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.

The post ALC Alumnus Dotson Recognized by KSP and MADD first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

Following the awards in the Campbell Arts Center’s Roop Auditorium, student workers enjoyed a cookout in the meadow before competing in the annual field day events of the work-study Olympics such as water balloon toss, tug of war, and much more.

Alice Lloyd College is proud of this year’s student workers. Below is a list of the honorees.

Work Award List Spring 2026

1. Cody Jacobs 2026 Award

      Isaac Wallin

2. 2026 Student Worker of the Year Award

               Christian Music

Kaitlyn Lewis

Work Area Awards: (31)

3. Admissions 2026 Work Award

          Katelyn Sandlin

4. ASC Janitor 2026 Work Award               

           Caleb Engle

5. Bettinger Janitor 2026 Work Award

Emma Day

6. CAC Janitor 2026 Work Award

         Katlyn Hughes

7. CAC Tech 2026 Work Award

           Tanner Bays

8. Miss Irma’s Café 2026 Work Award

               Emily Lewis

9. Carrick Dorm Janitor 2026 Work Award

                Elijah Pendleton

10. Commodore Janitor 2026 Word Award

                    Callie Butler

11. Computer Lab 2026 Work Award

              Kayden Campbell

12. Concessions 2026 Work Award

                 Shelby Gibson

13. Craft Shop 2026 Work Award

             Skylar Chaney

14. Cushing Hall Janitor 2026 Work Award

                Noah Lawson

15. Daycare 2026 Work Award

            Natulie Mason

16. Men’s Dorm Janitor 2026 Work Award

                  Jeremy Hacker

17. DSC Janitor 2026 Work Award

             Alexis Helton

18. Grounds 2026 Work Award

            Jerry Sizemore                 

19. Perry Campus Center Janitor 2026 Work Award

            Evan Thomas

20. Hunger Din 2026 Work Award

              Jersie Marchand

21. Intramurals 2026 Work Award

              Alex Rasnick

22. JBAC Janitor 2026 Work Award

            Heidi Sharp

23. Library 2026 Work Award

          Whitney Combs

24. Hermann Dorm Janitor 2026 Work Award

Naomi Strickland

25. Holmes Dorm Janitor 2026 Work Award

                     Raven Messer

26. Student Lounge 2026 Work Award

                 Diego Rodriguez

27. Marketing 2026 Work Award

           Emory Hazelwood

28. REA Janitor 2026 Work Award

          Kyle Compton

29. SWO 2026 Work Award

      Kayli Dunn                   

30. Tutoring Center 2026 Work Award

              Jordan Horne

31. Weight Room Janitor 2026 Work Award

                    Thomas Forehand

32. Women’s RA 2026 Work Award

              Aubri Perkins

33. Men’s RA 2026 Work Award

             Bryson Bartley

Administrative Assistant Awards: (3)

34. Administrative Assistant 2026 Work Award

                      Emily Neace

35. Administrative Assistant 2026 Work Award

                     Amelia Floyd

36. Administrative Assistant 2026 Work Award

                     Mackenzie Sandlin

Academic Assistant Awards: (3)

37. Academic Assistant 2026 Work Award

     Ashley Moore

38. Academic Assistant 2026 Work Award

   Abigail King  

39. Academic Assistant 2026 Work Award

                   Dylan Pierce

Senior Work Awards: (8)

1. 2026 Senior Work Award

        Terry Holland

1. 2026 Senior Work Award

        Allison Boggs

1. 2026 Senior Work Award

       Jordan Miller

1. 2026 Senior Work Award

    Joseph Bays

1. 2026 Senior Work Award

        Taylor Stanley

6. 2026 Senior Work Award

        J.D. McDannel

7. 2026 Senior Work Award

        Kinna Justice

8. 2026 Senior Work Award

Madelyn Conn

Student Supervisor Awards: (3)

1. 2026 Student Supervisor Award

            Lacy Smith

2. 2026 Student Supervisor Award

            Ally Hall

3. 2026 Student Supervisor Award

                       Rose Scotello

Job Well Done Award (1)

1. Kelliana Shepherd

Click here for photos form the event.

