Alumni Success Stories

English as a Catalyst: Jaclyn Spraetz

English courses introduce students to skills beyond analyzing novels - teaching them how to interact and connect with other students and improve their skills of analysis. This skill set is useful beyond the classroom, helping former students to succeed in their occupations and as they continue their occupation.  In this podcast, Rachael Gilley, an English undergraduate student, and Jaclyn Spraetz, a 2009 Secondary English Education graduate, discuss how Spraetz's background with English courses impact her daily life. 

Curiously Inclined

“Last summer I was in Budapest briefly locked in a gypsy’s apartment while she tried to extort more money from me, and had a great time…” said Joe Nickell, as if he were describing a weekend at the lake. He is a man with many interests – over 200 “personas” are listed on his personal website including folksinger, stage magician, and séance conductor.

Kyle Longley

When Kyle Longley applied to doctoral programs in history, he narrowed the choice down to two schools: the University of Kentucky and one other. But a visit to Lexington and Billy’s Bar-B-Q, where he had lunch with George Herring, the professor who would become his mentor, made UK the place to go.

Will Sanders

For philosophy alum Will Sanders, attending the University of Kentucky was always part of the plan. The Frankfort native’s parents both attended the university and it was natural for him to follow in their steps. Choosing a major was the challenge.

Shannon Hincker

When Shannon Hincker started her undergraduate work at the University of Kentucky in 2004, she was a mathematics major.

After two years, she switched to the College of Arts & Sciences’ mathematical economics program.

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