Recruiters

Hey Everyone! My name is Clayton Abernathy and I am originally from Crescent Springs, Ky. I am a 2016 University of Kentucky graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science. As a student, I served as president of Theta Chi Fraternity, morale coordinator of DanceBlue and news director of the student-run radio station, WRFL 88.1-FM.

Being involved on campus helped me grow as a student, person and leader. With more than 550 student organizations at the University of Kentucky, there is a place for you to make your mark on campus! I look forward to helping you discover what’s wildly possible for you at UK. 

Take that next step and visit UK’s campus to experience what it is like to be a Wildcat. Reach out to me if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you 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!

Hello! My name is Sara Gabbard and I was born and raised in Muhlenberg County, Ky. I am a 2015 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in English. At UK, I was involved as a student leader with the organization, Campus Outreach. My time at UK was an enriching experience because of the exceptional academic curriculum that was offered, the developmental growth of leadership skills and the close-knit community I was able to form during my four years at the university. I also love the great food scene that Lexington provides and am always down for The Local Taco! 

I hope you get the chance to visit campus so you can experience Big Blue Nation and see the charming city of Lexington for yourself. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time and let me know how I can be of assistance to you during the admissions process. I look forward to sharing with you all the exciting experiences that UK has to offer. Go Cats!

Hi there! My name is Anna Garlock, and I am a proud 2021 graduate of the University of Kentucky. I am originally from Salisbury, Maryland, but am thrilled to now call Lexington my home!

In addition to majoring in psychology and participating in undergraduate research, I spent my time at UK getting involved on campus through our student-run radio station, WRFL-FM Lexington, and giving campus tours through the Visitor Center. Joining these communities was one of the best things I did during my college experience, as they really made campus feel like home.

I am so excited for you to see all that is wildly possible for you at the University of Kentucky. I encourage you to schedule a time to visit us on campus, and of course, please reach out with any questions you have. I can’t wait to speak with you! Go Cats!

Hey y’all! I’m Dowling Gibson, Florida local and your Regional Admissions Counselor for the Sunshine State! I have spent my whole life in the south growing up in Georgia, graduating from Valdosta State University, and then moving to Florida in 2015 to be closer to the beautiful beaches. My collegiate experience was spent as a Mass Media/Journalism major reporting on school athletics, working part time at our Student Recreation Center, attending Fine Arts performances, and being involved in various student ministries.  

I currently reside in North Florida outside of Jacksonville and am readily available to meet with and get to know my Florida families to discuss the endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky! I can’t wait to get to know you and your family and assist with any questions you have along the way. Go Wildcats!  

Hey, y’all! My name is Nick Johnson. I graduated from UK in 2015 with a degree in music education and I am so excited to be your recruiter! In relation to UK, I grew up a stone’s throw away in the state capital, Frankfort. It’s a semi-small town that taught me to love Kentucky and how to help others love Kentucky, as well.

During my tenure at UK I served as the coach of the acoUstiKats, was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and had the opportunity to travel to multiple states and countries on university sponsored trips. Upon graduation, I taught choir and guitar at Tates Creek High School in Lexington for six years.

Now, I’ve been given the exciting opportunity to help you discover your future home waiting for you on UK’s campus. Schedule a tour and take time to experience the vibrancy Lexington has to offer – I promise you won’t regret it! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or if I can assist you in any way. I’m rooting for you and I’m here to help! Go Cats!

Greetings! My name is Christina Lopez and I have called Georgia my home for most of my life. In 2012, I graduated from Oglethorpe University with a degree in sociology. While in undergrad, I was very involved with several student roles in admissions. I also enjoyed my time in Greek life, as an orientation leader, volunteering and in various leadership development organizations.

I live in metro Atlanta and serve the state of Georgia as a regional recruiter. This allows me to be readily available for Georgia families excited about endless possibilities available to students at the University of Kentucky!

I look forward to sharing all the unique and incredible opportunities that UK has to offer. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have along the way. Go Cats!

Hello y’all! My name is Amanda Martinez. 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!

¡Hola futuros Wildcats, mucho gusto!