The post Alice Lloyd College Recognizes Student Worker Achievements first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

On Saturday, May 9th in the Perry Campus Center, Alice Lloyd College celebrated the Class of 2026 at our annual baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies.

The baccalaureate began at 10:30 am with an invocation and scripture reading by graduating students Kyleah Ward and Devaunte Robinson. College President Jim Stepp then welcomed everyone and addressed the graduating class, reminding them that their journey along Purpose Road doesn’t end at graduation, rather, it guides them through life. Following President Stepp’s remarks, Vice President for Student Services Scott Cornett welcomed the guest speaker, Mr. Jamie Hughes, who serves as pastor for Lighthouse Baptist Church and is an ALC alum. Pastor Hughes shared what the College has meant to him over the years and shared a message with the audience about God’s plans for the graduating class. A congregational hymn followed his message and graduating senior Emily Pool gave the benediction.

After a brief reception, commencement began at 12:15 pm when Dr. Marshall and ALC Professor of Chemistry Dr. Paul Yeary led the processional into the gymnasium. The Voices of Appalachia choir performed our National Anthem after the invocation, and President Stepp once again welcomed the audience and provided his congratulatory remarks. President Stepp reflected on the lasting connection graduates share with the College, referencing founder Alice Lloyd’s vision for its students. “Mrs. Lloyd stated, ‘The graduates of Alice Lloyd College would have faith as firm as a rock and aspirations as high as the mountains.’ Graduates, you will always be a part of the ALC family and the ALC family always will be a part of you. I’m fond of saying that once you’re here, you never really ever leave. This place is always going to be a part of you, and we’re glad of it.”

College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Allison Southard then introduced the commencement speaker, A Harlan County native, Middleton currently serves as President and CEO of Forcht Broadcasting, Kentucky’s largest small market radio group, after spending nearly four decades at WYMT-TV, where he served as Vice President and General Manager. Throughout his distinguished broadcasting career, he has earned numerous awards for journalism and community service while remaining deeply involved in leadership and economic development efforts across Eastern Kentucky, including serving on the Alice Lloyd College Board of Trustees. In his commencement address, Neil Middleton encouraged graduates to embrace life’s setbacks and second chances, sharing his own struggles as a student and reminding students that “life is not a straight line.” He challenged graduates to pursue their purpose with faith and determination, emphasizing that Alice Lloyd College had prepared them to become servant leaders who will make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Academic Dean Charles Marshall then presented the Class of 2025 and began the conferring of degrees with President Stepp. The Class of 2026 Valedictorians are Rachael Rife and Terry Holland, and Kaitlin Hall is the Class of 2026 Salutatorian. Special announcements were made following the conferring of degrees and presentation of academic honors. Professor Natalie Holt presented with the Teaching Excellence and Campus leadership Award and Ms. Jennifer Hall was presented with the Leadership in Service Award. These awards recognize their recipients for their service to students and the College. Following these awards, this year’s graduation ceremony came to a close with the singing of our Alma Mater and a benediction.

With each graduating class, Alice Lloyd College sends out new leaders to serve the region. Undoubtedly, the ALC Class of 2026 is prepared to become the future of Appalachia. Once again, congratulations to the ALC Class of 2026!

