Student Stories

Dr. Gregg Pitts graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After serving five years active duty as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, he returned to EKU to complete his master’s and eventually doctorate in occupational therapy. Pitts is currently the founder and owner of three Commonwealth Hand and Physical...Read More

Sarah Kelly graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Sarah is currently a student services program coordinator for the University of Louisville. She completed her bachelor’s degree online and recently shared her thoughts about her EKU Online experience.Read More

Gaile Ebony Seay graduated from EKU Online’s OTD program in December 2021. While a student in the program, Seay also authored two books designed to help children practice handwriting while learning about Black history and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Her books, “The Black History ABCs: Handwriting 101” and “The HBCU ABCs: Cursive 101”...Read More

Christopher Hogan is a student in EKU Online’s homeland security bachelor’s degree program. Christopher is a communications manager at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey. He recently shared his thoughts about his EKU Online experience.Read More

Bryan O’Neil graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in fire protection administration. Bryan is a fire lieutenant for the City of Cambridge in Massachusetts. He completed his bachelor’s degree online and recently shared his thoughts about his EKU Online experience.Read More

After volunteering with an occupational therapist in the Exceptional Family Members Services in Italy, Kirsta von Hellens was inspired to pursue a career in occupational therapy. She received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Eastern Kentucky University in 2000 and worked as an OT for a school district in northern Kentucky after graduation. She...Read More

As she began her college career, Christina Buchignani knew she wanted to be part of a helping profession. Her younger brother, Ryan, was born with a disability and she saw first-hand the challenges the world presented, not only for people who needed support, but their families as well. Her mother fought hard for Ryan working...Read More

Three EKU Online rural health family nurse practitioner were awarded the $1,000 CVS Foundation Scholarship for the Spring 2021 semester. These students were recognized as a result of their personal and professional dedication to supporting underserved populations. This year’s scholarship recipients include Blake Barnes, Talisha Hern, and Angela Hubbard. Each of these recipients have made...Read More

"I graduated with my master’s degree in Adult, Juvenile and Community Corrections Leadership May 2012.  This was one of my proudest moments!  It was always a goal and dream of mine to further my education.  However, I worked full time and lived nearly 50 miles from the EKU campus.  The difficulty of attending classes on...Read More