Kasey Blair, a 2010 Alice Lloyd College graduate and Somerset, Kentucky, native, exemplifies the Purpose Road Philosophy through her servant leadership in both her career and community.

2025 AFP Hidden Gem Award Honoree

As of January 2026, Kasey is one of 16 female general managers in all of professional baseball. She is currently in charge of the Spring Training Facility for the New York Mets and the St. Lucie Mets minor league team (the Mets are 1 of 30 major league programs, and the St. Lucie Mets are 1 of 120 in the minor league).

In her day-to-day tasks during the season, she covers everything from making sure employees have the information they need for games, checking in with partners, making sure the stadium is clean and welcoming, and ensuring they are providing a fun, safe environment for families to enjoy baseball. In the off season, her days are spent brainstorming and planning for the upcoming season and how to make it fun and welcoming. She also generates ideas about promotions and fun days, corresponding with community partners to see how the organization can assist them. Kasey says the first and coolest part about her job is showing up to work at a professional baseball stadium. She truly loves her job and being of service to those around her.

Additionally, she also sits on community boards and committees for United Against Poverty, Christmas 4 Kids, Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County, & Children’s Services Council. She also serves on the Citizen’s Advisory Council for St. Lucie Public Schools. She says, “it’s very important to help those we can, when we can.” Her platform enables her to help these various community partners from Boys and Girls Club to Vietnam Veterans of American and others in between. “While we are a business and want to operate as a successful business, it’s also important to be a positive light in our community and that we teach our players to be a part of that community.”

“My time at ALC has absolutely helped me prepare for this! Learning how to manage time between school and work study helped me multitask and stress the importance of hard work.” She credits the College for helping her learn to effectively manage staffs through her service as the Head Lifeguard at our pool, which has served her well in her time after ALC. “I’ve brought many of the lessons that I learned not only at ALC, but also from growing up in Eastern Kentucky- like always helping others, being kind, and offering whatever you are able.”

Kasey embodies the values our founders envisioned for every Alice Lloyd College graduate. Her dedication to serving others, both professionally and personally, reflects the lasting impact of the Purpose Road Philosophy and demonstrates how ALC alumni continue to make a difference in the communities they serve.

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Alumni, join us this Thursday, June 18th for the 9th Annual Alumni Purpose Day, kicking off at 8:00 am! Purpose Day has become an inspiring tradition at Alice Lloyd College. On Purpose Day, alumni from near and far come together to demonstrate their support for our mission and to give back to support future generations of ALC students as they strive to become the next wave of Appalachian leaders.

Tomorrow, join us on social media to reconnect with former classmates, faculty, and the campus community. Share memories from your walk along Purpose Road and reflect on how ALC shaped your path and what the College means to you. You can even participate in games and giveaways! This year, alumni who make a donation will receive their choice of a hat or tote bag as a thank you!

Be sure to invite your alumni friends to join in the fun and celebrate the impact ALC has had on your lives! 

We look forward to reconnecting with you on this Thursday’s Purpose Day!

To participate in this year’s Purpose Day, follow the Alice Lloyd College Office of Alumni Relations Facebook page.

To donate, click here!

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Alice Lloyd College alumnus Izaeyah Dotson was recognized by the Kentucky State Police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his service to Eastern Kentucky.

KSP Post 9, located in Pikeville, Kentucky, recognized Trooper Dotson for his dedication to keeping Kentucky’s roadways safe. In support of the mission of MADD, Trooper Dotson was presented with an award for his efforts in eliminating impaired driving and protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Dotson graduated from Alice Lloyd College in 2023 with a degree in criminal justice and has quickly made an impact through his service with the Kentucky State Police. His recognition highlights not only his commitment to public safety, but also the important role law enforcement officers play in protecting communities across Eastern Kentucky. By removing impaired drivers from the road, Trooper Dotson has helped prevent countless potential accidents and ensured safer travel for Kentucky families.

Please join us in congratulating Trooper Dotson on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for his continued service to the Commonwealth. He is another strong example of the servant leaders ALC’s founders hoped to “home grow” to strengthen our communities. We are thankful that Trooper Dotson is serving and protecting the citizens of Eastern Kentucky.

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After graduating, Hailey was accepted into the Caney Scholars Program (now the Gatton-Winston Scholars Program) and went on to further her education, graduating from the Kentucky College of Optometry and completing her residency in Ocular Disease at Huffman and Huffman in London, Kentucky. She has since returned to the community that helped shape her. In Knott County, Kentucky, Hailey now serves the region as an optometrist at Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation’s Hindman location.

While at ALC, Hailey was a member of the Allied Health Club, the Student Rural Health Association, and the Student Government Association. She fondly recalls Chicken Patty Friday and loved being greeted by Miss Irma every time she visited the bookstore.