Carson Bryant Adams of Millstone, KY

Christa Dawn Amburgey of Hazard, KY

Koji Shakur Anderson of Louisville, KY

Jacob Bradley Ayers of Jonesborough, TN

Benjamin C Baker of Harrogate, TN

John Isaiah Bentley of Whitesburg, KY

Cole Matthew Bishop of Jonesborough, TN

Allison Danielle Boggs of Whitesburg, KY

Tyler Harrison Brammer of Ironton, OH

Kacee Paige Canterbury of Williamson, VA

Benjamin Logan Carter of Hazard, KY

Haleigh Machelle Collins of Pikeville, KY

Laura Sue Conley of Viper, KY

Sarah Madison Conley of Paintsville, KY

Madelyn Rose Conn of Louisa, KY

Jacob Austin Curry of Manchester, KY

Bryan Lawrence DeFoe of Proctorville, OH

Audrey Blaine Evans of Williamson, WV

Parker Hansford Fields of Emmalena, KY

Miguel Flores of Somerset, KY

Nathan Alexander Garcia of Andrews, TX

Darren Lee Griffin of Crab Orchard, KY

Kaitlin Alexandria Hall of Hindman, KY

Carson Drew Hanson of Inez, KY

Wyatt McNiel Hobgood of Adams, TN

Kamryn Jenna Hoiska of Partridge, KY

Terry Ashton Lee Holland of Manchester, KY

Makayla Danielle Jarvis of Dingess, WV

Kyle Hayden Johnson of Hazard, KY

Jordan Christopher Jones of Beauty, KY

Caleb Ross Justice of Hindman, KY

Kinna Brook Justice of Lenore, WV

Dorian Shane Keene of Logan, WV

Tabitha Brittany LeMarr of Rose Hill, VA

Francis Grace Martin of Garrett, KY

Joshua Bradford Martin of Martin, KY

Nikolas Ryker McDaniel of Littcarr, KY

James Dean McDannel of Whitesburg, KY

Jordan Dana Miller of Viper, KY

Dylan Thomas Moore of Bevinsville, KY

Jonathan Michael Pence of Hazard, KY

Emily Autumn Pool of London, KY

Abigail Mae Potter of Langley, KY

Hayden Bradley Pratt of Viper, KY

Chandler Gage Ramey of Elkhorn City, KY

Alexander Ray Rasnick of Big Stone Gap, VA

Rachael Kaylee Rife of Grundy, VA

James Devaunte Robinson of Catlettsburg, KY

Taylor Alyssa Stanley of Pikeville, KY

Alexis Irene Sterk of Martin, KY

Dominick Strong of Whitesburg, KY

Chloe Layne Taylor of London, KY

Wilgus S. Tolson of Campton, KY

Hunter O’Neal Triplett of Mousie, KY

Nicholas Chase Tucker of Prestonsburg, KY

Kyleah Isabella Ward of Louisa, KY

Trenton Kaleb Williams of Ironton, OH

Christian Douglas Winter of Grayson, KY

Jasmine Paige Young of Sandy Hook, KY

Isaiah Lawrence Zuidema of Inez, KY

Photos from baccalaureate and commencement can be found here. 

The post Alice Lloyd College Celebrates the Class of 2026 first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

The celebration of academic excellence began with an invocation from Assistant Professor of Christian Studies and Director of Campus Ministry Phillip Bentley. The Voices of Appalachia Choir followed invocation with a brief performance that included our Alma Mater. Afterwards, ALC Academic Dean and Provost Charles Marshall welcomed the assembly and praised our students’ hard work and dedication throughout the 2025-26 academic year.

This year, we were joined by many special guests, including Mission of Hope Executive Director Emeritus Emmette Thompson, who presented the College with generous donations. ALC is grateful for our ongoing partnership with Mission of Hope and the positive impact it has on our students.

Following the presentation, Dean Marshall turned the program over to Emcee, and Associate Professor of Communications, Dr. Sara Pitts, who led the awards portion of the convocation. Numerous students were recognized for excellence in their respective academic programs. Many were also recognized for significant accomplishments in campus organizations and community service initiatives.

Alice Lloyd College is proud of the accomplishments of our student body. Below is a list of awards and honorees. Click here to view photos of the recipients. 

