Geraldine Green Miracle

B.S. Home Economics, 1963

M.S. Home Economics Education, 1968

ED.S. Vocational Education, 1990

Gerri Green Miracle earned her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics at the University of Kentucky and started her career teaching junior high science. After two years, she secured a position as a home economics teacher and found her happy place in the home economics classroom. During the first eight years of her career, she held teaching positions in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. She earned a master’s degree in home economics education and later completed an Ed.S. in Vocational Education, with both degrees earned at UK. For 18 years, she taught family and consumer sciences at Beechwood High in Ft. Mitchell, KY.

Throughout her tenure at Beechwood High, she was a leader in the Beechwood Educational Foundation, the Beechwood Education Association and the Northern Kentucky Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences. She earned teacher of the year honors from three professional associations, received the Beechwood Principal’s Award two years, was named Beechwood Parent-Teacher Association Teacher of the Year, and was one of the top ten teachers of the year in the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Gerri wrote a curriculum guide entitled MIRACLE: Making Ideas Reality Allowing Creative Learning in Entrepreneurship that was used across Kentucky and beyond, from Alaska to Florida. She spoke at numerous conferences and trained educators in several states. One highlight of Gerri’s career was her selection as one of thirty-six home economists who served as citizen ambassadors to Russia and Hungary. For twenty-one days, she traveled in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia and Budapest, Hungary, meeting with education officials, visiting schools and working with teachers.

Gerri served as president of the College of Human Environmental Sciences (CHES) Alumni Association and received the association’s Outstanding Alumnus Award. She and her husband, John, are members of the UK Fellow Society. She is steadfast in her support of the University of Kentucky, and takes great pride in the fact that their family of eleven now holds twelve UK degrees.

Marilyn L. Edwards-Barrick

B.S. Home Economics Education, 1984

M.A. Home Economics Education, 1990

Marilyn Edwards-Barrick completed a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education at the University of Kentucky. After two years as the Casey County Extension Agent for Home Economics, she returned to native Barren County to begin her teaching career. For thirty years, Marilyn taught family and consumer sciences at Barren County High and served as an advisor to the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapter (FCCLA). She earned a Master of Arts in Home Economics Education and completed the required training to be credentialed as an early childhood trainer in Kentucky. For much of her career, she taught courses in the early childhood education pathway.

As an advisor to the Barren County High FCCLA Chapter, Marilyn provided leadership opportunities that influenced each student. The chapter service projects extended that impact into the community. She was an advisor to six state officers, a regional advisor to fifty-two students, and coordinated the state FCCLA Star Events two years. She was named a Master Advisor in 1996 and an Advisor Mentor in 2007.

Marilyn was a member of Kentucky’s curriculum steering committee and the national standards implementation committee. She served as a curriculum developer and as a state skills standards writer and scorer. At Barren County High, she served as the department head for career and technical education and held positions on school committees, including two terms on the Site-Based Decision Making Council. She rose through the leadership ranks in professional associations, ultimately serving as president in both the Kentucky Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (KATFACS) and the National Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (NATFACS).

Marilyn’s list of honors is lengthy. She earned teacher of the year honors from both KATFACS and the Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She received the National Award of Merit and the Distinguished Service Award from NATFACS. The Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Education presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and she received the “Our Own Award” from KATFACS.

Amy Miller VanMeter

B.S. Home Economics, 1989

Amy Miller VanMeter earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics at the University of Kentucky. Her degree emphasis in merchandising, apparel and textiles led her to a highly successful ten-year career as a department manager and senior buyer with Mercantile Store’s Company.

In 2000, Amy began her second career as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations for UK’s College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES). She worked with the HES Alumni Association, volunteers and donors to raise funds to create four endowed professorships as well as multiple scholarships and bequests. In addition, $1 million was secured for a state of the art nutritional lab. Amy led the annual HES Hall of Fame, Evening of Excellence, Thank-a-thon and other alumni and development events.

When the College of HES transitioned to be a school in the College of Agriculture, Amy became Assistant Director of Development for the College of Agriculture. As the lead fundraiser for the School of HES, she worked with many alumni, donors and families to implement over 52 endowments, with 45 scholarship endowments, multiple annual non-endowed scholarships, and numerous annuities and bequests. In 2006-2007, she was a key leader in the celebration of the HES Centennial, and worked with donors to establish the Centennial Scholarship Endowment. In 2014, she assisted Family and Consumer Sciences Extension in the establishment of their first endowment as a part of their centennial celebration. She was an outstanding contributor to the annual alumni Roundup, Winter Event and area chapter meetings.

