Faculty Advisory Network

Angela Williams

Dr. Angela Williams serves as the chair and program director of the School of Social Work at Kentucky State University, in which she plays an active role in accreditation, curriculum development and building student-centered partnerships with community agencies. Williams also holds a Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, and Doctor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky and is a certified school social worker.

Williams’ teaching approach emphasizes applied learning, reflective practice and community engagement, preparing future social workers to be ethical, compassionate and effective advocates for change. She is also an active member of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Phi Alpha Honor Society, and the Kentucky Association of Social Work Educators (KASWE).

Ashley Young

Ashley Young is a dedicated educator and microbiologist, currently serving in her fourth year as a microbiology instructor and first year as a biology co-coordinator at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC). Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in biology from Western Kentucky University.

With a background in both teaching and laboratory management, Young brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom. Prior to her current role, she served as BCTC’s lab specialist for microbiology, overseeing the operation and organization of the college’s microbiology labs.

Ben Littlepage

Dr. Ben Littlepage is professor for the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) graduate program at Murray State University. He holds a doctorate from the University of Memphis, and obtained his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Western Kentucky University.

His current research interest is first-generation students, specifically the personal, economic, and academic challenges they face when transitioning to college. Littlepage is also a two-time Fulbright Specialist recipient, serves as vice chair for the Teachers’ Retirement System of Kentucky’ s Board of Trustees, and is a faculty coach for CPE's Faculty Leadership Academy. Before becoming a faculty member, he was an administrator for nine years. His administrative expertise lies in operationalizing and redefining functional units, programs, and services.

Jon Musgrave

Dr. Jon Musgrave is an assistant professor of management at Morehead State University, where he teaches courses in organizational behavior, business management, leadership and ethics. He earned his doctorate from the University of Texas at Tyler, specializing in organizational change.

Before entering academia, Musgrave had a diverse career as a firefighter and small- business owner, managing teams of varying sizes - from four to more than 100 members. His entrepreneurial endeavors included focusing on the acquisition and performance of local, state, and federal contracts, giving him a practical perspective on management and leadership in diverse environments.

Justin Yates

Dr. Justin Yates is a professor and department chair of psychological science at Northern Kentucky University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Kentucky in 2014.

Yates' current research investigates the link between glutamate in the brain's reward system and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. His research on glutamatergic control of maladaptive behaviors has been recognized with multiple awards from NKU and the American Psychological Association (APA), including receiving fellow status from the latter in 2024. To better prepare for academic administration, Yates completed a yearlong leadership institute at NKU and served as a dean’s fellow.

In July 2024, Yates began his first administrative role as department chair, fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment for students, faculty and staff. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, he is actively working to enhance the department's programs and resources.

Maheteme Gebremedhin

Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin is an associate professor and the chair of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University. His teaching and research areas are on soil health and plant-atmosphere interactions.

With 14 years of experience, he has worked on a dozen USDA-funded projects, primarily focused on how to improve the adoption of soil conservation practices with emphasis on resource limited, underserved farming communities in Kentucky.

Gebremedhin holds a bachelor’s degree in plant science from Alemaya University of Agriculture (Ethiopia), a master’s degree in forest science from the University of Florida, and a doctorate in plant and soil science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. In 2020, He received the 1890 USDA Faculty Research Sabbatical Award.

Michael Bordieri

Dr. Michael Bordieri is a professor of psychology at Murray State University and president of the faculty senate. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Mississippi and is licensed as a behavior analyst and psychologist in Kentucky.

His research and clinical practice focus on acceptance and mindfulness-based interventions across a range of clinical and applied contexts. Bordieri received the 2024 Stephen B. White Award for excellence in shared governance at Murray State, and his leadership centers on fostering collaboration between faculty and administrators to promote transparency and increased faculty involvement in institutional decision-making.

Nathan Vanderford

Dr. Nathan L. Vanderford is an associate professor of toxicology and cancer biology at the University of Kentucky within the College of Medicine. Vanderford has expertise and interests in cancer disparities research, cancer education, and community outreach and engagement. He holds several administrative positions, including being the director of administration for the NIH-funded Center for Cancer and Metabolism, and assistant director for pathway programs and student success for the Markey Cancer Center. In these roles, Vanderford works to facilitate cancer research and education initiatives across the university.

Vanderford earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural biotechnology, an MBA from Midway University and his doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Kentucky, completing postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University.

Renee Eichas

Renee Eichas is the dean of nursing and an associate professor at Jefferson Community and Technical College. Renee earned her associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) from Galen College of Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis on education from Grand Canyon University. Eichas is currently pursuing a doctorate in health professions education at Bellarmine University, focusing her research on students with learning differences and accommodations. She serves as president of the Kentucky Nurses’ Deans and Directors for the Kentucky Nurses Association and chairs the KCTCS ADN Curriculum Committee. A graduate of the Faculty Leadership Academy, Renee is dedicated to advancing nursing education and fostering student success through leadership and collaboration.

Shawn Kellie

Dr. Shawn Kellie is the dean of physical sciences and related technology at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC), where he leads initiatives to enhance student success and workforce readiness in both academic and technical programs. Kellie is three-time faculty senate chair at ECTC, three-time chair of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Rules Committee and served three years as an ex officio member of the KCTCS Council.

A transformational leader with a history of institutional impact, Kellie has been a key member of the KCTCS General Education Committee since 2011, participating in the redesign of KCTCS’s associate degrees twice during his tenure. His forward-thinking approach was also instrumental in developing the system's first work-ready rubric, designed to align academic outcomes with workforce demands.

Kellie has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Louisville, a master’s degree in chemistry from Western Kentucky University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Murray State University.