Board of Trustee Candidates, Staff

Over the course of my career at the University of Kentucky, I have grown into a dedicated and effective representative of our university community, both personally and professionally. My leadership in high-level staff roles reflects strong communication skills, broad collaboration across academic and medical campuses, and a deep commitment to UK’s mission. 

I provide strategic support across academic departments, UK HealthCare, and UK Extension employees. UK is where I have studied, supported research, led initiatives, and built professional relationships. My service in the UK Staff Senate, advisory roles with UK ADVANCE, and leadership as President of UK PrideCats reflect broad engagement that would continue as a Staff Trustee. 

I have contributed to revising Administrative Regulations, served as Secretary to the Staff Senate’s President’s Advisory Committee, and represented staff interests on UKHC’s Research Data Governance & Enterprise Data Governance Committees. These roles have given me a comprehensive understanding of UK’s operations and the pivotal contributions of our staff. 

The Staff Trustee role demands a proactive advocate who can build consensus, promote transparent dialogue, and ensure staff perspectives shape Board decisions. I am committed to listening, communicating clearly, and elevating staff concerns as we face decisions around research funding, healthcare services, and student support. 

I would be honored to serve as your Staff Trustee, bringing a collaborative, staff-centered voice to the Board of Trustees. With established connections at UK and a strong commitment to its future, I am ready to guide decisions that reflect the values and wellbeing of our university community.

Early in my career, I would have never envisioned myself looking at such an opportunity to serve as the staff member on the University’s Board of Trustees (BOT). However, over my career I have fostered a sense of always wanting to do more, to make an impact. As a proven leader in multiple industries, I have the skills to effectively challenge the status quo, to make quick and decisive decisions, hold those accountable for certain actions, while collaborating with those across our vast University and external partners. 

I believe that I could be the champion for all staff by serving on the BOT. I also believe to be an honest advocate for staff, one should also fully understand the business, goals, and mission of the University. We face an uncertain future geopolitically, and roles such as these should be realistic and strategic in their approach. My background, experience and dedication support my nomination. 

Thank you again for the opportunity.

My name is La’Tonya Hocker, and I am a mom, wife, and mental health clinician passionate about supporting young people as they navigate their academic and personal lives. I have seven years of experience in healthcare at the University of Kentucky, proceeded by two years in a PRN role. I transitioned to student care in July 2024. This shift was deeply personal for me; having been a student at the University of Kentucky myself and now seeing my two children attend, I wanted to help others succeed in the same way.

I’ve seen firsthand the challenges students face, both academically and emotionally. My goal is to empower students to thrive not only in the classroom but also in their mental health. Being in this space allows me to provide much needed support and guidance, helping students navigate this space while building resilience and confidence. I am committed to ensuring that they can succeed in their studies while maintaining their well-being. I am thankful that God has allowed me to be in this space to do this meaningful work. I believe that pursuing a position on the board will allow me to have a voice in shaping the policies and procedures of UK through the lens of how it will and does affect students.

In addition, I serve as the campus advisor for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as well as parliamentary for the Lexington alumnae chapter. I am also a staff member of the University Grievance Committee.

As a lifelong Kentuckian and two-time graduate of the University of Kentucky, I am deeply committed to the University’s mission to serve and advance the Commonwealth. Since 2012, I have held several roles within the UK International Center and currently serve as Director of Global Risk and Strategic Operations. In this role, I direct the institution’s health and safety support for all members of the UK community traveling internationally and lead the implementation of UK Global, the University’s strategic plan for internationalization. Over the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with colleges and units across the academic, operational, and healthcare sectors of the institution. I am also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education, an experience which has given me ongoing insights into student life at the University.

I would be honored to serve on the Board of Trustees and contribute to shaping the University’s strategic direction during a pivotal moment in its history. I am particularly passionate about Kentucky’s global engagement and believe that advancing the Commonwealth requires an intentional focus on how our teaching, research, and service align with global trends in health, education, and the economy. I hope to bring a valuable and distinctive perspective to the Board’s work in the years ahead.

My fellow UK staff,

I’m running for Staff Trustee because I believe UK thrives when every employee - regardless of role or title - is respected, supported, and empowered to grow. With nearly a decade of service at the university and my current leadership role in staff governance, I’ve worked to promote equity, transparency, and long-term thinking in university policy. My experience in IT systems has shown me how structures can deeply shape outcomes—and how we can build systems that work better for people.

I’ve worked in both academic and central units at UK, including the College of Communication and Information and Information Technology Services. I live in Lexington with my wife and our two cats, and spend my spare time reading, 3D printing, and playing board and computer games. Like many of you, I juggle work and life with pride, humor, and the hope that we can always make things a little better.

As Trustee, I will advocate for policies that value all forms of staff contribution, recognize the importance of service, offer more inclusive support across employment types, and prioritize benefits that take care of the people who make our institution run. We deserve a workplace that supports our well-being, not just our productivity.

In our ever-changing work environment, a new voice can bring fresh perspectives - and help ensure that policies evolve to meet today’s challenges. I’m committed to that work with integrity, care, and a focus on long-term improvement.

Thank you for your consideration.

My name is Amanda Martin, and I would be honored to serve as the staff representative on the Board of Trustees. As a dedicated employee, with over 15 years of consecutive service, I have developed strong ties to the University of Kentucky community. A lifelong Kentuckian, I embody the university’s mission to advance Kentucky, in all aspects. As a committed member of this university, I am a responsible steward of our resources, I take very seriously the fiscal responsibilities I have in my current role, and I strive to educate, be innovative, heal, and serve in my daily work.

If elected to serve as the staff trustee, I would bring these traits, along with my inherent work ethic, and my commitment to the university to the role of trustee. It would be a privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to the opportunity to help support the University of Kentucky in advancing Kentucky.

