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.

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, everyone! My name is Kala Brown and I serve as the Diversity Recruiter in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions here at UK. Although I was raised in Lexington, I graduated from the University of Louisville with bachelor’s degrees in sociology and Pan-African studies.

While there, I participated in undergraduate research that focused on minority experiences within the public school system. I also participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program and the Muhammad Ali Scholars Program. Both programs use the legacy of their respective name-givers to engage social justice issues in both the United States and abroad. In addition to these programs, I stayed heavily involved with organizations like the NAACP, the Student Activities Board and the AVIATORs (Admission Volunteers in Action to Recruit); all while working part-time on campus. I am a strong believer in the importance of campus involvement as it cultivates an atmosphere of belonging; and I am happy to discuss best practices for balancing a social life, extracurriculars and the college workload while also prioritizing mental and emotional health.

Overall, I am incredibly passionate about working with youth in the community and especially passionate about helping under-represented minorities navigate higher education. You belong here! I understand how exciting (and a little overwhelming) this time in life can be, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. I am so happy to help and be a part of your journey!

Hi there! My name is Mariela Duarte Hernandez, and I am originally from Mexico. I grew up in Mexico and China but 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!

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah Evans, and I am a 2017 graduate of the University of Kentucky. I received my bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in English. In addition to attending UK, I was lucky enough to be born right here in Lexington. Upon graduation, I moved to Orlando and completed two semesters of the Disney College Program before moving back to Lexington to work at UK.

I hope you will visit campus soon so that you can experience what is wildly possible for you at the University of Kentucky. Please reach out with any questions you have – I look forward to speaking with you. 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!

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! 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! 

Hello, y’all! My name is Liz Matherly and I am a born and raised Lexingtonian and a 2016 graduate of the University of Kentucky. While at UK, I received a degree in elementary education and a minor in Theatre. After going out of state for my freshman year of college, I realized the grass is greenest in Lexington and transferred back to UK. I enjoyed three amazing years at UK, taking in many opportunities that make UK a special place to live and learn. I was a tour guide at the UK Visitors Center, a member of the leadership cabinet for Alpha Omicron Pi and a student member of KEA.

With so much to offer, there is definitely a space for you to get involved. I highly encourage all students to make a trip to campus and see all the ways you can make your mark here at UK as a Wildcat. Reach out if you have questions, I would love to help you see what is wildly possible here at UK! I look forward to hearing from you soon and 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 from Ohio! My name is Cari Schultz and I am the regional admissions counselor for Columbus and Northern Ohio. I am an Ohio native! I grew up outside of Cleveland and now reside in Central Ohio.

I have both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication. My entire professional career has been spent in the world of college admissions. Before joining our team at the University of Kentucky, I worked in higher education admissions at two different institutions and most recently, I served high school students as their college counselor for almost 14 years! I absolutely love working with students and cannot wait to show other Ohioans the great opportunities that await them at UK! I’m here to assist you and your family with any questions you have, as we navigate  through this exciting college admissions process. 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!

Hey everyone! My name is Colton Thayer and I am originally from Tollesboro, Ky. I am a 2019 University of Kentucky graduate with a degree in business management and marketing. As a student, I was involved with numerous student organizations including Team Wildcat, American Marketing Association, DanceBlue and the LexEngaged Living Learning Program. I even had the incredible opportunity to spend part of a summer studying abroad down under in Australia! 

I had a phenomenal time in Lexington as a student and am so ecstatic to have returned to continue my professional journey. I highly encourage you to join us for a visit on campus and experience the beauty of this campus in person. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you! As always, GO CATS!!

Hello future Wildcats! I’m Stacey Thomas, your Regional Admissions Counselor for Delaware, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication from George Mason University and have lived in the DMV my entire life. 

As an undergraduate student, I was very involved on campus serving as an orientation leader, a resident advisor, and an admissions ambassador welcoming students like you to their new home away from home.  A definite highlight of my college experience was an opportunity to work as a public relations intern for a professional baseball team my senior year!

I currently reside in Northern Virginia and have another exciting opportunity - to get to know you and all the future Wildcats across the DMV! As you transition to college life you will most likely have questions, so please reach out if I can assist you and your family in any way. I can’t wait to share all that’s wildly possible for you at UK! 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.