Unstoppable Mom Finds Success as EKU Transfer Student

Born in Detroit and raised in Kentucky, Kahlilah Mitchell became a mother at 17, a turning point that sparked a deep motivation to build a better future for her son. She began her college journey at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). By the time she earned her associate degree, Mitchell said her next chapter was already waiting for her at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).

EKU celebrates National Transfer Student Week (NTSW) Oct 20-24, honoring the success of transfer students who find a seamless path to continue their education at EKU. For Mitchell, that path led to new opportunities, a supportive community and a shared victory with her son.

“As we celebrate National Transfer Student Week, we are proud to be the number one transfer destination for KCTCS students,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We welcomed more than 1,200 transfer students to EKU this fall, and we make sure the process is easy to navigate and affordable for students. Our transfer grads like Kahlilah demonstrate the remarkable outcomes that come through continued education.”

While at KCTCS, Mitchell joined programs that provided the stability and flexibility she needed as a single mother, laying the foundation for her future. At EKU, she chose to study social work to turn her own experiences into a way to support and lift others.

“Before I graduated in 2023, I had already been accepted into EKU’s Social Work program and approved for housing at Eastern Scholar House,” said Mitchell. The Eastern Scholar House provides affordable housing to single parents working toward their degrees. “I also received a transfer scholarship to help ease the financial transition to EKU.”

Mitchell says EKU’s resources support her not only as a student, but also as a mother. The Center for Student Parents welcomed her with open arms and provided her with guidance, academic support, advising, workshops and employment opportunities. These resources, along with the Eastern Scholar House, allowed her to concentrate on her studies, knowing her son’s needs were met.

In May 2025, Mitchell felt a wave of emotion as she crossed the stage at EKU’s graduation to receive her bachelor’s degree in social work. That same month, her son proudly walked across his own pre-K stage, a shared victory that reflects their journey and growth together.

Now pursuing her master’s degree in social work at EKU, Mitchell hopes to become a telehealth therapist and eventually open a teen living home for young mothers. She encourages other transfer students to take advantage of the resources available to them and to never put a timeline on their success.

“Both KCTCS and EKU helped shape me into who I am today—an unstoppable 23-year-old graduate student with a 5-year-old by her side,” said Mitchell. “These schools did not just prepare me for a career; they gave me hope, leadership, confidence and a community that believed in my success.”

In September, EKU and KCTCS strengthened that same pathway of opportunity for future students, expanding EKU’s 23 transfer pathways to students at all 16 of Kentucky’s community colleges. The partnership maximizes credit transfer, reduces time to degree and provides access to transfer scholarships.

EKU has been named to the 2025 Transfer Honor Roll list by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities for the dynamic pathways created to support college transfer students.

EKU supports transfer students by providing resources and a welcoming community where they can thrive—helping every learner achieve success and reach their full potential. Begin your transfer journey at eku.edu/transfer.

By Jake Hall