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 Anne Anaya and I am the recruiter for the greater Chicago area. My travel territory includes the Chicagoland area suburbs, Chicago city schools and Central Illinois. My role at UK is unique as I live in the suburbs of Chicago; this opportunity allows me to work closely with area students and their families throughout the college exploration process.

I graduated from North Central College in 2014 with a degree in psychology. During my undergraduate years, I was an active member of the forensics team, sang in an acapella group, played violin in the symphonic orchestra and studied abroad in Greece and Italy. But I fell in love with admissions during my time as a student ambassador and tour guide.

I look forward to sharing what’s wildly possible for you at the University of Kentucky. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions! Go Cats!

Hey guys! My name is Ashley Beck, and I am so excited to share the University of Kentucky with you. Originally from Owensboro, Ky., I was born and raised to bleed blue! So, it’s no surprise that I am a proud 2010 UK graduate, where I received a bachelor’s degree in both communication and Spanish. At UK, I was a William C. Parker scholarship recipient, a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, studied abroad in Spain and participated in many intramural events.

I live in the St. Louis area, allowing me to work closely with the students and families that I assist, which I thoroughly enjoy! My travel territories include Missouri and Southern Illinois including: Pike, Morgan, Sangamon, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Edgar counties and all counties below.

My experiences at the University of Kentucky were filled with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and I am excited to see where your UK journey takes you. One thing’s for sure, becoming a Wildcat and member of Big Blue Nation will be one of the best decisions you will ever make!

Don’t hesitate to contact me, should you have any questions. I look forward to helping you throughout your college-search process. Go Cats!

Greetings from the Bluegrass state! I am Bernadette Cortez, and I am from the small, lovely town of Symsonia, Ky., in the far western part of the Commonwealth. I began my professional career at the University of Kentucky Visitor Center, but fell in love with UK and Lexington the moment I set foot on campus as a student. From the spirit of the Big Blue Nation to the serenity of the horse parks, the atmosphere here is something you need to experience for yourself.

It is my job to help make your transition from high school to college a smooth one, so please let me know if you have any questions. The most important part about choosing a university is finding the place you want to call home. Let me show you why you belong at UK!

Go Cats! 

Hi everyone! My name is Rebecca Donovan, a 2014 University of Kentucky graduate. Originally from Lexington, I have been surrounded by the Big Blue Nation my whole life! My time at UK was highlighted with wonderful memories and experiences in the classroom and in student organizations that have prepared me for life after college. I am truly excited to be able to share all that UK has to offer you and to help you navigate the college application process.

I work specifically with scholarship-eligible prospective students. Additionally, I work with students in the Nashville area.

Visit UK’s campus and see what your future could be like as a Wildcat! If I can assist you in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon 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!

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! 

Hello future Wildcats! My name is Michaela Mineer and I was born and raised in Fleming County, Ky. In 2018 I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a double major in family sciences and communication and a minor in community and leadership development. I knew that I wanted to take advantage of all of the opportunities that UK offered as soon as I arrived on campus. I joined Cats for Christ, served as a college ambassador, participated in DanceBlue and was involved in several other student professional organizations. Getting involved enhances your college experience and gives you that community where you belong.

I hope you will visit campus soon so we can show you what being part of the Big Blue Nation can do for you! Let me know if you have any questions about our admissions process, academic programs or what it is like to be a Wildcat.

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!

Hello! My name is Erica Shipley and I grew up in McLean, Va., right outside of our nation’s capital! I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2016 with a major in integrated strategic communications and a minor in digital media and design. While at UK, I was involved in many student organizations, holding several leadership positions including the 2016 DanceBlue overall chair. Service is my passion and volunteered through groups such as Best Buddies and Wrap Up America.

Coming to UK from out-of-state, I knew that what I really wanted out of a college experience was to find a university that I could always call home, even after I had graduated. UK not only became “My New Kentucky Home,” it also became the place that taught me the most valuable lessons both in the classroom and out, and instilled in me leadership, selflessness and value of others and can do the same for you.

I’m so excited to be living in the area where I grew up and working with future Kentucky Wildcats! I live in Washington, D.C., and am readily available to work with students and families in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Please feel free to reach out to me about any questions or concerns you have about becoming a part of the Wildcat family. I look forward to assisting you in your college search, and as always, Go Cats!

My travel territory includes Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

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 Logan Sparks and I am originally from Mayfield, Ky. I’m a proud 2013 University of Kentucky graduate with a bachelor’s degree in integrated strategic communication with a minor in psychology. While at UK, I worked as a campus tour guide, served on the K Book Editorial Board, was president of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was on the DanceBlue leadership team. Being from a very small town, I found that by immersing myself in various campus activities and organizations I was able to make this large campus feel like home.

It is an incredible time to be a Wildcat and I’m excited to show you how you too can be a part of the Big Blue Nation! Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

Go Cats!

Hello! My name is Grace Thompson I was born and raised in Lexington, KY. I am a 2011 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in international studies focused in international development in Africa and the Middle East. At UK, I was a student leader at the Christian Student Fellowship, DanceBlue committee member and a member of Alpha Phi Omega service organization.

UK gave me wonderful involvement and academic experiences and lifelong memories and friends. The best part of my job is helping you learn about our wildly powerful community – one that will challenge and support you to do more than you ever imagined.

I hope you get the chance to visit campus so you can experience the Big Blue Nation for yourself. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or to learn more about the University of Kentucky. Go Big Blue!

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!