Social Science and Humanities:
James V. Mongiardo Speech Award: 1st Place Rylee Stidham; 2nd Place Adrianna Harrison; 3rd Place Madelyn Conn

Award for Academic Excellence in Communications Studies: Audrey Evans

Billie & Curtis Owens Writing Award-Fiction: 1st Place Jordan Horne; 2nd Place Madelyn Conn; 3rd Place Weston Collins

Billie & Curtis Owens Writing Award-Creative Non-Fiction: 1st Place Hannah Craft; 2nd Place Chandlar Ramey; 3rd Place Audrey Evans

Billie & Curtis Owens Writing Award-Poetry: 1st Place Emma Parker; 2nd Place Abigail Smith; 3rd Place Ashley Holbrook

Award for Academic Excellence in English: Rachael Rife and Dylan Moore

Award for Academic Excellence in Theatre: Abigail Potter

Voices of Appalachia Award for Dedication and Excellence: Aiden Tester

Award for Academic Excellence in History: Joseph Bays

Award for Academic Excellence in Criminal Justice: Kacee Canterbury

Natural Science and Mathematics:
Dr. Samuel Gilmore Award for Academic Excellence in Biology: Carson Bryant Adams

Dr. Anthony & Kathy Stumbo Pre-Med Scholarship Award: Ashley Moore and Reese Stivers

The Drs. Brandon and Hillaire Amburgey Medical Scholarship Award: Carson Bryant Adams

Melvin & Mae Kibler Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry: Terry Holland

Award for Academic Excellence in General Chemistry: Lucas Ganan Keens

Donald John Bettinger Chemistry Scholarship Award: Kinna Justice

The Walter Herman Isler Endowed Award: Miguel Flores Gomez

Award for Academic Excellence in Mathematics: Kyleah Ward

Whitfield Cobb Award for Statistics (Mathematics): Abigail Collins

Award for Academic Excellence in Kinesiology: Nicholas Chase Tucker and James Dean McDannel

Education:
Knott County Retired Teachers Association Award: Hunter Triplett and Kaitlin Slone Hall

Edward and Charlotte Madden Award for Outstanding Education Student: Kamryn Hoiska

KEA Membership Award: Jordan Horne and Amelia Ramey

KEA Leadership Award: Garrett Reynolds and Kamryn Hoiska

Business and Leadership:
Rachel D. Mullinax Award for Outstanding Senior Accounting Student: Isaiah Zuidema

Whitfield Cobb Award Statistics (Business): Mollie McGuire

Kossuth M. Mitchell Outstanding Senior in Business Administration: Rachael Rife

Jean H. Ingles Award in Business: Whitney Combs

The Fred J. Becker Award in Business: Mitchell Ohnewehr

Whitfield Cobb Award for Leadership Education 101: Elijah Breeding

Award for Academic Excellence in Sports & Fitness Programs Management: Kyle Johnson

All College Awards:
George I. Alden Scholarship: Kaitlyn Lewis and Ayden Fields

Ruth S. Preston Scholarship Award: Nathan and Jayda Adams

Fred L. Mullinax Leadership Award: Chloe Brown

Kossuth M. Mitchell Scholarship: Emily Pool

Katherine Anne Haigler Memorial Award: Kinna Justice

Dr. Allison Holbrook Southard Scholar Athlete Award: Rachael Rife and Cole Bishop

Will & Edith Hayes Freshman Leadership Award: Zachary Caudill

Shirley Bradley Haws Memorial Scholarship and Award: Kaison Ward

Student Teacher Award Sponsored by the Class of 1982: Allyson Slone

Campus Spirit Award Sponsored by the ALC Alumni Association: Hannah Craft

Alice Lloyd Centennial Alumni Scholarship: Taryn Blevins

Earl and Eleanor Holbrook Endowed Scholarship: Hannah Craft and Jordan Horne

Dr. Alan R. & Pamela Dean Student Teacher Education Scholarship: Jordan Horne

Campus Community Award Sponsored by the Hindman Lions Club: Reese Stivers

Thelmarie M. Thornsberry Endowed Scholarship Award: Micah Turner

Robert C. Thacker Endowed Scholarship Award: Paul Jayden Huff

Chief Deputy Bobby Wayne Jacobs Memorial Scholarship: Brianna Neanover

Judy Ann Howard Memorial Award Sponsored by the Alice Lloyd College Student Government Association: Caden Watts

Sharlee Wright Memorial Award Sponsored by the Alice Lloyd College Student Government Association: Aubree Laster