For the past nine years, I have been fortunate to serve as the Staff Representative to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees. Someone asked me the other day what I was most proud of during that time. For me, that answer was clear.

This position has been – and will always be – about people. I have the great privilege of working alongside you to make a real difference in the lives of our colleagues. A few highlights: 

• Helped create the University’s first-ever parental leave benefit.
• Championed an effort to reduce childcare costs for UK staff with children at UK’s Early Childhood Laboratory.
• Partnered with UK HealthCare officials to create more access to UK HealthCare doctors and clinicians.
• Worked to prevent layoffs/furloughs during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Partnered with Staff Senate to build better relationships with UK administrators that are centered on trust, accountability and mutual respect. 

There are so many more projects – both large and small – that come to mind. However, the greatest part of this job starts with you. When a colleague shares a concern, I have always been here to listen and lend a helping hand. I take pride in working each day to help make your job a little bit better, a little more rewarding, and a little more meaningful. 

In asking for your vote this year, I’m also asking for one more thing – working together to improve conditions in all 120 Kentucky counties.

In my time at the University of Kentucky, my work has consistently been grounded in the power of advocacy, representation, and community. As Associate Director of the Martin Luther King Center, I have the privilege of working closely with students, staff, and campus partners to foster a culture of belonging and I see every day how decisions made at the highest levels of the institution affect our lived experience on the ground.

I’m seeking to serve as the faculty/staff representative on the Board of Trustees because I believe our voices matter. Staff bring a unique lens to conversations about institutional change, student success, and organizational climate. We are often the connective tissue that links students to the broader campus ecosystem. I want to ensure that those insights and realities are reflected in institutional decision-making.

Beyond my role at the MLK Center, I’ve served on the UK Women’s Forum Board, where I chaired the Awards & Recognition Committee. In that role, I coordinated and executed both the 30th Annual Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards and the Employee Education Assistance Award process. I’ve also served for four years on the advisory committee for the College Business Management Institute, helping shift the conference experience by focusing on engagement, curriculum design, and expanded professional development opportunities. These leadership experiences have deepened my understanding of institutional culture, collaboration, and the value of intentional recognition and development and they’ve affirmed my desire to serve in this new capacity.

As a proud University of Kentucky double alum (Chemical Engineering, Law) and the Associate Director of Intellectual Property Development, I am honored to run for Staff Representative. My journey from student to staff has deepened my commitment to ensuring our institution’s mission reflects the voices of those who sustain it.

A patent attorney by trade, I champion innovation—translating groundbreaking ideas into tangible solutions. While many of these ideas manifest as cutting-edge therapeutics or life-changing devices, I’ve also nurtured unconventional concepts that challenge norms and spark progress for Kentucky’s future. Collaborating with students, faculty, and staff across UK, I’ve honed my ability to advocate and turn diverse perspectives into action. My priorities include:

1. Amplifying Staff Voices: Crafting structured channels to ensure transparency and staff input in Board decisions.
2. Strengthening Career Development: Expanding tuition benefits, mentorship, and cross-departmental collaboration.
3. Advocating for Work-Life Balance: Championing hybrid flexibility, mental health resources, family leave, and competitive compensation.

The University of Kentucky is more than my workplace—it’s where I met my wife, and where UK midwives welcomed our child into the world. These moments remind me daily that this institution thrives because of its people. Staff are not just the backbone of UK; we are its lifeblood, quietly powering every classroom, lab, and hospital room.

I humbly ask for your vote to bring bold, solutions-oriented leadership to the Board of Trustees. Together, let’s build a UK where every staff member feels valued, supported, and proud to call this institution home.

I am Josh Tarter, a fellow staff member here at the University of Kentucky. This letter is regarding running for the staff seat on the Board of Trustees to represent all of you. Being available to listen to and address your concerns as staff members will be my priority. I will take your thoughts and ideas for improvement where it can be heard. I will be your voice.

The staff members are a vital role here at UK that keep the University running. This allows us to be leading our state as a premier research, education, and healthcare destination. All of which requires your dedication and hard work to achieve, it couldn't be done without you.

Over my career here at UK I have met and worked with many of you, while coordinating and completing complex construction projects around campus and UK Healthcare facilities.

This has taught me that UK is a great place to work, and be proud of, and together we can make it ever better. With your consideration and vote to fill the seat as your Representative we can and will make improvements.

As your representative here is what I will do. Be available and hear the voice of the staff. I will articulate your concerns to the board and follow up. I will put the Staff at the forefront of my tenure on the board. You can expect me to represent YOU.

I look forward to being your representative.

My name is Todd Thacker. I would like to introduce myself and share my experiences to help you understand why I would be a great advocate and representative for the great staff here a UK.

Upon arriving at the University of Kentucky, almost 8 years ago, I quickly became involved with the campus community. I pride myself on assisting with Facilities Management related issues and finding solutions to all aspects of campus life including teaching, learning and research.

Kentucky is unique in having an elected staff representative in all its state-funded secondary education institutions. This opportunity allows the staff to have a voice at the table by being their advocate and championing for all our staff. 

My experience has given me this honor at another institution. There I was elected as Staff Representative to the Board of Regents for Morehead State. While in the position I made sure to fully represent the staff on some tough issues while keeping with the purpose of the board and oversite of its fiduciary responsibilities. I have a working prospective of both hourly and salaried employees, as my career started in higher education as an hourly employee 35 years ago. I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science and engineering via tuition waivers. 

As a member of the Board, I would work endlessly to ensure we keep the University moving in the right direction, while ensuring our staff are treated equally and their voices are heard. I would be humbled by this opportunity.