Faculty Leadership Academy

Renee Eichas is the Dean of Nursing and an Associate Professor at Jefferson Community and Technical College. She 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 with an emphasis on education from Grand Canyon University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in health professions education at Bellarmine University, focusing her research on students with learning differences and accommodations. With over 15 years of nursing experience in Kentucky, including eight years in forensic nursing, Eichas teaches in the ADN and Practical Nurse programs. In addition to teaching, Renee continues to practice nursing in a local hospital and oversees student success coaching for nursing students in their final semester. She serves as president of the Kentucky Nurses’ Deans and Directors 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.

Ryan Baggett

Dean of Online Learning, Graduate Education, and Research
Eastern Kentucky University

Dr. Ryan Baggett is the Dean of Online Learning, Graduate Education, and Research and Professor of Homeland Security at Eastern Kentucky University. His leadership portfolio includes EKU Online, the EKU Graduate School, and EKU Sponsored Programs. Prior to his appointment as Dean in 2020, Dr. Baggett served as a faculty member and Coordinator in EKU’s Homeland Security program teaching courses on infrastructure protection and resilience, cyber and physical security, and risk assessment. From 2000 to 2010, he provided oversight of U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Homeland Security funded programs at EKU. Dr. Baggett holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Policy Studies and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice (with a concentration in Police Administration) from EKU and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Murray State University.

Jennifer Wies

Associate Provost and Professor of Anthropology
Eastern Kentucky University

Jennifer R. Wies holds an MA and PhD in Anthropology from the University of Kentucky. Jennifer has experience serving as a faculty member, associate provost, academic chairperson, director of assessment, academic program coordinator, and student affairs director. Her research addresses critical social issues, working with domestic violence shelters, HIV/AIDS support agencies, food insecurity programs, and opioid treatment initiatives. A leader in the field, Jennifer has served as President of the Association of Feminist Anthropology and is currently the president of the Society for Applied Anthropology. Throughout these experiences, she brings a leadership practice focused on using evidence to develop sustainable solutions, inspired by cross-cultural examples that illustrate the power of community and coalition methodologies.

Ken Jones

Assistant Provost for Faculty Development
University of Kentucky

Dr. Kenneth Jones joined the faculty of the University of Kentucky in the Department of Community and Leadership Development in January 2005. His research interests include assessing youth-adult relationships within community contexts, positive youth development, mentoring and program development within community settings.

He currently serves as Director of Extension Faculty Development and Engaged Scholarship for the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, as well as Assistant Provost in the University of Kentucky Office for Faculty Advancement. He holds a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina A&T State University.

Ben Littlepage

Professor, Higher Education and Student Affairs
Murray State University

Littlepage is a professor in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) program at Murray State University. His expertise lies in operationalizing and redefining functional units, and his current research focus is first-generation students.

Littlepage received his doctorate in education from the University of Memphis, Master of Arts in education and Bachelor in Science from Western Kentucky University.

Gill Hunter

Presidential Fellow for Experience and Engagement
Eastern Kentucky University

Dr. Gill Hunter is the Presidential Fellow for Experience and Engagement at Eastern Kentucky University. He holds a PhD in English from Purdue University, MA in English from Eastern Kentucky University, and BA in Secondary English Education from the University of Kentucky. He previously served EKU as Executive Director for Retention and Graduation (2017-2020), Assistant Vice President for Retention and Graduation (2020-2022 and 2023-2024), and interim Dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences (2022-2023). Dr. Hunter is also Associate Professor of English, teaching courses and working with students in EKU’s English Teaching program, and serving on dissertation committees for students researching student success.