Eastern Kentucky University has named Michelle Allen as its Somerset campus and outreach coordinator.
Allen, a 2000 graduate of EKU and Somerset resident, has served the past three years as an EKU regional outreach agent overseeing Pulaski and five adjacent counties. She had been employed the previous 10 years with Tour Southern and Eastern Kentucky (TOUR SEKY).
“I’m thrilled to serve in this position,” Allen said, “because this is my hometown. I believe in EKU and hope that students looking to further their education would consider EKU Somerset as an option. Students can also receive tutoring services, use our campus as the University’s resource center, receive online degrees and stay right at home, saving on travel and living expenses. Although they may stay at home, they are still getting the education from a wonderful university and are a part of the Colonel family and receive the same benefits as if they were in Richmond.”
Sandra Stevens, South Region director for the University, said EKU is “excited” to welcome Allen to the position.
“Michelle has close ties to the community and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience along with proven enthusiasm, productivity and dedication,” Stevens said. “We welcome community members to drop by our EKU Somerset Center to meet Ms. Allen and learn about all of the opportunities – academic, workforce education, dual credit, community partnerships, and many other services – available. EKU and Ms. Allen look forward to growing our partnerships and community involvement in Somerset and surrounding areas.”
EKU Somerset is particularly attractive to those seeking a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Allen noted, offering courses in juvenile justice domestic violence and police studies, among others.
“Who knew you could get a criminal justice degree from one of the top five schools in the field right in your backyard,” she said. “That’s why I’m excited about this position. I get to make people aware of the many opportunities EKU can provide.”
EKU Somerset also offers education courses, such as Curriculum and Instructional Design, as well as the Commonwealth’s Registered Nurses Aide program, OSHA training and small business development assistance, among other on-site and online programs.
Allen is a member of the executive board for the Somerset/Pulaski County Convention and Visitors Bureau, serves as a Pulaski County Chamber Ambassador and a Wayne County “Work Ready” committee member, and is a member of the Young Professionals of Lake Cumberland. She also created the Leaders Excel Above Diversity (LEAD) program at Wayne County High School. The program is now being implemented at two other high schools.
EKU Somerset is located at 46 Turpin Court. To learn more about opportunities at EKU Somerset, visit somerset.eku.edu, call 859-622-7694 or 859-353-7741 or e-mail Allen at michelle.allen@eku.edu.