The EKU Corbin Regional Campus serves more than 300 students in Southeastern Kentucky. Corbin students Carolyn Mayo and Abby Thompson are preparing for careers in elementary education in service to their home region.
At Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Corbin campus, students are pursuing opportunities that prepare them for careers that help make a difference in their communities. For students Carolyn Mayo and Abby Thompson, that means becoming educators who can support children and families in Southeastern Kentucky.
“EKU Corbin helps make higher education possible for students who want to build their futures close to home,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “When students can earn a degree in their own region, they have the opportunity to build careers, support their families and give back to the communities that helped shape them. By preparing graduates to serve their communities and meet regional workforce needs, EKU Corbin strengthens Southeastern Kentucky and supports its future.”
Mayo, a Corbin native majoring in elementary education, said she chose her major because children are her greatest joy and she enjoys seeing them find the fun in learning and achieve their goals. She looks forward to giving back to Southeastern Kentucky as an educator.
“Scholarships have made it possible to help pay for my tuition,” said Mayo. “What has truly made the difference is the support, encouragement and flexibility EKU has offered for moms like me who have returned back to school.”
As she works toward becoming a teacher, Mayo hopes to create a classroom that feels like a second home for her students. She credits EKU Corbin and her professors with supporting her as she balances the responsibilities of being a student and a parent.
“I’d like to be the teacher who ignites the spark that is inside of every child,” said Mayo.
Thompson is also from Corbin and is pursuing a degree in elementary education. She wants to become a teacher because she believes children need strong educators and safe environments where they can learn and grow.
After graduation, Thompson hopes to remain close to home and serve children in Southeastern Kentucky.
“I understand a lot of the issues that happen in Southeastern Kentucky, and what many of these children face at home and in schools,” said Thompson. “Those children deserve a teacher who understands what they’ve been through and are there to advocate for them and their learning.”
Thompson credits EKU Corbin with helping her prepare for her future career by providing real-world experience.
“The regional campuses offer the college experience at an affordable cost and give you a better opportunity to get to know your peers and professors in a close-knit setting, while being close to home,” said Thompson.
EKU Corbin currently serves 315 students. More than 12,000 EKU graduates began their education at EKU Corbin or EKU Manchester.
By: Olivia Evans
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