Kate has been described as an unabashed higher ed nerd. Her undergrad experience at Wellesley College transformed her into an advocate for how higher education can transform an individual, open their minds to new ideas, and open the door to new opportunities.

She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was part of the generation of Jefferson County Public Schools graduates shaped by the district’s busing and desegregation policies. As a student who was bussed across town for elementary school, she saw at an early age how policy could impact equity in education, particularly public education. Kate spent many years working in Tennessee state government, learning to deeply appreciate the ability of government entities to change lives and create educational and economic opportunity. During her time in state government, Kate met Tennesseans from every part of the state whose lives were transformed by higher education—adult learners, veterans, first-generation students, student leaders, and so many more. Traveling across Tennessee and meeting learners throughout the state cemented for her that she would always work to tell the story of higher education.

Kate comes from a family of educators, from her great-grandmother, who earned a college degree in 1899 and became a teacher, to her older brother, a high school science teacher in their hometown of Louisville.

An enthusiastic but mediocre knitter, a bona fide dog person (she has two weirdo dogs of her own), and an extrovert who needs lots of alone time, Kate wll talk to you about any and every television show, including the Real Housewives of anywhere, Derry Girls, and PBS NewsHour.