Recruiters

Hey everyone! My name is Anthony Alonzo and I am originally from Van Nuys, Calif. I am a 2018 University of Kentucky graduate with a degree in secondary social studies education and history, and I have a master’s in teaching from the University of the Cumberlands. 

While my experience at UK was non-traditional as a commuter-student, I still got to experience many of the things that make UK special, from the diversity, academics, athletics and more. With such a vastly growing and expanding campus, there is bound to be something for everyone. I hope to be a part of helping you discover what makes the University of Kentucky a great fit for you.

If you have any questions about admissions, college life, if you want to see what UK has to offer in person, or anything else feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you. Go Cats!

Hey, future Wildcats! I am Chris Arria, your regional admissions counselor for the state of Florida. I am a Georgia native but have called Florida home for most of my life. I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree from Clemson University. You will often catch me on the Atlantic surfing, cruising down the A1A listening to Jimmy Buffett or snacking at Walt Disney World.

I live and work for the University of Kentucky in Florida, which allows me to build personal connections with students and families throughout the Sunshine State. With that said, I also serve students in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

I am eager to be a part of the first step in your journey to discover your true passions at the University of Kentucky. The opportunities at UK are truly endless, and I look forward to being your local connection to Big Blue Nation. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out with questions and as always, Go Cats!

Hi future Wildcats! I’m Leigha Cameron, your regional admissions counselor for the great Chicagoland area. I am a proud University of Kentucky Class of 2020 graduate and hold both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work.

While at UK, I was involved in many different activities and organizations including DanceBlue, College Mentors for Kids and an on-campus Living Learning Program. I am eager to help share the beauty of Lexington to prospective students looking to join the Big Blue Nation! This is an exciting time and we are here to help throughout the entire process, so please feel free to reach out. And of course, Go Cats!

Hi there! My name is Mariela Duarte Hernandez, and I was raised here in Lexington and am happy to call this charming city home. I am a 2020 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, earning my bachelor’s degree in secondary education, and a 2021 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning my master’s degree in education policy, organization and leadership. During my collegiate career, I worked in three separate K-12 schools and was actively involved in Kappa Delta Pi (International Honors Society for Education Majors).

I always knew that I wanted to work with individuals in environments where I would be able to make lasting and meaningful impacts in their lives professionally, socially and academically. Working at the University of Kentucky has allowed me to achieve this professional goal of mine. I hope that you come see campus for yourself and get a first-hand look at what the University of Kentucky has to offer you! Please feel free to reach out with any questions that you may have – and Go Cats!

Hello, my name is Cara Franke! I am a Lexington, Ky., native and 2009 University of Kentucky graduate. I received a degree in communication and a minor from the Gatton Business School. I spent three wonderful years at UK after transferring – twice – so I understand how difficult it can be to find the perfect fit for you. My years at UK were filled with great experiences due to campus involvement, enriching academic curriculum, access to equine athletics and the amazing city of Lexington!

I encourage you to come visit us here in Lexington to experience UK's beautiful campus for yourself. Here, you’ll find a community committed to your success and the inspiration to fuel your aspirations. Contact me if you have any questions at all, whether they are about admissions, visiting, academics, student life or anything else. Go Cats!

Hey, future Wildcat! My name is Kathryn Gallenstein, and I am from Winchester, Ky. My childhood home is just 20 miles from the iconic University of Kentucky in Lexington. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from Morehead State University in 2021. As an undergraduate, I was in the George M. Luckey Honors Program, Kappa Delta sorority and served as an orientation leader for new students!

I officially joined the Big Blue Nation as a student to obtain my master's degree in sport and exercise psychology in 2024. For those two years, I worked as a graduate assistant recruiting high school students and found a passion for helping students find their way.

I am honored to be a part of your college journey! I live in Virginia now to serve the DMV area, but I’m a true Kentuckian! I’m ready to help you realize your dreams and answer any questions you may have. Go CATS!
 

Hi future Wildcats! My name is Anna Garlock, and I am so excited to help you discover what is wildly possible at the University of Kentucky! I am originally from Salisbury, Mary., but have called Kentucky home since 2017 when I moved to pursue a psychology degree at UK. During my time as a student here, I fell in love with our campus community through my involvement with campus offices and organizations, including the Visitor Center and our student-run radio station, WRFL Lexington. 
 
