Dean’s Advisory Council
College of Education & Applied Human Sciences
The CEAHS Dean’s Advisory Council advocates for the success of the college’s programs and graduates, providing advice to college leadership on areas of strategic growth and acting as the college’s ambassadors in their communities.
Meeting Notes
Council Members
Katherine Jury
Katherine Jury is a Senior Extension Specialist for Family Health at the University of Kentucky. She has over ten years of experience in community-based education and provides evidence-based resources that empower Kentuckians to make healthy choices and improve their quality of life.
Katherine is an alumnus of Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science and earned a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Family Science. Additionally, Katherine holds Professional Certifications in Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University, Community and Public Health from Cornell University, and is a nationally ranked Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Coordinator.
Katherine lives on a fourth-generation family farm with her husband and two children in Nelson County, Kentucky.
Lucy Riffle
Lucy R. Riffle, a dedicated educator and community leader, proudly serves as the new EKU Alumni Board President. Lucy has called the family home in Erlanger, KY, her residence throughout her life.
After completing her education at Lloyd Memorial High School in 1973, Lucy pursued her higher education at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). She developed a strong bond with her alma mater and currently serves on the EKU Alumni Board. Continuing her academic journey, Lucy earned her Master’s in Education and Rank I in administration from Northern Kentucky University.
Lucy’s career in education began in 1977 as a primary school teacher. After 14 years in the classroom, her passion for education led her to transition into administration. She retired as the Principal of Tichenor Middle School in 2004 but remains actively engaged in the field. Presently, Lucy works as a consultant for the Kentucky Center for School Safety, where she conducts safe school assessments in public schools across the state. As the newly appointed EKU Alumni Board President, Lucy R. Riffle brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a lifelong dedication to education and community service. Having served on the Alumni Board since 2019 and most recently a term as the Vice President, she leads the alumni board by fostering meaningful connections between the university and its esteemed alumni.
Lucy has been happily married to Kevin for 30 years and is a loving stepmother to Joshua. Her greatest joys in life come from being a grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters, Aidan and Camryn.
Rose Skepple
Dr. Rose Gilmore-Skepple is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and former collegiate athlete who is passionate about education and leadership. Earning an Educational Doctorate degree from Eastern Kentucky University, Rose has made significant contributions in academia, business, and community service.
Recognized for excellence in athletics and leadership, Rose is a three-time Sports Hall of Famer and a Hall of Distinguished Alumni recipient. Her dedication to service and advocacy earned her the prestigious Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Leadership Award from Florida State University.
Beyond personal achievements, Rose actively contributes to the advancement of education and philanthropy as a member of the Eastern Kentucky University Foundation Board of Directors. She is also a proud member of Societas Docta, Inc. in Tallahassee, Florida, an organization committed to educational and professional excellence.
Through a commitment to lifelong learning, mentorship, and leadership, Dr. Rose Gilmore-Skepple continues to inspire and impact communities across various fields.
Julie Duckart
Julie Duckart, PhD, OTR/L is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at EKU. She has a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Kentucky, an MS and a Post-baccalaureate Certificate in occupational therapy from EKU, and a BA in biochemistry and microbiology from the University of California. She specializes in pediatric occupational therapy and assistive technology.
Amy Sapsford
Amy is a 1981 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. She majored in Dietetics and went on to become a Registered Dietitian. Amy started her career in the NICU at Dayton Children’s Medical Center and moved to Cincinnati Children’s in 1990 where she practiced for over 30 years, retiring in 2021. Amy was awarded the inaugural NICU Dietitian of the Year by the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She authored and edited many book chapters in Neonatal and Pediatric Nutrition throughout her career. Amy serves on the Board of Trustees of the Gerber Foundation which supports Pediatric Nutrition research and also the Editorial Board of the Pediatric Nutrition Care Manual. Amy and her husband, Simon, have funded the Amy Baumann Sapsford Endowed Scholarship in Dietetics with the first award given in 2024-25. She is honored to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the EKU College of Education and Applied Human Sciences and hopes to continue to develop relationships with students and faculty!
Amy McGowan
Amy McGowan has always had a strong connection to EKU, and currently serves as a ruling elder on the board for her church working with the education programs. She grew up in Campbellsville, Kentucky where education was the center of family life. Her father was an alumni of EKU, and a coach and counselor. Her mother worked in administration for Taylor County Schools. Amy is an EKU alum and one of the first graduates with an Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education degree and a Special Education minor. After earning her degrees, she began teaching preschool and special education for Kindergarteners at Anderson County’s Early Childhood Center, a unique school which housed preschool and kindergarten classes for the whole county. While working in Anderson County, Amy became the Curriculum Resource Teacher for the school and continued her education and received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky. Amy worked in the Kentucky Early Intervention program (First Steps) for children birth to three and she was the owner/ operator for a business devoted to parent child classes, Gymboree Play and Music.
Amy lives in Lexington, Kentucky with her two teenage sons and stays involved in their activities. Her husband Daniel serves on the Morehead State University Foundation board and Amy hopes to support EKU’s development anyway she can.