MSU’s KEA chapter named Kentucky’s largest
Morehead State University’s Volgenau College of Education and the Kentucky Educators Association–Aspiring Educators chapter have established themselves as vibrant and influential organizations dedicated to supporting future teachers through professional development, leadership, and community engagement. Rooted in the mission of the Kentucky Education Association Aspiring Educators, the MSU chapter exists to prepare, empower, and advocate for the next generation of educators while fostering a strong sense of belonging among education majors.
Throughout its history, MSU KEA–AE has emphasized student leadership, service, and professional readiness. That commitment was clearly reflected in 2025, a year marked by exceptional growth and statewide recognition that positioned the chapter as the largest KEA–Aspiring Educators chapter in Kentucky.
“Our chapter continued to grow, stay engaged, and create meaningful opportunities for aspiring educators at MSU,” said KEA-AE Student President Jaylee Collier, a senior from Jenkins in the MSUTeach program. “Everything we do is focused on helping future teachers feel supported, connected, and confident as they prepare to enter the profession.”
During the year, MSU KEA–AE hosted a wide range of activities designed to build community and attract new members, including creative social events such as custom lanyard night, game night, and the chapter’s well-known apple hunt across campus. The chapter also prioritized professional learning opportunities, welcoming Crystal Culp from the UK Jewish Heritage Foundation to engage members in thoughtful discussions on teaching the Holocaust in future classrooms.
These efforts helped MSU KEA–AE earn the Large Organization of the Year Award for a second consecutive year. Individual achievements were also recognized, including Ryan Holderby, a senior from Salyersville and middle grades education major, who received the KEA Retired Scholarship. The academic year concluded with a banquet and senior send-off honoring student teachers preparing to enter the profession.
Beyond campus engagement, MSU KEA–AE remains highly active at the state and national levels. Members currently hold four of the six KEA–AE state officer positions and serve on the National Education Association Aspiring Educators Advisory Committee, while also participating in conferences and leadership development opportunities across the state.
“KEA–Aspiring Educators is one of the many ways we support leadership development for all education majors at Morehead State,” said Dr. Nicola Mason (Class of 2007), dean of the Volgenau College of Education. “Teachers are leaders both in their classrooms and in their communities, and it is essential that we invest in leadership development during their university experience.”
For more information about KEA-AE, please contact KEA-AE Advisor Dr. Kristie Williams (Class of 2000, 2012, 2023) at k.williams@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2731.
To learn more about the College of Education, contact Dr. Mason at nfmason@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2162.