My name is Alexis Meza de los Santos and I am originally from Veracruz, Mexico, but I have been residing in the United States since I was 9 years old. Lexington is home for me! I am a first-generation Latina college graduate, and I now get to help other Latinx/Hispanic students navigate the college journey. I’m a graduate of Kentucky State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. While in college, I was involved with Latinx student organizations, became an activist for undocumented student access to higher education, served on the school newspaper, and hosted a radio show.

I serve as the Latinx/Hispanic Diversity Recruiter in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. I can help you with your admission process and answer any questions you have in general about college life. I do not have a specific territory, so I am all over the place! I am also bilingual, and can definitely express myself in Spanglish, so let’s talk! It’s an incredible time to be a Wildcat, and I am so excited to show you how you too can be part of the Big Blue Nation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to working with you!

¡Si se puede!

Hey future Wildcats! My name is Addison Mills and I am a 2015 graduate of the University of Kentucky. I received my bachelor’s degree in integrated strategic communications with a minor in English. I had a unique experience here at UK that was filled with lots of twists and turns and forward to sharing those experiences with you. I attended a community college before transferring to UK and switched majors four times before finally deciding on my major! 

While at UK, I was a K Week K-Crew leader, worked as a resident advisor, was at the Johnson Center five days a week playing basketball or lifting weights, was a photographer for the Kentucky Kernel, worked for the admissions office, played intramural flag football and always loved a Friday night trip to Pazzo’s for bacon pineapple pizza! UK and Lexington offered me tons of ways to meet people and get involved. I love calling UK home.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you soon and Go Cats! 

Hey there! My name is Blake Nantz and I was born and raised in London, Ky. I moved to Lexington in 2017 after graduating from Western Kentucky University with a degree in psychology and a minor in clinical and community behavioral health. I love the sense of community here. During college I was involved with many different organizations but spent a lot of time working for campus recreation and wellness; here, I found my passion for working with students.

I’m so excited to get to know you and work with you through your college search process! Reach out to me with any questions that you have. 

Visit campus soon and discover what the University of Kentucky has to offer you. I’m here for you and your family – to any questions about the college application process or specific questions about UK!

I look forward to getting to know you! Go Cats!

Hello everyone! My name is Chaquenta Neal, a Pine Bluff, Ark., native with a unique journey to the University of Kentucky. I am a 2010 University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff graduate with a degree in agriculture economics. I then joined the Big Blue Nation, earning my master’s degree in agricultural economics in 2013. 

During my time at UA-PB, I was a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship Recipient and was very involved on campus including several agriculture-related student organizations, the honors college and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. At UK, I was a Lyman T. Johnson Fellowship recipient and was involved with the UK MANRRS chapter, Gamma Sigma Delta National Agriculture Honor Society and a few graduate student organizations.

My undergraduate and graduate experiences were filled with amazing opportunities and I am excited help you fulfill your wildest ambitions at UK!

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!

Hey there! My name is TaChae Sowell and I was born and raised in Louisville. I moved to Lexington in 2013 after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Health, Society and Populations. During college I was involved with many different organizations but spent a lot of time doing community service for my sorority - The Most Excellent Mu Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

UK and Lexington offered me tons of ways to meet people and get involved. I was the Public Relations chair of MANRRS, and I even worked in the Wildcat ID Office. With more than 550 student organizations at t​he University of Kentucky, there is a place for you to make your mark on campus!

If you have any questions, please reach out to me. I look forward to helping you along your college journey. C-A-T-S CATS! CATS! CATS! 

Hey Everyone. My name is Jacob Westover and I'm from Florence, Ky., otherwise known as Florence Y'ALL! I am a proud 2017 University of Kentucky with a degree in communications and a certificate in leadership studies. My time at UK was full of leadership positions and campus involvement. I served as a First-Generation Living Learning Program peer mentor, resident advisor, orientation leader, campus tour guide, Parent and Family Ambassador and K-Crew Leader. I was a William C. Parker Scholarship recipient, as well as a member of the First Scholars Program. 

I absolutely loved my time at UK, and am proud to say that I am a first-generation college graduate. I know that you all will feel right at home at the University of Kentucky. Here you’ll find all the things you need to do all the things you never thought you could. I encourage you to schedule a visit and tour our beautiful campus to see what UK, and the Bluegrass state, are all about.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me. I look forward to helping you along your college journey. C-A-T-S CATS! CATS! 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.