Peg Adams is the Director of University Connect and Persist (UCAP) at Northern Kentucky University. She earned her Master's degree in education from Western Kentucky University and is a proud alum of NKU where she earned her bachelor's degree in English and psychology. Throughout her 30+ year career at NKU, Peg has contributed to the development and implementation of student success initiatives in a variety of roles, including Support Specialist in Student Support Services, Director of First -Year Programs, and Instructor of UNV 101: Orientation to College and Beyond, ENG 151H: Honors Freshman Composition and ENG 101: College Writing.
In addition, Peg has served on numerous campus committees and advisory boards, such as the Foundations of Excellence Transitions Committee, EAB Student Success Collaborative Work Group, University Council for Student Success and First-Year Experience Task Force.
A northern Kentucky native, Peg enjoys taking brisk walks, attending sporting
events and theatre, and spending time with family and friends.
Jennifer Stephens is a Coordinator with the University Connect and Persist (UCAP) office at Northern Kentucky University. Previously, she has worked at Northern Kentucky University as manager for the Music Preparatory Program for 8 years.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont and a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She has worked as a Social Worker at The Christ Hospital and Dialysis Clinic, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH.
Jennifer is a native of Maine, but has lived in Kentucky for many years. She enjoys travelling to visit family and friends on the east coast. Jennifer spends some of her free time watching Korean television, reading, and listening to music. Jennifer plays cello and has had the opportunity to play with the NKU Philharmonic Orchestra and even travel with them to Ireland.
Samantha "Sam" Nelson is a Coordinator with the University Connect and Persist (UCAP) office at Northern Kentucky University.
Sam is an alum of NKU and graduated in 2019 with her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. During her time as an undergraduate student, she was involved with New Student Orientation, Admissions, and was connected with UCAP through grants and the textbook lending library. She has a Master's of Education in College Student Personnel from Ohio University. Prior to returning to NKU, she worked in housing and residence life at Ohio University.
Sam is originally from Richmond, Kentucky and spends her free time with her friends, family, and two dogs – Cooper and Rory. Sam is excited to return to her alma mater to help support and guide students through their college experience.
Caitlin Drouillard-Ahlrichs is a Coordinator with the University Connect and Persist (UCAP) office at Northern Kentucky University. Previously, she has worked at Northern Kentucky University as an Academic Advisor in the College of Health and Human Services from 2018-2022 and as a Hall Director in University Housing from 2016-2018.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in English (2012) from Thomas More University and a Master of Arts in English (2014) from Northern Kentucky University; she served as a graduate assistant to both UCAP and NKU Housing during that time. She is currently working towards a second Master’s degree at NKU in Social Work with an intended graduation date of Summer 2026.
Caitlin is a native of Los Angeles, California, but has lived in the NKY/Ohio region since 2010. Caitlin met her wife, Joelle, during her first week at NKU in 2012 and they were married in 2016; they have one child, Rory, and her younger sibling, Rachel, lives with them. Caitlin enjoys finding creative solutions to problems, having the house for family and friends to congregate, finding new vegetarian restaurants and cooking with her wife, playing make believe with her kiddo, and watching horror movies and tv shows with her sibling. Caitlin also has the privilege of serving as the next SAFE President at NKU 2023-2025 (Staff, Administrators, and Faculty for Equity) - SAFE Website.
