MSU's Shayla Ring presented at TriO annual conference

Shayla Ring (Class of 2010), Morehead State's Upward Bound bridge coordinator, presented at the TRiO annual Kentucky-Kennessee conference, held Tuesday, Oct. 26 in Lexington.  

One of Ring's roles in the program is to help high school seniors in the program to transition to college successfully.  

Ring’s presentation at the conference highlighted the programs, approaches, and tools she has implemented in the past three years working with Upward Bound. In her presentation, she discussed creating intentional relationships with students, curriculum, and platforms Upward Bound uses to support students.

Ring submitted a proposal to speak at the conference and was selected based on the relevance of her work to the TRIO professionals who attended the conference. She added it's vital for TRiO professionals to share their successes.   

"Bringing new perspectives and approaches is vital to continue the work for our students," she said. "I am an alumnus of multiple TRIO programs, so being able to learn from current students to enhance our program and share with others committed to the work that TRIO does is a very special part of the legacy that this organization has. When looking at transitional support to enhance retention and completion, there is not a one size fits all approach."  

TRiO is a group of programs offered through MSU and collaborative efforts with state and federal educational agencies. The goal of TRiO programs is to help students in need gain access to educational tools, prepare students for postsecondary education, promote community service and good citizenship. TRiO programs at MSU include the Commonwealth Educational Opportunity Center for non-traditional students, Student Support Services for current college students, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, and Educational Talent Search for middle and high school students.   

“I am very proud of the work Shalya has done with the Senior Seminar and Bridge Summer Academy and I am glad that she is getting the opportunity to share her best practices with other TRIO programs,” said Amanda Lewis (Class of 2001), director of Upward Bound programs. “We have a large team of dedicated and talented TRIO staff on this campus who really care about equity in education and any opportunity for others to see that is beneficial for our program and MSU.”

For more information about TRiO programs at Morehead State, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/trio, email Matthew Hyden, associate director of Upward Bound, at m.hyden@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-9114.