Dr. Janna Vice is Professor and Provost Emerita at Eastern Kentucky University. She serves as the Faculty Employability Fellows Director with the Quality Assurance Commons.

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Vice served as Senior Vice President for Academics and Provost at Eastern Kentucky University from 2009 until her retirement in 2017.  She has more than four decades of experience in higher education.

Prior to retirement, Dr. Vice was the convener of Kentucky’s Council of Chief Academic Officers (comprised of Kentucky’s six public universities’ provosts and the chancellor of Kentucky Community and Technical College System). The Council works in collaboration with Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education. She also served a 4-year term on the Kentucky Board of Education, overseeing Kentucky’s Pre-K – Secondary system.

Her experience also includes working with Kentucky’s private 4-year institutions.  Early in her career, she served Berea College prior to beginning her teaching career at EKU.  She is an active Trustee at Alice Lloyd College. Both Berea and Alice Lloyd are part of the nine official “work colleges” in the United States.

Her focus as Provost was on student success, academic excellence, and faculty-student engagement–positioning EKU as a learning-centered university.  She established an ongoing Assurance-of-Learning Program that engages faculty in continuous improvement of academic programs. This program resulted in EKU earning the 2014 Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes.

Under her leadership, EKU launched a student-success campaign that dramatically increased the University’s student-success metrics; developed a successful model for high quality online education; and implemented a plan for continuous professional development for all faculty.

As a Professor of Business Communication and a senior administrator, Dr. Vice taught professional and analytical writing. Her research has focused on assessment of academic programs, student learning outcomes, and curriculum design. Her professional career also includes being a presenter and workshop leader for business and professional organizations.  She has led “Executive Writing” workshops for the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Criminal Justice Training for nearly 500 rising police officers, pursuing increased leadership roles in their agencies.

EDUCATION

Dr. Vice received her doctorate from the University of Kentucky in Career and Technical Education, with a Business Communication Emphasis.  She is a two-time graduate of EKU, having earned her MA and BS degrees in Business Education.

She has completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Management and Leadership in Education.

HONORS & AWARDS

Dr. Vice has received awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service from the University, professional organizations, and community partners. She was honored upon her retirement by EKU’s naming the student atrium in the Business and Technology Center the Dr. Janna P. Vice Atrium. The “Dr. Janna Vice Award for Student Scholarship” was named in her honor to recognize an EKU student annually who has “exemplified a commitment to advancing academic excellence through scholarly and creative endeavors.” As provost, she received EKU’s Creative Thinking Award in recognition of “tireless efforts to engender critical thinking in the classroom and beyond.” She was inducted into the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2013.

Other awards include being named Kentucky’s Outstanding Business Education Teacher, by the Kentucky Business Education Association; receiving the “Thurston Banks Award for Distinguished Academic Service,” by Ohio Valley Athletics Conference, for a career devoted to supporting academics of collegiate athletics; and receiving the “Susan Baldwin Walker Endurance Award” by Baptist Health Foundation, Women of Courage Awards, Richmond.

Contact: janna@theqacommons.org

Dr. F. Erik Brooks is the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Director of the Whitney Young Honors Collegium at Kentucky State University.  He is also a Professor of Public Administration in the College of Public Service and Leadership Studies at Kentucky State University.

EXPERIENCE

Previously, Dr. Brooks was a Professor and Chair of the Department of African American Studies, the interim Director of the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, and the Associate Director of the Centennial Honors College at Western Illinois University. Prior to his tenure to Western Illinois, he taught Political Science and Public Administration at Georgia Southern University. Also while at Georgia Southern University, he served as the Director of the Master of Public Administration Program, Interim Chair of the Department of Political Science, and an Assistant to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. He has also held adjunct teaching positions at the University of Richmond and Alabama State University.

Dr. Brooks is a renaissance man and a holistic academician, having served on both the academic and student affairs sides of academia. Dr. Brooks has held administrative positions in student affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University from and Alabama State University. He is a prolific author. His 12th and latest book is titled, African Americans and the U.S. Presidents: Politics and Policies from Washington to Trump. Dr.  Brooks has written extensively in the areas of African American history, public administration, and American politics with his work appearing in scholarly journals, encyclopedias, academic guides, and books. Dr. Brooks is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. When not working, he enjoys watching sports, traveling to sporting events, and traveling to Civil War and Civil Rights museums.  He is originally from Montgomery, Alabama.

EDUCATION

Dr. Brooks earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds three Master’s degrees. He earned a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development from Troy University, a Master of Public Administration from Auburn University Montgomery, and a Master of Education from Alabama State University. Dr. Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Art from Troy University.

Lauren Campbell is an assistant professor in Business Administration teaching management and hospitality classes.

EXPERIENCE

Lauren worked for VisitLEX as a project manager for seven years before joining BCTC in 2015. She was nominated as one of the 30 under 30 by Destination Management Association International, her work on Beyond Grits: Lexington Restaurant Week won the Smiley Pete Award, and was selected for the Innovative Educator Academy through KCTCS.

