MSU staff member helps students succeed

Leah Rucker, Teacher Education Program coordinator and academic advisor in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education, has devoted her career to helping students succeed academically. Now, she's helping them in a different way as a member of the Eagle Diversity and Inclusion Team.  

Rucker earned a secondary English education degree from Southeastern University and began her career at MSU in 2007. Spending most of her days advising students, Rucker also teaches first-year seminar courses and is the Teacher Education Program coordinator. She said she loves helping students succeed.  

"I enjoy interacting with the campus community, but most of all, I enjoy supporting students as they work toward degree completion," she said. "Helping and watching students succeed is rewarding!"  

Last fall, Rucker applied to be a member of the Morehead State University Diversity and Inclusion team. Once accepted to the team, Rucker participated in diversity training through the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) in building respectful relationships and communication among people from diverse backgrounds. Rucker began leading workshops and facilitating discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion with faculty and students at the end of the fall semester. She said she joined the Diversity and Inclusion Team because it allows her to do more to improve students' lives.  

"These are important issues, and I have been honored to be involved. I believe that this initiative will build better relationships and strengthen community across campus."  

Rucker also serves on the Teacher Education Council, the College of Education Scholarship Committee, and recently served on the Quality Enhancement Plan Selection Committee.  

For more information about programs in MSU's Volgenau College of Education, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/education, email Dr. Tony Norman, dean, at adnorman@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2162.