“It was during my time at ALC that I discovered my calling to return home to serve, and it became my dream to open a practice in my hometown. The Purpose Road Philosophy teaches us to put God first, set clear goals, and work hard to achieve them.”

Hailey exemplifies Mrs. Lloyd’s mission of “home-growing” servant leaders and health professionals for the region. She feels strongly about serving her community as a way of saying “thank you” to the people who supported her—the mentors who believed in her, the community that cheered her on, and the place that made her who she is.

Hailey credits Alice Lloyd College with preparing her for graduate school and her professional career. “ALC students are blessed with outstanding faculty and staff,” she says. As a biology major, she learned from professors like Dr. Janelle Pryor and Dr. Paul Yeary, and during optometry school, she gained a deeper appreciation for how well ALC classes had prepared her to further her education.

She also highlights the College’s Student Work Program as an important part of her growth. By applying for additional work hours—sometimes up to 20 per week per semester—she developed a strong work ethic and learned to manage her time between “studying for rigorous classes and working all week.” During her junior and senior years, Hailey worked in the Career Services Department—a role she describes as “so much more than being the ‘fashion police’ during Convocation Tuesdays.” In this position, she gained invaluable skills, from writing CVs to organizing events and honing her networking abilities.

Reflecting on her experience at ALC, Hailey says, “I was able to receive an affordable, high-quality education, all while staying close to home. I was also blessed to be a Caney Scholar, so ALC continued to help me financially through graduate school. There is no way to put into words how thankful I am for ALC and how it has changed my life.”

Hailey continues to support the College’s mission and offers advice to future generations of students walking the Purpose Road: cherish Chicken Patty Friday, thank the faculty and staff who help you succeed, and always seek guidance and peace through prayer to Almighty God.

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Dan was a Sports and Fitness Management major and a member of the Eagles basketball team, spending the majority of his time in the Grady Nutt Athletic Center. Between practices, games, and workouts, Dan’s days revolved around the basketball court. Tiffany, a business administration major, was taking an introductory physical education class in the gymnasium. Somehow, despite his full schedule, Dan’s attendance in her PE class was better than his attendance in his own classes.

It took Dan a few weeks to work up the nerve, but eventually he asked for her number. What started as a simple conversation turned into something much more. Between classes, campus events, and time spent supporting the Eagles, their friendship steadily grew into a relationship rooted in shared values and a shared love for the place that brought them together: Alice Lloyd College.

Their years at ALC were about more than academics and athletics. They were learning lessons about discipline, service, faith, and purpose; lessons that would later shape their marriage. As students, they were surrounded by a community that encouraged growth, accountability, and commitment. Those same qualities became foundational in their relationship.

After graduating from ALC in 2011, Dan and Tiffany stepped into a new season together. Later that year, they became engaged, marking another milestone that traced back to the campus where their story began. In 2012, just after Tiffany began her role as Director of Marketing and Communications at Alice Lloyd College, the two were married.

Over the years, their relationship has continued to grow and mature, strengthened by the same values that first brought them together. The discipline Dan learned as a student-athlete, the leadership and communication skills Tiffany developed through her coursework and work study, and the Christ-centered mission of the College have all played a role in shaping their journey. Today, Tiffany and Daniel are employed by the Perry County Schools system and are strong supporters of Alice Lloyd College.

Looking back, Tiffany reflects on their story with gratitude and a bit of humor. “Sometimes you get more than you bargain for walking the Purpose Road!”

What began as a chance encounter in a PE class became a lifelong partnership. Their story is a reminder that at Alice Lloyd College, students find more than an education. They find purpose, community, and sometimes even the person they are meant to spend forever with.

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Alice Lloyd College hosted the Twenty-Seventh Annual Alumna and Alumnus of the Year Banquet on Friday, September 19. This special evening celebrated two distinguished graduates, Ms. Brandi Brashear, Class of 1999, and Dr. Kenneth Royal, Class of 2003.  The honorees were recognized for their professional achievements, dedication to service, and continued support of their alma mater.

The banquet began with a welcome from Alumni Association President Dr. Chuck Stamper, followed by an invocation offered by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Marshall. Entertainment was provided by ALC senior Colby O’Bryan, and guests enjoyed a buffet dinner prepared by Pioneer Food Service.

Ms. Brandi Brashear has built an outstanding career in healthcare, leading the Reimbursement and Development team for CommonSpirit Health, the nation’s largest Catholic hospital chain and the second largest nonprofit hospital system. She is widely recognized for her expertise in hospital finance and government regulations and has played a key role in shaping state legislation that protects access to care and improves patient quality. Beyond her professional life, Brandi is an active volunteer with numerous organizations and has been recognized with the Hello Humankindness Award for her compassion and service. She credits her time at Alice Lloyd College as the foundation for her success and remains a faithful supporter of the College.