EDUCATION

Lauren received her Associates in Arts from BCTC, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism from UK, and Master of Business Administration from EKU.

Dr. Amy Carrino is a native of Northern Kentucky and has spent her last 18 years committed to the students at Gateway Community and Technical College. Dr. Carrino has served as an adult education instructor, assistant professor, and as the chair of the Protective and Professional Services Division.  She is currently the Dean of Business, IT, and Professional Studies where she oversees seven technical programs, is the program coordinator of the criminal justice department and continues to teach criminal law and criminal procedures. Amy also served on Gateway’s Presidential Taskforce on Work Based Learning and was instrumental in developing the ELITE 8 work ready competencies.  Her goal is to ensure that every Gateway student is work ready and has experienced some form of relevant work based learning before graduation.

EDUCATION

Dr. Carrino is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University and Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

Annie Dail is the Special Projects Coordinator for Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology and serves as an instructor for the Institute of Engineering Teaching and Engineering Management. Annie also coordinators the Institute of Engineering accreditation for ABET and SACS.

EDUCATION

Annie graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Business and Marketing teaching certification. She also received her Master of Business Administration from Murray State University.

Dr. Lee Ferrell is the Coordinator for Assessment & Analytics for the Gatton College of Business & Economics at the University of Kentucky, where he also holds a Faculty title in the Department of Clinical Sciences (College of Health Sciences). He oversees the assessment of 10+ degree programs, 3 undergraduate support units, and is involved in the EEQ Certification of the Undergraduate Accounting program at the University of Kentucky. Lee originally hails from Portsmouth, Ohio.

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Ferrell’s teaching interests primarily include research methods and data analysis, as well as analysis of public and social policy. His research interests include population growth and health and the promotion of livable communities. Lee spear-headed the Age-Friendly Lexington initiative in 2014, which has resulted in sub-movements that are still active at present. Lee was a Faculty Fellow of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) at the University of Kentucky, and was a critical player in the assessment and development of the QEP 5th Year Impact Report to SACS in 2018.

EDUCATION

Dr. Ferrell earned his Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Kentucky (2018). He also earned his BA and MSW from UK.

Dr. John C. Gregory currently serves as the Director of Veterans and Military Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Public Administration at Kentucky State University. He is also adjunct faculty in the Department of Criminal Justice and the Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development at the University of Louisville.

EXPERIENCE

Prior to coming to Kentucky State University, Dr. Gregory served over 20 years on active duty in the Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Dr. Gregory served as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Reserve Component Directorate, U.S. Army Cadet Command prior to retirement in 2019. His army career included multiple deployments to Iraq and Kosovo, command and staff assignments with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the 25th Infantry Division, and the 276th Engineer Battalion.

EDUCATION

Dr. Gregory has a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), an M.S. in Criminal Justice also from VCU, and a B.A. in History from Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

HONORS & AWARDS

Dr. Gregory’s military schools and awards include: Ranger School, Command and General Staff Officers’ Course, Air Assault School, Airborne School, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Quartermaster Advanced Course, Human Resources Management Qualification Course, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Bronze Star Medal.

Dr. Gregory is a member of several professional and academic organizations which include: the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA), the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.

Nicole Hand is the Assistant Dean and a Professor of Art at Murray State University. Her areas of expertise include interdisciplinary teaching, experiential education, and strategic planning.

EXPERIENCE

In addition to her administrative work, Professor Hand teaches printmaking and bookbinding classes and direct the Patricia Summerville visiting artist program. Her prints and artist books have been exhibited nationally and internationally in over 500 solo, invitational, and juried exhibitions. Nicole has given lectures and workshops in over thirty venues including Atlanta Printmakers Studio, University of North Carolina, Greenville, The University of Arizona, University of North Texas, Denton, Ohio University and Youngstown State University.

EDUCATION

Nicole earned an MFA from the University of Miami, a BFA from the University of South Dakota, and a BA from Nazareth College.

Amanda Lawrence is a Faculty Lecturer at the University of Kentucky in the College of Communication and Information in Instructional Communication and Research. Amanda serves as a Course Coordinator for Strategic Business and Professional Communication.

EDUCATION

Amanda earned a PhD in Communication from the University of Kentucky and an MA in Student Personnel Services from Eastern Kentucky University.

Dr. Brian S. Mason is the Interim Associate Dean of the School of Creative Arts, Professor of Percussion, and Coordinator of the Percussion Studies Program at Morehead State University. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he directs the percussion ensembles, MSU Steel, and the award-winning marching percussion ensemble, featured on the vicfirth.com web-based instructional video series Marching Percussion 101. He also serves as a member of the Winter Guard International Percussion Judge team, one of the most respected and highly regarded rosters of adjudicators in the marching arts. In high demand as a clinician, performer, arranger, composer, and adjudicator, Brian has appeared throughout the United States, Asia, Europe, Canada, and Mexico, and his compositions have been performed around the world.

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Mason has been a member of the Percussive Arts Society Board of Advisors, Past President of the PAS KY Chapter, is Associate Principal Percussion with the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, is Principal Percussion for the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra, and appears as a guest artist with high school and university percussion ensembles across the US.

