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By: Amy Charles | August 25, 2021
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) recognizes the importance of creating pathways to higher education for all students and the value of building a strong and diverse campus community. In line with this commitment, UPIKE is pleased to announce the selection of Katrina Rugless within the Office of Student Success as the university’s first director of diversity.
Rugless has a professional background that spans from Head Start teacher, to academic coach for teenage mothers, to directing retention initiatives with diverse student populations at the community college and university levels. Having spent the last two decades serving in higher education in director-level positions, she has the experience needed to design and implement programs that support UPIKE’s diverse student body from 48 states and 17 countries.
“As a first-generation African American female in environments where I didn’t feel seen, heard, or my input mattered, I want to ensure the environment at the University of Pikeville is a place that attracts and retains diverse students and staff,” Rugless explained. “But, more importantly, I want the students and staff to feel the University of Pikeville is an environment where they feel they belong and can succeed.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Rugless went on to achieve her master of education degree from Xavier University and completed her certificate of advanced graduate studies in counseling from the University of Cincinnati.
In the position of Director of Diversity, Rugless’ primary role is to provide leadership in developing and implementing a wide array of strategic initiatives that engage all faculty, staff and students as we consider the critical importance of engaging people with diverse experiences and perspectives. Rugless will also mentor and support diversity-oriented student groups in the undergraduate colleges, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and Kentucky College of Optometry.
“Katrina’s energy and enthusiasm for listening well, planning with care and building a diverse and inclusive culture on UPIKE’s campus is inspiring.” said UPIKE President Burton Webb, “Her passion for our students is contagious and we look forward to the many ways in which she will positively impact the lives of our students from all backgrounds.”
She is charged with championing the importance and value of a diverse and inclusive environment at UPIKE. Rugless also plans to develop a vision and effective strategy to create a culture for equity, diversity and inclusion on campus that fits well into the Appalachian milieu.
“I am excited to begin this journey as the director of diversity at UPIKE,” added Rugless. “I first plan to listen to the voices of my students and colleagues to get a sense of where the university has been on this journey. I will use that input, along with national best practices, to formulate an approach to diversity for our UPIKE community. I am excited to meet staff, understand our systems of support, and start collectively building an environment and infrastructure that will support the diverse needs of all students and achieve the university’s goals. Because together, We Will Move Mountains!”