Geraldine Snodgrass Achievement Award: Kyleah Ward, Madelyn Conn, Kaitlyn Hall, and Alexis Sterk

Harold M. Finley Endowed Award: William Alsip

Bobby Moore Endowed Scholarship: Landon Napier

Radiating Christ Endowed Scholarship: Arin Rife

Wendell & Maude Hammond Hope Cottage Award: Benjamin Amburgey

Ella M. Geddes Servant Leadership Award: Sarah Isabelle Parker and Taylor Ford Marshall

Mary Mildred Sullivan Award: Kyleah Ward

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award: Miguel Flores Gomez

Joseph and Irma Derderian Stepp Outstanding Senior Award: Kyleah Ward and Isaiah Zuidema

Kentucky Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi: Lori MarKayla Anderson*, Gracyn Begley*, Chloe Brown*, Kristofer Gannon Brown, Madelyn Bush*, Kacee Canterbury**, Jaden Conley, Madelyn Conn**, Lathan Cornett, Jamie Cowan, Timmi Ellis, Michael Fugate, Kaitlyn Hall**, Kyle Johnson, Ashley Moore, Presley Moore, Danielle Neace, Mitchell Ohnewehr, Emily Pool**, Rachael Rife**, Reese Stivers, Katelyn Sandlin*, Hayleigh Thornsberry*, Micah Turner*, Garrett Reynolds*, Micah Wills*
*Denotes New Member
**Denotes Graduating Senior

Alice Lloyd College Scholastic Society Award: Bryson Bartley, Amelia Floyd, Kenneth Hernandez, Jersie Marchant, Elivia Moore, Brianna Neanover, Robert Porter, Levi Queen, Koen Reeves, Ronald Samons, Kimberly Sizemore, Abigail Smith, Skylar Thompson, Caden Watts

The Robert M. Duncan Honors Graduates: Abigail Potter

The post ALC Honors Academic Excellence and Servant Leadership During Annual Convocation first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

Faculty and administration from Alice Lloyd College recently shared their scholarship on a regional stage at the Eastern Communication Association (ECA) 117th Annual Convention, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Sara Pitts, communications faculty member, and Dr. Allison Holbrook Southard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, represented the College at the conference, which brings together communication scholars and educators from across the country to share research and best practices in the field.

Dr. Pitts and Dr. Southard presented emerging research focused on in-class instructor behaviors that can positively influence the retention of first-generation Appalachian students. Their work, Voices of the Mountains: Communication Practices that Empower Rural, First-generation Students, highlights the unique role faculty play in fostering belonging, engagement, and long-term success for students from the region, aligning closely with Alice Lloyd College’s mission of serving and uplifting Appalachia.

“It was really enjoyable to work together, bridging academics and administration, to consider how to best help our students. All of us on Caney Creek have the same mission to see students succeed, and this showed the power of bridging that gap,” said Dr. Pitts about the experience.

In addition to the joint presentation, Dr. Pitts also presented Networking in Action: A Classroom Experience with Real-World Impact, where she highlighted a networking luncheon hosted by Alice Lloyd College in spring 2025. The event, which Dr. Pitts planned and implemented with the instrumental help of Dr. Southard, connected students in COMM 426 with local professionals to support career exploration and relationship-building. The luncheon provided hands-on learning and meaningful engagement opportunities, reflecting the College’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

By contributing to national conversations about communication and education, ALC faculty continue to elevate the College’s impact while advancing strategies that support student success across Appalachia.

The post Alice Lloyd College Faculty Present Research at Regional Communication Conference first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

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.

The post Returning Home to Serve: Dr. Hailey Champion Caudill first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

Alice Lloyd College junior, Belle Parker, has been selected to serve as a student representative on the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Local Advisory Council in Whitesburg, KY. Through this role, she will work alongside community leaders and healthcare professionals to identify needs, what’s working, and how to make the best use of resources. The council will also help identify ways to improve access to care, support health and wellness and reduce barriers that make it harder for patients to get the care they need.