My favorite thing about the University of Kentucky is that there is something for everyone here, and I cannot wait to help you find your place in the Big Blue Nation. I encourage you to reach out with any questions you have as you navigate your college decision process! Go Cats!

Hi there! My name is Kayla Gowan and I am delighted to be a part of the vibrant University of Kentucky community as your admissions counselor. I am originally from Baltimore and I graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, specializing in public relations and strategic communications. After graduation, I found a passion for working in the higher education space and a strong desire to help students navigate the world of college admissions. 

I encourage you to visit campus to experience all the magic that the University of Kentucky has to offer. I have found an incredible sense of community here in Lexington and I look forward to helping you find your place here too. Choosing the right college can be a difficult decision, but I am here to help! I’m so happy to be a part of your journey as you navigate this new, exciting chapter in your life. Go Cats!

Hello y’all! My name is Amanda Hatfield. I am a native Texan who graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2016 with a degree in mass communications. During my time as an undergraduate student, I was involved in Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and several public relations-based student groups. I developed a passion for higher education during my time as a student ambassador and eagerly pursued a calling to working with students and their families like you!

I live and work for the University of Kentucky in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area. This allows me to work closely with the students and families who reside in our great state of Texas!

I am eager to helping you discover what ignites you at the University of Kentucky. UK has limitless opportunities that I look forward to sharing with you. Please reach out to me with and questions about your application, transitioning to college life, our academic programs or anything else! Go Cats!

Hey, future Wildcats! I’m Zach Lamb, your regional admission counselor for Cat-lanta, Indiana and Southern Ohio! I’m originally from Ann Arbor, Mich., but grew up in the Bluegrass State. I earned two degrees from the University of Kentucky - a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in higher education. While at UK, I was highly involved in activity programming at the Gatton Student Center, and even went on to work for the facility full-time after graduating.

I call Atlanta home now and have taught in the Fulton County School system. My entire career has been centered on helping students reach their full potential as scholars and global citizens. It’s an honor to guide students to the university that made me who I am today! 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I can’t wait to help you navigate this exciting stage where anything is wildly possible! Go Cats! 

Hi there! My name is Lindsey Shokes and I am originally from Nashville, but have fallen in love with the Bluegrass state these last few years. I graduated from Georgetown College in 2013 with a degree in communication and media studies and minors in Spanish and psychology. In college, I participated in Greek life, Panhellenic council, various student life organizations and studied abroad in Spain. I worked in the Office of Admission and interned in the Office of Academic Enhancement.

I hope you will visit campus soon so you can experience all that University of Kentucky has to offer for yourself! Please let me know what questions you have; I look forward to hearing from you. Go Big Blue!

Hi everyone! My name is Mike Smagula, and I’m your regional admissions counselor for the New England states including New Jersey, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montclair State University in New Jersey. As an undergraduate student, I loved working with my university’s radio station, where I served as an on-air DJ for four years. I was also part of the student organization that planned on campus concerts and was in a touring band myself. After receiving my bachelor’s, I continued my education to earn a master’s degree in counseling. 

I live and work for the University of Kentucky in northern New Jersey, which allows me to interact closely with the students and families in the area. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. I’m excited to get to know you and assist you in any way. Go Cats!

Hi everyone! My name is Katie Thomas, and I am excited to be working with the students in northern and central Ohio to find their home away from home in Big Blue Nation! I grew up in rural southeastern Ohio and completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Akron. While I was an undergraduate student, I was a tour guide and member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Through my involvement and various leadership roles, I fell in love with recruiting and connecting with prospective students and their families. I now get to put that passion into a career working with students just like you to find the college that fits your wants and needs! 

I know what it is like to pick a university to attend that is hours away from home, and I am excited to serve as an admissions counselor and mentor through your college search process. I am regionally based in Cleveland, Ohio, making myself more accessible to meet with as many future Wildcats in central and northern Ohio as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to help throughout this process. Go Cats!

Hello everyone! My name is Keith Alfred Wynn and I am originally from the tiny, one-stoplight town of Tollesboro, Kentucky. As a first-generation non-traditional college student, I was proud to graduate from Morehead State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. I have worked in higher education since 2008 in both the United States and in Germany. Admissions and recruitment are my passions, and I truly love helping students take that next step towards the ultimate fulfillment of their goals and dreams. I work with prospective transfer students, and I am excited to help you explore what’s wildly possible as a transfer student here at UK! Remember: Dreams are made possible by taking that first step, and we are here to make sure that you don’t take it alone.