoooitForward folks resonated with me.