EDUCATION

Brian received his D.M.A. and B.M. as a student of James B. Campbell at the University of Kentucky and his M.M. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a student of Dr. Dean Gronemeier.

HONORS & AWARDS

Among his many accolades, he is the recipient of the MSU Distinguished Teacher Award, the KMEA College/University Teacher of the Year Award, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Boyle County High School.

A highly respected innovator of the contemporary marching percussion ensemble, Brian’s career in the Drum Corps International activity spanned more than two decades, claiming two World Championships and three High Percussion titles, along with many other awards and honors during his tenure with the Cavaliers (1987-1996), Yamato (1997-1999), Phantom Regiment (1998-2002), and the Santa Clara Vanguard (2006-2010).

Brian has published articles in Percussive Notes, has been interviewed in Modern Drummer and Band and Orchestra Magazine, and co-authored the 2000 Modern Drummer Readers Poll’s “No. 1 Drum Set Method Book,” The Commandments of R&B Drumming (Warner Brothers). Brian is a performing artist for Mapex Drums, and Majestic Percussion, Vic Firth sticks and mallets, Zildjian cymbals, Evans drumheads, Black Swamp Percussion, and Etymotic Hearing Protection, and his original works and arrangements are published through Row-Loff Productions, Bachovich Music Publications, and Tap Space Publications.

Dr. Jorge Oretega Moody is Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology at Morehead State University. His research interests include intelligent control systems and heuristic algorithms applied to industrial processes and automation. Another area that interests him is the application of mechatronics in projects that include sustainable and renewable energy processes and the food processing industry. He would also like to explore the possibility of applying mechanical design and control to the same. Currently, he is on a new application of physics engines that he calls Virtual Mechatronics which seeks to virtualize industrial scenarios for training and education, simulation, and industrial virtual commissioning applications.

EDUCATION

Dr. Ortega Moody holds a PhD in Mechatronics from the National Polytechnic Institute, an MS in Manufacturing Systems from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, and an undergraduate degree in Electronic Systems from the Monterrey Institute of Higher Education.

Caroline Reisner has been teaching Geology for JCTC for eight years. She has served as a campus division chair and is currently co-chairing the Gen. Ed. Curriculum committee for KCTCS. Caroline is very excited about the work being done by the Quality Assurance Commons. In addition to her full time teaching work, she is a mom of a four year old and manages a quarter horse farm.

EXPERIENCE

Caroline’s previous teaching experience includes a lecturing post at Eastern Kentucky University and teaching high school and middle school Spanish for various Indiana public schools.

EDUCATION

Caroline is working on a doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky.

Kara Schotter currently serves at the Allied Health Division Chair at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville, Kentucky.

EDUCATION

Kara has Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education with an emphasis in Adult and Higher Education Leadership from Morehead State University. Her research interests include alternative credentialing methods for incumbent workers, best practices in nontraditional student education, and meeting employer expectations of future employees within higher education programs.

Reva Stroud, RN, is the Program Coordinator of the Health Science Technology and Nurse Aide programs at Gateway Community and Technical College. She has been instrumental in the creation of online Nurse Aide courses and has facilitated relationships with community partners. Her work with health care facility administrators uniquely positions her to identify and to define any performance gaps that may exist between workforce expectations and Gateway Community and Technical College graduates’ skill levels.

EXPERIENCE

Prior to this appointment, Reva served as a registered nurse in a number of capacities: staff nurse, educator, orthopedic nurse, rehabilitation nurse, MDS nurse, nurse supervisor and assistant director of nursing. She has been teaching in healthcare related areas for six years.

EDUCATION

Reva holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor’s of Art in Organizational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University. She is currently working on a Master’s of Health Administration from Western Kentucky University.

Melanie Williamson is the Assistant Dean for the Business, Computer, and Information Systems division and a Professor of Computer & Information Technologies at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.

EXPERIENCE

Melanie Williamson has worked extensively with four-year institutions to develop/improve 2+2 articulation agreements to increase transfer rates for CIT students. Melanie Williamson is involved in several efforts to increase the number of women in computing, including serving as a co-chair of the first-ever community college ACM-W Celebration of Women in Computing. She is a member of the National Center for Women in Information Technology’s Annual Summit Planning Team including the Academic Alliance and Lightening Talk sub-committees. She served on a review panel for the National Science Foundation. In the past, she has served as the co-chair of the Community College Involvement committee. Melanie is a member of the Chapters committee for the national Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) – Council on Women. She is currently a member of the ACM Special Interest Group for Computer Science Education Pre-conference Planning Committee. In 2017, Melanie was a member of the steering committee, for an NSF grant, that hosted a meeting to discuss “The Authentic Inclusion of Community Colleges in Broadening Participation in Computing.” Recently, she has presented at the Grace Hopper Celebration – Making IT Count with Community Colleges – which discussed broadening participation in computing and at the Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education – Grade 9 – 16 Computer Science Dual Credit Pathway.