Dr. Kenneth Royal has achieved international recognition as a researcher and educator, specializing in medical and veterinary education, psychometrics, and assessment and evaluation. Over the course of his career, he has held faculty positions at several major universities, published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles, and contributed extensively to national and international medical committees. His accomplishments include being named the number one expert in veterinary education worldwide in 2023. Dr. Royal has also remained committed to service; a value instilled during his years at Alice Lloyd College. He continues to advocate for the mission of ALC in his professional life while also supporting his community and church.

Dr. Allison Holbrook Southard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, shared remarks on the importance of celebrating these alumni who exemplify the values of Alice Lloyd College. Dr. Southard noted during her speech, “Because when a young person comes here, they are not just earning a degree, they are being equipped to make an impact on the world. Our honorees prove it. Their work has reached hospitals, classrooms, churches, and communities, and yet they remain faithful to Alice Lloyd College, giving back and encouraging today’s students.”

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Stamper, who commended the honorees for their achievements and their steadfast commitment to Alice Lloyd College. The banquet served as a reminder of the lasting impact of an ALC education and the ways alumni continue to live out the Purpose Road philosophy.

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On Friday, April 11th, Alice Lloyd College held its annual Spring Alumni Banquet at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The evening celebrated tradition, community, and the lasting impact of the College’s mission.

Mrs. Alicia Dawson, Class of 1990, welcomed alumni and guests, setting the tone for a night of reflection and gratitude. Her welcome was followed by a performance from the Voices of Appalachia, under the direction of Dr. Mindy Rubin.

A highlight of the evening came from current ALC junior Reese Stivers of Pippa Passes, Kentucky, who shared her personal connection to the College. “I am proud to be part of a family that has contributed to the rich tapestry of this institution,” she said, speaking on how her family’s deep roots at Alice Lloyd have shaped her identity and academic journey.

Current ALC freshman Christian Meade of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, was recognized as the recipient of the Sarah M. Laven Purpose Road Endowed Scholarship. Named in honor of the late Sarah M. Laven, an educator and founding member of the Floyd County Alumni Chapter, the scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman from Floyd County and is used to assist with the cost of supplies and fees not already covered during the student’s first year of college.

President Jim Stepp offered remarks and shared exciting updates from campus, reflecting on the continued growth of the College. He concluded with a touching writing from his late mother, Miss Irma, on the importance of being thankful. In his closing words, President Stepp expressed his heartfelt thanks: “I am thankful for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Alice Lloyd College.”

The evening served as a reminder of the Purpose Road Philosophy and the bonds shared among the ALC community.

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On Friday, September 20th, Alice Lloyd College hosted the Twenty-Sixth Annual Alumna and Alumnus of the Year Banquet. This year, ALC honored Class of 1985 graduates Alumna Kathy Ellen Stumbo and Alumnus Dr. Anthony Clark Stumbo, the first married couple to be honored together.

The program began at 6:00 PM in Cushing Hall with a welcome by Dr. Chuck Stamper, Alumni Association President and Class of 1991 graduate. Following the welcome, Mrs. Margo Sparkman gave the invocation. Mrs. Brittany Lyons (Class of 2007) provided entertainment for the evening, and Pioneer Food Services provided a buffet dinner for the attendees.

After dinner, Dr. Stamper welcomed ALC Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Class of 2015 graduate Dr. Allison Holbrook Southard, who gave her remarks and introduced Mr. and Mrs. Stumbo. Dr. Southard said, “Tony and Kathy have lived out the Purpose Road Philosophy in their lives and careers and continue to give back to our region and our students here at ALC.”

Mrs. Lloyd and Miss June began their work on Caney Creek over one hundred years ago. They started educating children, establishing the Caney Creek Community Center in 1917 and then a high school. When they began, there wasn’t even a high school in Knott County or several surrounding counties. Mrs. Lloyd is credited with starting over a hundred one-room schoolhouses in Eastern Kentucky.

Mrs. Lloyd and Miss June never intended to start a college, but that changed in 1918 with the Spanish Flu Pandemic. The region lacked doctors, nurses, and medicine. Mrs. Lloyd recognized a glaring problem and said, “The only way we’re going to get doctors here is to home-grow them,” which is where the idea from the college grew.

Tony and Kathy are evidence of Mrs. Lloyd’s vision coming full circle. After receiving their degrees from ALC, they both went on to the University of Kentucky and returned to help advance and provide healthcare within the mountains. Kathy is a distinguished healthcare executive with over thirty years of experience in the industry. She has served in leadership roles within St. Joseph Health System and Appalachian Regional Healthcare. She also served at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lexington and as CEO of Our Lady of the Way Hospital in Martin for 21 years. She is a member of the Kentucky Hospital Association Board of Trustees.