In 2003, Amy became the lead fundraiser for The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. She worked with the Arboretum director, the Friends of The Arboretum and The Arboretum Advisory Board to launch the Gala in The Garden fundraising event, conduct the fundraising campaign to establish the Kentucky Children’s Garden, initiate a donor annual giving campaign and complete a $1.2 million campaign to fund the expansion of the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitors Center. As a tribute to her contributions, Amy received the Friends of The Arboretum Burr Oak Society Award in 2017.

Cherie Lynn Mingus

B.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky

M.S. Secondary Education, Western Kentucky University

Cherie Lynn Watts Mingus earned her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Kentucky in 1976, setting her on a path to achieve a career goal by becoming a home economics teacher. She began her teaching career in the Hardin County School System in 1976 and taught in Hardin County for thirty seven years, retiring in 2013. She developed an outstanding reputation as an innovative teacher and never hesitated to embark upon a new challenge. As a co-advisor for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, she was steadfast in developing leadership skills among her students, encouraging their involvement in the organization and providing leadership for activities at the chapter, regional, state and national levels.

Throughout her career and into retirement, Cherie has held a strong belief that to truly be a professional, one must actively participate in professional organizations. She has held membership in more than a dozen organizations, and her leadership skills and desire to serve propelled her to numerous leadership positions. She served as president for the Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (KAFCS), the Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Education (KACTE), the Kentucky Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (KATFACS) and the National Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (NATFACS). Her accomplishments as a teacher earned her numerous awards, including teacher of the year honors from KAFCS, KACTE and KATFACS and the NATFACS Distinguished Service Award.

Cherie has also been active in her community. For 17 years, she has been a member of the board for Youth Theatre of Hardin County. She is a frequent volunteer with the Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center and a leader in the Cecelia and Hardin County Extension Homemakers.

Marsha Herndon Purcell

B.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky

M.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky

Marsha Herndon Purcell earned her Bachelor of Sciences in Home Economics at the University of Kentucky in 1973, with emphasis in textiles, clothing and merchandising. She worked briefly in retail with Saks Fifth Avenue before returning to the University of Kentucky to complete her Master of Sciences in Home Economics in 1975.

From 1975 to 1977, Marsha served as an Extension Clothing Specialist with the University of Kentucky. With support and encouragement from her mentor, Dr. Doris Tichenor, Marsha accepted a position with the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation in 1977. This opportunity set her on the path to a highly successful career in association management.

As the Director of Women's Programs for Kentucky Farm Bureau from 1977-1980, Marsha led the women's program and coordinated consumer outreach. She played an instrumental role in developing the Kentucky Market Basket Survey which continues as the most highly respected food pricing data in Kentucky. Her success in Kentucky opened new doors, and she was recruited to the staff of the American Farm Bureau Federation in 1980.

During her 34-year tenure with American Farm Bureau, Marsha earned six promotions. Positions held included Director of Women's Programs and Agricultural Education; Director of Program Development; Managing Director for the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture; and Director of Membership and Program Development. She provided leadership for numerous programs, including development of "The Great American Farm" exhibition at Walt Disney World's Innoventions at Epcot.

Marsha received the Association Forum Management Executive Achievement Award in 1999, the Ag in the Classroom Program Distinguished Service Award in 2005, and the National Farm-City Council Service Award in 2013. She remains actively involved in her community, serving in leadership roles in her church and homeowners association.

Dr. Retia Scott Walker

B.S. Home Economics Education, Tuskegee University

M.S. Family Studies, Hunger College (CUNY)

M.S. Education Administration, Pace University

Ph.D. Educational Administration, Iowa State University

Dr. Retia Scott Walker is a distinguished academic leader whose career has spanned more than 50 years. Her professional path began as a junior high teacher, followed by administering adult, career and continuing education programs in the New York City School District. After earning her doctoral degree, she transitioned to higher education as an assistant professor at Texas Women's University, a post she left to serve as a faculty member and department chair at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Dr. Walker was named Dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences at UK in 1994. Following 8 years in this position, she was named Vice President for Academic Outreach and Public Service at UK, and served in this capacity until retiring in October 2005.

During her tenure with the UK College of Human Environmental Sciences, the college experienced a 33% increase in enrollment, established its first doctoral program, developed a 2+2 partnership program with Lexington Community College, hired its first development officer, doubled scholarship awards, established endowed professorships and established the HES Hall of Fame.

