UK dietetics alum succeeds in connecting food and agriculture through the lens of nutrition and health

By Grace Sowards
Published on Apr. 8, 2025

Marianne Smith Edge has committed her professional life to improving the health and well-being of food systems as well as consumers. Today, she continues on that path while also investing in the next generation of food and nutrition leaders.

'I belong here, without a doubt’: Esther Ndashaala’s journey from Namibia to the University of Kentucky

By Bailey Vandiver
Published on Apr. 4, 2025

Esther Ndashaala gave the commencement address in December 2024, after earning her degree in food systems and nutrition at the University of Kentucky.

‘Improving sleep all around the world’: UK alum becomes a brand leader at Tempur Sealy

By Christopher Carney
Published on Mar. 19, 2025

For graduate Virginia Groppo, the University of Kentucky was the best option to get her degrees and develop her passion for brand management.

Valerie Still: Basketball legend, author, keeper of family legacy

By Jenny Wells-Hosley
Published on Feb. 27, 2025

University of Kentucky's all-time leading scorer and rebounder Valerie Still is returning to her alma mater to help celebrate her family’s extraordinary history.

‘Making the choice to just do it’: UK alum discovers career as a performance dietitian

By Christopher Carney
Published on Jan. 16, 2025

After graduating with two degrees from the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition (DHN) at the University of Kentucky, performance and registered dietitian nutritionist Kelci McHugh believes that choosing an unconventional path was one of her best decisions.

Thomas Poe Cooper Farm Leadership Award presented to Debbie Ellis

By Grace Sowards
Published on Dec. 20, 2024

Ellis is a University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment alumna and the executive director of the Kentucky Soybean Association and the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board.

The ‘spirit’ of UK's Didactic Program in Dietetics: Alumna is now giving back to the program that guided her

By Bailey Vandiver
Published on Dec. 19, 2024

The University of Kentucky equipped Alex Scott to work in community- and agriculture-focused nutrition at a leading grassroots organization for cattle producers in the state.

‘Never give up’: UK first generation, non-traditional student overcomes obstacles to graduate

By Zoey Ortega
Published on Dec. 18, 2024

University of Kentucky community and leadership development student Michelle Padgett is graduating after balancing academic and professional responsibilities, supporting a family, financial hurdles and more.

‘A family man’: UK alum Robert (Bob) Hall Jr. dedicates a lifetime to agriculture and community

By Christopher Carney
Published on Dec. 3, 2024

Sixth-generation Kentucky farmer and native, Robert (Bob) Hall Jr. will be inducted into the 2025 University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni; yet accolades are not what drives him—it’s family and a desire to see others succeed.

Bee-ing prepared: How UK education equipped the state's new apiarist

By Bailey Vandiver
Published on Aug. 13, 2024

Kentucky state apiarist Amanda Skidmore is a graduate of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.