Bowling Green, Ky. - The directors of Western Kentucky University’s three Regional Campuses have been promoted to associate dean.

Dr. Juanita Bayless, WKU-Glasgow; Dr. Marilyn Brookman, WKU-Owensboro; and Dr. Ronald Stephens, WKU-Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox, are all now associate deans of the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) in addition to their titles of regional campus director.

“We felt it was time to recognize the contributions of these three outstanding administrators,” said Dr. Don Swoboda, dean of DELO. “Each of them has devoted much of their time and effort to make important contributions to the University, the students and the communities they serve. We are very fortunate to have each one of them.”

Dr. Juanita Bayless, WKU-Glasgow
Dr. Juanita Bayless received her master’s degree in educational psychology from Butler University and her doctorate in educational psychology from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Bayless has been at WKU-Glasgow since 1990, serving as instructor, full-time academic advisor, and subsequently as director of the campus. 

Dr. Bayless’ community involvement includes: Glasgow-Barren County Leadership, Glasgow-Barren County Lead Forward, Leadership Kentucky (Class of 2000), member of founding boards of directors for Barren County Safe Spot, and Barren County Community Education. Dr. Bayless was awarded the Glasgow/Barren County Chamber of Commerce’s “Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award” in 2001 and the “Athena Award” in 2005. Dr. Bayless is currently serving on the Bunche Community Center Advisory Board and as president of the Glasgow Rotary Club.

“The continued growth and development of WKU-Glasgow and the Glasgow Regional Center as whole, is made possible through the support provided by the community and University and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” Dr. Bayless said. “Being a part of this process is a rare privilege.”

Dr. Marilyn Brookman, WKU-Owensboro             
Dr. Marilyn Brookman received her doctorate in educational administration/higher education and her master’s degree in guidance and psychology from Southern Illinois University. She has been the director of WKU-Owensboro since 1995. Dr. Brookman did post doctoral work at Northern Illinois University in special education and is a nationally certified counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors and a licensed professional clinical counselor through the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.

“My objective is to provide educational opportunities for students, coupled with a sense of the importance of honesty, integrity and personal responsibility, thereby enabling them to meet the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow in our complex world,” Dr. Brookman said.

Dr. Brookman’s community involvement and awards include Leadership Kentucky, the Messenger-Inquirer Newspaper Academic Team Judge, Owensboro/Daviess County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Owensboro, the Kentucky Women’s Leadership Network, Who’s Who of American Women, Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year, Business and Professional Women’s Organization Employer of the Year, Kaskaskia College President’s Award and the Leadership Award from the American Heart Association.

Dr. Brookman also is co-chair of the Greater Owensboro Alliance/P-16 Council and is a board member for the Alma Randolph Foundation; the Big Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross; Girls, Incorporated; and the Owensboro World Affairs Council.

Dr. Ronald Stephens, WKU-Elizabethtown/Ft.Knox
Dr. Ronald Stephens received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from WKU and his doctorate in clinical psychology from Auburn University.  Dr. Stephens has served as director of WKU Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox Regional Campus for the past eight years. 

Dr. Stephens is a charter member, past president and Paul Harris Fellow of the Hardin County AM Rotary Club, a board member and past president of Hospice of Central Kentucky, a board member on the Advocacy and Support Center (for sexually abused children and rape victims) and an organizational member of local United Way board.

“This is an exciting time to be associated with WKU and to be a part of the growing Elizabethtown and Fort Knox communities,” Dr. Stephens said. “Our entire staff is ready to help this region reach its full potential.”

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For more information, contact Bill Oldham at (270) 745-1926

-WKU-
"A leading American university with international reach"

Office of Media Relations
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, Ky. 42101-3576
Phone: (270)745-4295 - Fax: (270)7455387 - E-Mail: western@wku.edu