Parker, a biology major, was identified during a recent visit with ARH leadership, including hospital CEO, Jamie Easterling. Her engagement and thoughtful questions related to rural healthcare set her apart.

ARH Local Advisory Councils are made up of trusted local leaders who provide direct feedback and insight to hospital leadership. Traditionally composed of volunteer business and community members, the addition of a student representative reflects a significant investment in the next generation of healthcare professionals. It also ensures that students preparing to enter the workforce have a voice in the conversations that will shape it.

“Belle represents the heart of our mission at Alice Lloyd College,” said Allison Holbrook Southard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “As she walks the Purpose Road, she is preparing for a lifetime of service. We are excited for her, and grateful to ARH for providing opportunities for our students to learn beyond the classroom.”

Through her participation, Parker will gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing rural healthcare, including issues such as critical access, food insecurity, behavioral health, and addiction. Her involvement reflects the importance of preparing students to meet real needs in the communities they call home.

This opportunity highlights the continued partnership between Alice Lloyd College and Appalachian Regional Healthcare. Together, we honor Mrs. Lloyd’s mission of mountain people helping mountain people.

The post Alice Lloyd College Student Selected to Serve on ARH Hospital Advisory Council first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

During her time at ALC, Kamryn has represented the College well and earned numerous honors, including the Class of 1982 Student Teacher Award and the Kentucky Education Association Leadership Award. She also served as the College’s representative in last year’s Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as a candidate for queen.

As part of Alice Lloyd College’s Student Work Program, which allows students to help cover the cost of their education by working on campus, Kamryn worked in both the Marketing and Communications Department and the Education Department. In the Marketing office, Kamryn specialized in social media and helped promote the College through its various accounts. She also assisted her coworkers and supervisors with planning and hosting major campus events, such as ALC’s Appalachia Day Homecoming and Christmas on Caney. For the Education Department, Kamryn performed many tasks as an assistant to the department’s secretary, including making copies, cleaning, assisting other students majoring in education, and running errands.

Kamryn says that although she has always wanted to be a teacher, ALC helped her redefine her passion and discover her true purpose. “Through its faith-based foundation and close-knit community, ALC helped me understand that teaching is more than a career. It is a form of servant leadership. I learned that some students come to school not just to learn, but to feel safe, valued, and loved. That realization strengthened my passion to be the kind of teacher who shows up for students in every way they need.”

While traveling down Purpose Road, Kamryn discovered a passion for serving others, especially Appalachian children, through education in order to make a lasting impact on their lives and the region. “I am called to teach, to lead with kindness, and to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and capable. ALC helped me recognize it, grow it, and walk confidently toward the life I was meant to live.”

When asked to describe Alice Lloyd College and her time here in one word, Kamryn answered, “home.” “I found a community here—not one defined by a place, but by the people who surrounded me. It’s a campus filled with love, encouragement, and belonging. Through these connections, I found friendships that shaped who I am today. If it wasn’t for this school, there is absolutely no way I would be where I am today.”

Kamryn wholeheartedly recommends ALC to any mountain student longing to find their purpose and become a servant leader in Appalachia. “It’s close to home and it feels like home. ALC is a small, close-knit community. You’ll build strong relationships not only with your classmates, but also with the faculty and staff who are taking every step of your journey with you.”

Kamryn says it was her faith that led her here, and she will always be grateful to God for helping her find a second home in the mountains. “I found so much joy in being at Alice Lloyd College—not only in the beauty of the campus, but in the people who make it so special. The love, kindness, and sense of community here are unlike anything I had experienced before. When I think of campus, I am always reminded of Psalm 16:11: ‘In His presence there is fullness of joy.’ That verse perfectly captures what ALC means to me.”

Kamryn extends her gratitude to the alumni who came before her and continue to support the College’s mission, as well as to friends across the nation who make dreams like hers possible.

The post Kamryn Hoiska: A Purpose in Education first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

Members of Alice Lloyd College’s KEA-AE education organization visited Letcher Elementary and Middle School on Tuesday, March 3, to celebrate Read Across America Week and encourage students as they look toward their futures.

