WKU Sociology Alumni Profile

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Lynn Hulsey '84

Lynn Hulsey has had an exciting career since she graduated from the Department of Sociology at WKU in 1984.  She is currently the Director of Programs/Development at the Family Enrichment Center in Bowling Green, where she has been for 11.5 years.  “My biggest reward from this job comes from helping families move towards more nurturing, loving relationships. Helping families learn better ways of functioning to stop the cycle of violence perpetuated in families through generations, is why I get up and come to work in the morning!”

 

In her own words, Lynn describes the many stages of her career. “Before working here, I worked for WKU as a student in the Office of Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies. After graduation I worked full-time in the Work Study Program at WKU. After one year there I left to work at Rivendell. I was there for 7 years working on the floor as case manager, and then in Assessment/Admissions. I left there for a great opportunity at the Health Department, first as HIV Care Coordination Program Supervisor and then as Team Leader for the Surveillance, Assessment, Planning, and Outcomes program. My career at the Health Department lasted 13 years. I was in the first Public Health Fellowship class in Kentucky. After leaving the Health Department, I became the Child Fatality Coordinator for the Department of Public Health in Frankfort. In that role I was responsible for statewide coordination of child fatality review and intervention development based on those reviews. This program required a report to the Kentucky Legislature to develop legislation to affect changes to the laws surrounding preventable childhood deaths. After a year of driving back and forth to Frankfort, I made a decision to come back to Bowling Green, at which time I accepted the job as Director of Programs here at Family Enrichment Center. In this role I am responsible for all program implementations, staff supervision, program reporting, fundraising, and grant writing to secure funds for programs.”

 

Looking back at her time in the Sociology Department, Lynn remarks, “I really loved the Sociology Department at WKU! One of my first memories is a Sociology on Aging class taught by Kathy Kalab. During our first class, she admitted to us that she was scared of butterflies! I thought that was the greatest thing…..who knew a butterfly was scary. She went on to become a friend, and I still have the Japanese wedding dolls and my lovely set of rice bowls she gave me when I got married!”

 

Finally, for those just starting out in their careers, Lynn offers invaluable advice, “My advice is to keep your options open. There are many ways to serve families, if not direct services, then in administrative roles that allow you to change the fabric of a community. This can change the way people are viewed throughout systems, which can be judgmental and full of preconceived notions.  Always use the knowledge you gain and your ability to think, to look at things through a broader lens.  Don’t be narrow minded. Always be open and kind!”