Alumni Stories

A native of Greenup County, Kentucky, she earned her graduate degrees from the University of Kentucky (Master of Arts in Theatre, 2005) and the University of Georgia (Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre, 2011) and subsequently taught Theatre courses at Presbyterian College (Clinton, SC) and Furman University (Greenville, SC).

By Whitney Hale

As part of the prestigious vocal competition in classical music, Smith will compete against 15 of the world’s most outstanding rising stars in international opera and song on BBC TV, radio and iPlayer beginning June 12.

Meg and Rae's connection is obvious from the very beginning of the interview and highlights some of the wonderful teacher-student mentor relationships created at the UK College of Fine Arts. To view Meg Klosterman's work visit her website at www.megklosterman.com or follow on Instagram @megklosterman. 

By Emma Lucas

Jacqui McKenna graduated from the University of Kentucky in May of 2020, right at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A student of the Arts Administration B.A. program, McKenna was paired with an industry professional for a portfolio review as part of AAD 450, Senior Seminar. She met with Christine Matovich, who received her Masters in Arts Administration from UK, and was later offered an opportunity to work for CommonTime. 

UKOT’s Vocal Master Class Series continues through the end of spring semester with a star-studded line up of some of the biggest players in contemporary opera.   

The lineup includes:

Story originally appeared on Kentucky.com on March 2, 2021 by Walter Tunis, Contributing Music Critic.

By her own estimation, Renee Collins Cobb is a “social introvert.” Every Wednesday night, however, she sets any self-perceived shyness aside. That’s when the Ashland native is either behind a microphone or a video camera to bring “Overtones Live” to life.

“A lot of people would never have dreamed that I would be doing what I’m doing now.”

Story by Mark Mozingo, UKNow

The Rogers Scholarship was established by distinguished alumnus Wayland D. Rogers, a renowned singer, conductor, teacher and composer based in Chicago, Illinois, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from UK in 1963. The scholarship will support senior music performance students who exhibit excellence in art songs or solo music with piano accompaniment.  

There doesn’t seem to be enough superlatives to describe Tyler Swick’s energetic, entertaining and exhilarating teaching style. And accolades from parents and colleagues are just as numerous.  In several of his “40 Under 40” nomination letters, parents called him a “musical magician” and that “his work ethic knows no bounds when it comes to ensuring he gets a smile out of a few extra kiddos.” Another parent simply stated, “It doesn’t feel like learning when it’s this fun!”

The UK Women’s Choir planned an event in spring of 2020 to celebrate Dr. Hetzel’s 25th Anniversary with the School of Music. Due to COVID-19 that event was cancelled. A virtual celebration was held instead during a Women's Choir rehearsal. Tegan Miller jumped at the chance to Zoom in.