Tony has served Eastern Kentucky for over thirty years as a doctor of internal medicine at his private practice and Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg, KY. He has held multiple leadership positions, including Highlands Chief Medical Officer and Director of HRMC Cardiac Rehab. In 2019, he was named Appalachian Regional Healthcare Medical Officer for the Big Sandy Region, serving five ARH facilities in this capacity.

In addition to their contributions to healthcare in the region, Tony and Kathy have supported outstanding senior students at ALC who are entering the medical field. In 2005, the family established the Dr. Anthony and Kathy Stumbo Pre-Med Award, which has been an excellent addition to ALC’s Honor’s Day ceremony.

Congratulations, Dr. Anthony and Mrs. Kathy Stumbo, and thank you for your contributions to healthcare in Eastern Kentucky and to Alice Lloyd College’s student leaders.

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Dr. Martin was a 1951 graduate of Garrett High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Caney Junior College in 1953. He was awarded a Caney Cottage Scholarship to attend the University of Kentucky and later, finished a Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Louisville in 1959.

Dr. Martin was faithful and loyal to his alma mater, Alice Lloyd College, through his service as a member of the Board of Trustees for 50 years. Dr. Martin’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in leading the College to its highly regarded status among private liberal arts colleges. In 2010, he was named Alumnus of the Year.

Dr. Martin’s passion for medicine was evident throughout his career.  He began practicing at Beaver Valley Hospital in 1962 and later continued his medical practice at the Martin Clinic and Our Lady of the Way Hospital from 1967 until his retirement in 2009.  His impact on healthcare in the Appalachian region was immeasurable, and he was widely regarded as one of the most beloved and respected physicians in Eastern Kentucky.

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Martin was known for his vibrant personality and diverse interests.  He was an avid storyteller, always eager to share tales about Mrs. Lloyd, Miss June, and his experiences on Caney Creek.  Dr. Martin’s love for the Appalachian Mountains and the communities he served was unwavering.

In accordance with Dr. Martin’s wishes, he will be cremated in Atlanta, GA, where he resided at the time of his passing. Instead of a traditional funeral, his family will hold a joyous celebration of life to honor his memory.  Dr. Martin’s ashes will be planted in his favorite hunting and fishing spots on the farm.

In remembrance of Little Doc, donations may be made to the Dr. Lowell D. Martin Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund at Alice Lloyd College. You can visit https://www.alc.edu/online-donations/ to make your donation. Select the Dr. Lowell D. Martin Memorial Scholarship under the gift designation. Checks can be written to Alice Lloyd College with the Dr. Lowell D. Martin Memorial Scholarship in the memo.

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On Tuesday, December 12, Benny Ray Bailey (class of 1964) and Nikki Bailey (class of 1988) presented President Stepp with a check for $50,000 to establish the Benny Ray and Nikki Bailey Endowed Scholarship Fund. The endowment will provide tuition scholarships for students from Breathitt, Perry, Knott, Floyd, Johnson, Leslie, and Martin Counties in Kentucky.

Benny Ray and Nikki have both dedicated their lives to facilitating positive change in East Kentucky. After leaving ALC, Benny Ray graduated with a BA from The University of Pikeville, an M.S from Indiana State University, and completed his doctoral studies at Ohio University. In 1969, Benny Ray returned to Pippa Passes to service as Director of Outreach Programs, and subsequently founded Alice Lloyd College Outreach (ALCOR), a summer program focused on community empowerment and healthcare within the region. In 1972, he partnered with Dr. Grady Stumbo (ALC class of 1965) to found East Kentucky Health Services Center, the first clinical facility in Knott County. Serving as a state senator for twenty-one years, Benny Ray brought bills to the floor that would reform both healthcare and the coal industry – two vital pieces of the eastern Kentucky economy.

Beginning in 2000, Benny Ray and Nikki have established scholarships at every public high school in Knott and Floyd counties and have scholarship funds at other colleges within the region. The Baileys operate the Benny Ray and Nikki Bailey Foundation to assist groups in East Kentucky building better communities and improving the lives of the next generation. Benny Ray is a strong advocate for young people to stay in the mountains for college, and then return to their home communities to work and serve.

President Jim Stepp said, “We are grateful for Benny Ray and Nikki’s commitment to helping us educate Appalachian students. Their support will provide opportunities for young people to earn a quality, character-based education right here in the mountains.”  

For 100 years, Alice Lloyd College has continued providing affordable, character-based education to young people in the Appalachian region. Tuition guarantee scholarships are funded through endowment earnings and annual fundraising from alumni and generous friends nationwide.

If you are interested in establishing an endowment fund or would like to contribute to the Benny Ray and Nikki Bailey Endowed Scholarship Fund, please contact Allison Holbrook Southard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

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