By Lexie McClendon
Faculty and staff members represented Eastern Kentucky University at the 40th annual Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education (KABHE) Conference, "Ruby Jubilee Celebration.” The purpose of KABHE is to promote the advancement of Black professionals in higher education by articulating needs and concerns, promoting unity and cooperation and enhancing the personal and professional growth of its membership.
“I find the work we do and the connections we make to be empowering,” said Dr. Ashley Sweat, director of the Student Success Center. Sweat was elected vice president of KABHE and works on the executive board with other EKU colleagues. “My role in KABHE supports my role here at EKU, because I am able to talk to students and other professionals about strategies to help minority students and other students be both personally and academically successful.”
Fe'Lisa Wilson, recruitment and retention coordinator for the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences, was re-elected secretary of KABHE. Jasmine Nettles, associate director of residential curriculum and living learning communities with EKU Housing and Residence Life, was appointed historian. Nettles was also the recipient of the 2023 KABHE New Professional Award.
Nettles has been working at EKU for the past three years. As the new historian, she hopes to continue highlighting EKU and sharing the historical impact of KABHE to other institutions. Nettles said she was “genuinely shocked” to have been nominated and the recipient of the 2023 KABHE New Professional Award.
“I am so honored to have received this award to be recognized for the work that I do. It has encouraged me to continue to stay focused on the things that I am responsible for and to call in those around me to be better for the sake of our departments and students that we serve,” said Nettles.