We recently welcomed nine new faculty members, including four NKU alumni: Patty Kappesser (‘87, ‘94), Rob Kues (‘90, ‘99), Steve Castellano (‘06) and Dr. Josh Cooper (‘05). We hired Dr. Lauren Williamson as our first neuroscience faculty member. Dr. Allison Parker joined the ENV faculty studying factors that affect the spread of human disease, Dr. Jay Avenido and Dr. Mary Schilling as A&P instructors, and Tina Peebles as Academic Coordinator.

In other exciting news, The University of Kentucky opened a medical branch on our campus. We started new degree programs in Neuroscience, added a B.A. degree in Environmental Science and significantly expanded programs at the Research and Education Field Station (REFS). We also opened an interdisciplinary neuroscience research laboratory and new vivarium for animal studies, nearly doubling the space available for undergraduate research.

There is a great deal of research happening in those new facilities, as well. In all, 13 faculty members brought in nearly $2.7 million in grant awards over the last four years, including a major NSF grant to support undergraduates in STEM. This initiative is led by Dr. Denice Robertson, who is also co-director of NKU’s new Center for Teaching and Learning.

Did I mention we’ve been busy?

I hope you enjoy the rest of our good news and that you and your families stay safe and healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patrick J. Schultheis, Chair