The group sponsored a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss for each member of the eighth-grade class. The gift served as both a celebration of literacy and the official kickoff to honoring the Class of 2026 as students begin their journey toward graduation. This partnership was made possible through Full Service Community School Jenkins/Letcher, strengthening the connection between the College and local schools.

Talon, ALC’s mascot, greeted students throughout the visit, while KEA-AE members read to kindergarten through third grade classrooms. The college students also partnered with GEAR UP Promise Zone representative Andrea Potter to meet with seventh and eighth graders, sharing what a typical day looks like as a college student, discussing Alice Lloyd’s education program, and walking through the admissions process.

Jenny Holland, school coordinator at Letcher Elementary and Middle School and an Alice Lloyd College alumna, expressed her appreciation for the visit. “We are so thankful for ALC’s KEA-AE students and the time they poured into our school,” Holland said. “When college students show up for our kids, it makes a lasting impact. Partnerships like this help us better serve our students and open their eyes to what’s possible. As an ALC graduate, it makes me incredibly proud to see them giving back in this way.”

For Emory Hazelwood, a freshman education major and KEA-AE member, the experience was a meaningful reminder of her future role as an educator. “Getting to read with the younger students and talk with the middle schoolers about becoming a teacher reminded me why I chose education,” Hazelwood said. “I remember being their age and looking up to college students. If we can help even one student believe they can go to college and follow their dreams, then it is worth it.”

Garrett Reynolds, president of KEA-AE, said the organization was honored to present the books. “The ALC KEA-AE is happy to present these books to the eighth-grade graduates of Letcher Elementary and Middle School,” Reynolds said. “We hope Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss will inspire these students to strive to learn all they can throughout their education and go wherever they want to go in life.”

Through service, mentorship, and partnerships, Alice Lloyd College continues to invest in students across the region and support pathways to higher education.

The post ALC KEA-AE Celebrates Read Across America Week with Book Donation at Letcher Elementary and Middle School first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.

Easterling opened his remarks by providing an overview of Appalachian Regional Healthcare as an organization, highlighting the scope of its impact across the region, including the number of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities within the ARH system. He explained the structure of different hospital types, including critical access hospitals, and the important role each plays in serving rural communities throughout Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia.

Drawing from his own professional journey, Easterling shared his history in healthcare leadership and reflected on his decision to return to Eastern Kentucky. He spoke candidly about his commitment to the region and his desire to invest his leadership where it matters most.

As a CEO, Easterling also addressed the challenges facing healthcare systems today. He discussed his ongoing concerns, the importance of strategic leadership, and the need for continuous improvement. He emphasized the daily steps his team takes to evaluate performance, improve patient outcomes, and ensure ARH continues to provide high-quality care. He also highlighted the growing impact of technology on modern medicine and how innovation is transforming patient care across rural health systems.

Workforce development was a central theme of the evening. Easterling outlined critical workforce needs in the region, noting that while physicians remain essential, some of the greatest shortages are in other areas. He specifically identified respiratory therapists as one of the most pressing needs across the healthcare system.

Dr. Charles Marshall, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alice Lloyd College, expressed appreciation for Easterling’s visit and the impact of the new speaker series.

“We are deeply grateful for leaders like Jamie who are willing to invest their time in our students,” Marshall said. “Opportunities like this allow our students to see firsthand how they can use their education to meet real workforce needs in Appalachia and lead with purpose right here at home.”

The Allied Health Club speaker series, sponsored by Appalachian Regional Healthcare, aims to connect Alice Lloyd College students with healthcare professionals who are actively serving the Appalachian region. By fostering these conversations, the College continues its mission of educating mountain people for positions of leadership and preparing graduates to meet critical workforce needs in the mountains.

For more information about Allied Health programs at Alice Lloyd College, visit www.alc.edu.

The post Alice Lloyd College Hosts Jamie Easterling of Appalachian Regional Healthcare first appeared on Alice Lloyd College.