Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) recognized graduates from its six academic colleges during the Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies held on May 15-16 in Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum.
“At EKU, you’ve gained more than knowledge—you’ve developed resilience, critical thinking, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. You are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and clarity,” said EKU President David McFaddin during the Spring 2025 graduation ceremony. “Wherever life takes you—whether you stay close to campus or travel far from it—you will always be part of the Colonel family.”
Local Spring 2025 EKU graduates and their majors include:
• Paisley Barnes of Gray – Criminal Justice
• Layla Burnett of Gray – Elementary Education Teaching
• Hunter Campbell of Gray – Computer Science
• Angela Disney of Lily – School Leadership
• Christy Johnson of Keavy – Elementary Education Teaching
• Ivan Nieto of Lily – General Studies
• Nikki Robinson of Lily – Psychology
• Chainey Tolliver of Keavy – General Studies
• Sydney Bragg of Corbin – Psychology
• Caitlyn Branstutter of Corbin – Nursing
• Haley Brock of Woodbine – Accounting
• Ashley Brooks of Williamsburg – Elementary Education Teaching
• Bailey Brown of Corbin – Communication Disorders
• Erin Burns of Corbin – Music
• Libby Cima of Corbin – Social Work
• Chris Corbin of Williamsburg – General Studies
• Jayci Elizabeth Rajai Corey of Corbin – Elementary Education Teaching
• Edward Garr of Corbin – Criminal Justice
• Sydney Hall of Corbin – Criminal Justice
• Boston Hardesty of Corbin – Biomedical Sciences
• Roger Henry of Corbin – Criminal Justice
• Amber Hubbs of Corbin – Environmental & Appl. Geology
• Jaline Jackson of Corbin – Education Admin & Supervision
• Trent Jones of Williamsburg – Exercise & Sport Science
• Katiebeth Kelly of Williamsburg – General Studies
• Caden Lainhart of Woodbine – Communication Studies
• Emilee Logan of Corbin – Elementary Education Teaching
• Raley Meadors of Williamsburg – Elementary Education Teaching
• Kelsey Mitchell of Corbin – Education Admin & Supervision
• Patti Ogden of Williamsburg – Social Work
• Brandi Salazar of Corbin – Social Work
• Breanna Thornton of Williamsburg – Nursing
• Tommy Warren of Corbin – Wildlife Management
Out of EKU’s class of Spring 2025, 40% are the first in their families to attain a higher education degree.
The class hails from 15 countries, 42 states, and 103 Kentucky counties.
EKU holds the highest Kentucky employment rate among public universities one year after graduation.