In 2011, Dr. Walker came out of retirement to serve as Executive Assistant to the Interim President at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. From 2012 to 2013, she served as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She returned to retirement and consulting in 2013.

Dr. Retia Walker has a rich, distinguished record of leadership, scholarship and community service. She has held numerous national leadership positions in professional organizations, including president of the Association for Gerontology and Human Development. Her list of honors is lengthy and impressive, including the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Distinguished Service Award. She continues her dedication to community service and has created positive impacts from more than four decades.

Linda Medlen Heaton

B.S. Vocational Home Economics, Middle Tennessee State University, 1964

M.S. Textiles and Clothing, University of Tennessee, 1970

Ph.D. Textiles and Clothing, The Ohio State University, 1980

Dr. Linda M. Heaton’s career in higher education spanned 36 years and included positions at The University of Tennessee, Georgia Southern College, The Ohio State University and Southwest Missouri State University. From 1980 to 2004, she was a member of the Extension faculty at the University of Kentucky, reaching the rank of Extension Professor prior to her retirement. Dr. Heaton authored or co-authored 8 refereed articles, more than 80 Extension publications and more than 30 abstracts and reports. She was an investigator on numerous grants with total funding of more than $870,000. Dr. Heaton’s professional memberships included the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), International Textiles and Apparel Association (ITAA), Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (KAFCS), Association of Kentucky Extension Specialists, Gamma Sigma Delta and Epsilon Sigma Phi. Her leadership positions included president of KAFCS, chair of the ITAA Extension and Outreach Committee and secretary/treasurer of the AAFCS Apparel and Textiles Division. In 2004 just prior to her retirement, Dr. Heaton established the James N. and Linda M. Heaton Master Volunteer in Clothing Education Endowment, earning recognition as a University of Kentucky Fellow. Since retirement, she has been an active leader in the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees and currently serves as District 5 Vice President.

Ruth Hatchett Duncan

B.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky, 1961

Ruth Hatchett Duncan graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. She began her career as a home economist for Kentucky Utilities, a position she held for three years. In 1969, Ruth began what would become a 32 year career of teaching. She taught tailoring part-time through the Fayette County School’s Adult Education Program; sewing classes through the Senior Citizens Center, Piece Goods Fabric Shop and Sandy’s Sewing Center; and served as a part time instructor in the UK College of Human Environmental Sciences. She retired from all teaching in 2004.

Ruth is active in professional and civic organizations, including the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Bluegrass Home Economists and Phi Upsilon Omicron. She is a member and past president of the University of Kentucky Woman’s Club and served as president of the UK College of Human Environmental Sciences Alumni Association. She served as a 4-H leader and member of the Fayette County Extension Council.

Ruth was inducted into the UK Fellows and Erikson Society in 1991. In 2006, she was recognized as a Centennial Laureate by the UK School of Human Environmental Sciences. In 2011, Ruth was named Bluegrass Area Ag & HES Alumni Association Outstanding Alumnus.

Mary Bell Vaughan*

B.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky, 1927

M.S. Home Economics Education, University of Kentucky, 1936

Mary Bell Vaughan’s distinguished career in home economics education spanned 45 years. Her first eleven years were dedicated to classroom teaching, with positions in Ballard County, Shelby County, Fayette County, Woodford County and at the University of Kentucky High School. In 1938, she was named assistant director of home economics education in the Kentucky Department of Education. In 1969, Mary was promoted to director of home economics education, a post she held until her retirement in 1972. During her tenure in the Department of Education, Mary played an instrumental role in organizing 88 charter chapters of the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) in Kentucky, and led the effort that qualified Kentucky to receive charter number one from national FHA. Through her leadership, many innovative FHA projects were implemented. One that continues and now bears her name is the scholarships program for outstanding students majoring in family and consumer sciences. Mary served on the National FHA Advisory Board from 1959-1961 and was awarded honorary membership in Kentucky and National FHA. She was active in professional associations, including the American Home Economics Association, where she served as the Kentucky affiliate president from 1941 to 1945. Mary was a sought after speaker and traveled to numerous states to present at teachers’ conferences.

