Short Bios for Board Nominations
Betty Berger (BA ’71), Louisville, KY
Sales at Olde Master Originals
Betty has been an active participant in WKU sponsored events in the Greater Louisville
area for several years. She and her husband are regulars at the Lee Robertson/Gary Sundmacker
golf scramble, and generously donate items to the silent auction at this event (i.e.- golf putters,
cigar boxes, etc.). She has attended Alumni College and actively recruits more of her friends to
attend WKU events. She has recently become more involved in chapter events in the Louisville
area, and also helps with events in the Naples, FL area (game watching parties) as she has a
home down there as well.
Drew Byers (AB ’02), Bowling Green, KY
Account Sales Representative for Progressive Insurance
Currently serving as President of the Young Alumni Council, Drew is no stranger to the
Alumni Board. Drew has served as the YAC ex-officio on the Alumni Board for two years, but
his term ends in July. Under Drew’s leadership, YAC has created a fundraising campaign for the
Augenstein Alumni Center, as well as implemented many new initiatives to involve WKU’s
younger alumni base. Drew is also active in the Warren County Alumni Chapter, where he
served as President from 2007-2010. Drew is married to Jessica Jolly Byers (’04, ’10) and they
have two daughters, Julia and Maggie.
Paul Calico (BS ’76), Cincinnati, OH
Attorney and Mediator at Strauss and Troy
Paul is a well respected attorney in Cincinnati. His wife Ann is also a WKU graduate,
and their daughter Molly is currently pursuing her Master's Degree at WKU. Paul was active in
SGA and Sigma Nu during his days on the Hill and continues to support both programs
financially and through volunteer work. He and Ann have attended Alumni College and have
reconnected with many former classmates and current WKU staff members over the past few
years. Paul and Ann are also lifetime members of the Alumni Association.
Steve Fogle (BA ’76), San Antonio, TX
Attorney at Jackson Walker, LLP
Steve Fogle is a prominent lawyer in downtown San Antonio. His commitment to WKU
continues through his involvement with the ROTC program here and the dedication he shows by
attending ROTC events on campus and in his area. During his time at WKU, Steve participated
in ROTC, Scabbard and Blade, Pershing Rifles and Omicron Delta Kappa. He received his Juris
Doctorate at Baylor University.
Joe Glasser (BS ’73), Louisville, KY
Retired Finance Manager from Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corp.
Joe is an avid supporter of WKU on multiple levels. He lettered in tennis while at WKU
and was a member of Sigma Nu and Student Government Association. Joe is also a College
High graduate and attends various reunions. While in Louisville Joe has been active wherever
needed. He continues to support the chapter by attending activities and was an instrumental part
of the Persimmon Ridge Gordon Ford Golf Classic despite dealing with ongoing cancer
treatments. He is a supporter of the Alumni Association, WKU Libraries and Museums, and WClub which has earned him President’s Circle and Cherry Society status.
Jade Gummer (BA ‘98, MPA ’06), Orlando, FL
Attorney for Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer
Jade has been an active participant in WKU sponsored events in the Central Florida area
for several years. While on the Hill, he was a member of the Hilltopper Football team from
1995-1998. In his community, he is actively involved with several civic organizations including
the YMCA, where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2001. He is also Founder and
Past President of the Lake Nona Toastmasters. Jade earned his Juris Doctorate from the Thomas
M. Cooley School of Law. He and his wife, Nina have one child, Jalen.
Julie Hinson (BS ’90), Prospect, KY
CEO of Advanced Lifeline Services, Inc.
Julie is a very active and well-respected Hilltopper in the Louisville Community. She is
an inaugural member of the WKU Sisterhood. She and her husband, Michael, even recently
hosted a WKU event at their home. She currently serves on the CEC Board, as well as the
College of Health and Human Services Board of Stakeholders. Julie is a member of the
Louisville Derby Fillies. While on the hill, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.
Julie is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, as well as a member of the President’s
Circle.
Steve Johnson (BS ’78), Owensboro, KY
Controller at Sterett Crane & Rigging
Steve received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1978. Steve is currently
employed by the Construction/Contracting Firm, Sterret Crane & Rigging as a Controller. Steve
has been an active participant in the Owensboro Alumni Chapter, where his wife, Sharon (’81),
recently served the role of President. Steve is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.
Steve and Sharon have two children, Samuel and Seth.
Bonnie Lawson (College High ’55, BS ’59, MS ’68, BS ’81), Bowling Green, KY
Retired CPA, General Motors
Bonnie has been very active in all things College High! She graduated from College
High in 1955, and has been there to help plan the reunions and the Grand Gatherings. She was a
part of the “underground” Chi-O sorority before sororities were legal on campus. Bonnie
participated in the Golden Anniversary Club reunion last year and is an active volunteer in the
Bowling Green community. Bonnie is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.
Debra Maggart (BA ’82), Hendersonville, TN
State Representative for the Tennessee General Assembly
Debra (Young) Maggart received her Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising in 1982. While
on campus, Debra was active with Phi Mu and University Center Board. Debra has stayed very
active with Phi Mu on a national and local level since her days on the Hill. Debra has also been
active with some events in the Nashville area and was the driving force behind state legislation
needed to make a WKU license plate possible in Tennessee. Deborah is a State Representative
in the Tennessee General Assembly and resides in Hendersonville, TN.
Crystal Martin (BS ’94), Evansville, IN
Assoc. National Bank Examiner at OCC
Crystal Martin is a 1994 graduate of WKU with a major in Finance. She currently serves
as the National Bank Examiner for OCC in Evansville, IN. Crystal was involved in the Alpha
Omicron Pi sorority during her time at WKU. Currently she is serving as the president of the
Evansville Alumni Chapter. During her time as president she has helped to revive the chapter.
