Select Page

It is undeniable that the atmosphere of Alice Lloyd College is unique in many ways. High school sweethearts, Jonathan and Brittany (Carter) Lyons discovered this while students on the ALC campus. At the time, the couple thought they were simply enjoying college. Later, the couple realized that they were really preparing themselves for their future.

Graduating from ALC in 2007, Jonathan earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology Secondary Education. Although his degree was in education, Jonathan soon realized he was not destined to be a teacher. His realization led him to accept a position as a land agent with a natural gas company. However, Jonathan knew deep down that what he really aspired for was a career in medicine. The couple began praying about the possibility of Jonathan pursuing a medical degree. When massive layoffs hit the natural gas field, they felt that God was leading him down a new path. Acceptance to the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine provided the confirmation they were looking for, and Jonathan began his medical journey.  

Medical school was challenging, but Jonathan felt prepared. He credits ALC’s strong academic curriculum and the Student Work Program as providing him with a background that would help him to succeed. Jonathan completed medical school in 2015 and began a residency in family medicine at Pikeville Medical Center. He was recruited by McDowell ARH Hospital where he currently specializes in family medicine—a career that he loves and is passionate about every day.

Brittany graduated from ALC in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Arts and Humanities. She continued her education by earning a master’s degree from the University of the Cumberlands. Prior to landing her current position as an art and music teacher at John’s Creek Elementary School in Pike County, Brittany served as a science teacher at Betsy Layne Elementary.

While at ALC, performing with the Voices of Appalachia gave Brittany the opportunity to voice her passion for the arts. She enjoyed getting to travel to various parts of the country when touring with the choir. Brittany’s musical talent led her to her represent ALC in the Kentucky All-Collegiate Choir. All of these experiences helped prepare her for her career in teaching music. Brittany recently launched her first children’s book series which she authored and illustrated. The series will follow the adventures of a rainbow haired hedgehog named Vernon P. Snuggles. The first book,” Vernon P. Snuggles…Goes to School!”  is now available on Amazon.  

As they reflect upon their time at ALC, Jonathan and Brittany have many cherished memories. Brittany recalls stepping out of her comfort zone when she participated in the Miss ALC Pageant, receiving first runner up. Not to be outdone, Jonathan was first runner up in the Miss Badonkadonk Pageant. (He suspects his wife may still be holding a picture of this for future “blackmail” purposes!) Jonathan and Brittany especially appreciated the tightknit relationship between students and instructors which is common at ALC. They feel these connections go a long way in providing the support and encouragement students need to succeed. Thirteen years later, they still remain in contact with several of their former professors.

The couple is proud to be alumni of Alice Lloyd College. Their advice for today’s students is to try new things and meet new people, saying, “Take advantage of the opportunities you are given. ALC is a place for learning, but it’s also a place for growth, so take advantage! Cherish your time as a student. You will look back one day and wish you could return to spend one more evening with your friends at the basketball court or share another meal together in the Hunger Din.” Jonathan and Brittany reside in Pike County, Kentucky, where they are raising their two adorable children, Oliver and Georgia.