*posthumously

Peggy Hurt Powell

B.S. Home Economics, Berea College

M.S. Human Development and Resource Management, University of Kentucky

Peggy Hurt Powell recently retired from her position as Montgomery County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences after working for more than 40 years with the University of Kentucky as an extension agent and specialist. Powell received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from Berea College and a Master of Science in Human Development and Resource Management from the University of Kentucky. She has been involved in countless programs and activities covering a wide variety of topics and exhibited a strong dedication to serving families throughout her career. She served as president and vice president of the Kentucky Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (KEAFCS), and received numerous recognitions for her programming and leadership. She served as president of the Kentucky chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, and received that organization’s Visionary Leadership and Distinguished Service Awards. Powell has been active in the Mount Sterling Rotary Club, Montgomery County Education Foundation, Montgomery County Youth Service Center Advisory Council, and the Gateway Aging Council. In 1994, Powell received the Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s Woman of the Year Award. In 2010, she was named the Extension Educator of the Year by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Pauline Park Wilson Knapp*

B.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky, 1929

Pauline Park Knapp received her B.S. in Home Economics from the University of Kentucky (UK) in 1924. She completed her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology at Columbia University. In the early years of her career, she established the first child development center in the state of Georgia. In 1935, she laid the groundwork for the establishment of a permanent nursery school at UK which continues today as the Early Childhood Laboratory. Dr. Knapp served as head of the Department of Family and Life at the University of Alabama and as Dean of the School of Home Economics at the University of Georgia. In 1952, she was named president and director of the Merrill-Palmer School. During her years as president, she broadened the school’s emphasis on parent education and increased research on applied child and family issues. She facilitated a name change to the Merrill-Palmer Institute and oversaw the largest increase in student enrollment and faculty appointments in the history of the institute. Dr. Knapp earned national and international recognition in child development and family relations. Her work was well-published, and she was often called upon to speak regarding the field of home economics, early childhood education and the education of women.

*posthumously

Photo: Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University

Elizabeth Cromwell Kremer

B.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky, 1925

Elizabeth Cromwell Kremer received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics at the University of Kentucky in 1925.  Following graduation, she began her career as a food manager with Schrafft’s restaurant chain in New York City.  She managed the French Village Restaurant in Louisville and the Canary Cottage in Cincinnati in the 1930s.  After her marriage, Mrs. Kremer retired from her career to focus on raising her two daughters.  In 1967, she returned to work in the food service industry as the vice president for food service at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill.  Mrs. Kremer flourished in this position and gained national prominence through her work to organize and launch the food service aspect of Shaker Village. Under her leadership, Trustees House Dining Room served more than 2.5 million meals and sold more than 153,000 copies of “We Make You Kindly Welcome,” a cookbook of Shaker recipes that Mrs. Kremer compiled in response to customer requests.

Patricia Brantley Todd

B.S. Home Economics, University of Kentucky, 1968 

M.S. Home Economics, Simmons College, 1973

Patricia Brantley Todd began her career teaching nutrition at the high school level in Massachusetts.  Today she focuses much of her time on philanthropic work linked to human environmental sciences.  Mrs. Todd has chaired the Relay for Life Cancer Drive and served on the Women's Health Center Advisory Council and the Governor's School for the Arts Advisory Committee along with many other boards and commissions.  Mrs. Todd was founding co-chair of the University of Kentucky’s Women and Philanthropy Network and a founding member of the Women’s Circle, the primary endowment program of the Center for Research on Violence Against Women.  She currently serves as the Honorary Chair for the UK Plaid Project. As First Lady at the University of Kentucky, Mrs. Todd worked vigorously to improve the aesthetic and functional qualities of the university and its grounds.  Her many awards and recognitions include the University of Kentucky Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 2011 and the 2013 Winner’s Circle Award presented by the Lexington Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Martha Allen Nall

B.S. Home Economics Vocational Education, University of Kentucky, 1970 

M.S. Management and Family Economics, Purdue University, 1972 

Ed.D. Adult and Community College Education, North Carolina State University, 1983 

Dr. Martha Allen Nall is a strong leader whose abilities were evidenced early in life through her service as president of the Kentucky Association of Future Homemakers of America and as Vice President of the Student Association of the American Home Economics Association.  Dr. Nall worked with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service from 1974 until 2012.  She educated and empowered Extension leaders, trained and mentored Extension professionals, and taught university students, promoting professional excellence, leadership and accountability with all.  Dr. Nall has an outstanding record of professional service, holding the office of president in the Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, two different national vice president positions with the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), national president of the Association of Leadership Educators, and numerous additional local, state and national leadership positions.  She has received numerous awards, including the AAFCS Leader Award and the Epsilon Sigma Phi Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service Awards.  Dr. Nall is a past president of the Human Environmental Sciences Alumni Association and played an active role in the merger with the College of Agriculture Alumni Association.