She resides in Evansville, IN with her husband Kirk and two children, Logan and Shane.
John McClearn (BS ’59, MAE ‘64); Madisonville, KY
Retired Superintendent of Hopkins County Schools
John is a retired superintendent of Hopkins County Schools. Most recently, John
participated in the Golden Anniversary Club event in 2009. During his time on the Hill, he
played basketball for none other than Coach Diddle. He lives in Madisonville with his wife, Jean.
Steve Moore (BA ‘80), Bowling Green, KY
CPA Steven A. Moore, CPA
Steve is a loyal Hilltopper fan and respected CPA in the Bowling Green community.
Steve has served on the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation Board and attends most athletic events
with his family. He is part of the WKU Cupola Society for giving 20+ consecutive years and
enjoys supporting his alma mater. Steve has also been on other non-profit boards in the
community and lends his accounting expertise as a portion of his service.
Ruth Osburn (’80), Nolensville, TN
Registered Dental Hygienist, Dr. Nancy Laden DDS
Ruth has maintained a high level of interest in WKU ever since her graduation, staying in
touch and occasionally attending events. Ruth’s degree was in Dental Hygiene and she has
always worked in and enjoyed the field. Ruth has a daughter who is a current student at WKU.
Ruth is a niece of WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni Member Gen Russell E. Dougherty. Ruth
is a current Alumni Association member.
Laura Emberton Owens (BA ’80, MA ’87), Frankfort, KY
Writer/Speaker
Laura received both her undergraduate and masters degrees from WKU. She has spent
25 years in education, workforce training and government and was appointed Kentucky's
Education Secretary in 2006. She joined the Education Cabinet in 2004 as commissioner of the
Department of Workforce Investment and was later appointed deputy secretary of education.
She has also been a classroom teacher in Warren and Barren counties, served on the Education
Commission of the States and the Southern Regional Education Board. Laura published a book
in 2009 about lessons she has learned from her children. She is a lifetime member of the Alumni
Association and strong advocate for WKU.
Dennis Reeves (BA ’67), Martinsville, VA
President of J&J Aviation, Inc.
Dennis is a 1963 College High graduate, and is always ready for the next College High
reunion! He is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association. He graduated in 1967 from WKU
where he was actively involved in several organizations: Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Phi Omega
and Student Government Association. Dennis has been a big WKU supporter in the D.C. area!
Tricia Roca (AA ’77), Versailles, KY
Executive Assistant for Kentucky Employers Mutual
Tricia is a very active member of the Central Kentucky Planning Team, and was an
integral part of starting An Evening of Wine in the Lexington area. She was a member of Kappa
Delta Sorority while on the Hill. The oldest two of her three children are WKU alums, her
youngest child is a member of the Growing up Red Legacy Program. Tricia is a member of the
Alumni Association.
Melinda Rue (BS ’79), Atlanta, GA
Melinda and her husband, Jonathan, have been active Hilltoppers in the Atlanta area
throughout the years. While on the Hill, she was actively involved in Chi Omega, even serving
as President for the sorority. Melinda previously served on the Parents Advisory Council from
2004-2008. Melinda and Jonathan have four children: Julianna, Elizabeth, Johathan, and Daniel.
Melinda is a member of the President’s Circle.
Kendra Stewart (BA ’93), Cecilia, KY
Public Relations Director for Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health System
While at WKU, Kendra participated in the Association of Black Journalists, the
Association of Black Achievers, and the Black Student Alliance. Kendra is active as a volunteer
in the Elizabethtown community, serving as a member of the United Way marketing committee,
as Chairwoman of the local Red Cross Advisory Board, Chairwoman for the local chapter’s
executive council of the Fort Knox Chapter of the United States Army, and is second vice
president of Elizabethtown’s Junior Women’s Club. She has also volunteered with America’s
Second Harvest, American Heart Association, Elizabethtown Heritage Council, Hardin County
Community Foundation, Hardin County Art Council, Junior Miss, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and
Girl Scouts. She acts in community theater and serves as secretary of her church’s scholarship
committee.
Julie Allen Taleghani (BA ’93), Franklin, TN
Former owner of SPIRIT, LLC
Julie is the author of the Big Red children's storybook "Go Team" and "Big Red's Spirited
Adventure" and the co-owner of SPIRIT, LLC, the former company who produced the books and
other Big Red items. Julie has donated SPIRIT, LLC merchandise to the Alumni Association,
financially supports the university, and has remained a devoted alumna since her days as a Spirit
Master at WKU in the early 1990s. She and her husband, Chris, have even opened their home
for various WKU events in the Nashville area.
Michael Wang (AB ’02), Lexington, KY
RCP Realty
Michael is a 2002 graduate and is a realtor for RCP Realty as well as the Owner/CEO of
Upscale Properties and Ad-Rover in Lexington, Ky. Out of 2500 realtors in Central Kentucky,
Michael is currently in the top 100. Michael was very active as an SAE during his days on the
Hill, and he is involved with the local alumni chapter in Central Kentucky. He is a lifetime
member of the Alumni Association and also made a $10,000 commitment to the Alumni Center
Building Fund. Michael often travels to Bowling Green for basketball and football games, and is
a loyal alumnus of WKU.
Cris Young (BS ’90, MPH ’05), Dacula, GA
Area Veterinarian in Charge for USDA APHIS VS
Cris received both his undergraduate and masters degrees from WKU and attended
Auburn University for Veterinary School. After practicing veterinary medicine for a few years,
Cris accepted a position with the USDA. He has moved a few times and now lives outside of
Atlanta. Cris also ran cross country at WKU and has recently set up a scholarship fund for the
program. Cris is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and a lifetime member of the
Alumni Association. He has expressed an interest in serving on the Board, and he stays very
involved with WKU events and activities.