Dear Kentucky Wesleyan College,
We, as Kentucky Wesleyan students, offer our most sincere gratitude for the positive influence you have had on us; this college has shaped us into leaders, grown our faith, and accepted us as we are. When we leave this home away from home for the last time, we can do it knowing we will be steady on our own feet while pursuing our futures. We attribute our success to so many resources of the college, but none quite so far-reaching as the Office of Equity and Inclusion, run by Coordinator Lori Thurman.
Lori is a 1994 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College who returned in Fall 2023 to serve our college. She obtained an MA in history and educational administration from Western Kentucky University, received the prestigious James Madison Fellowship, and attended Georgetown University to study constitutional law.
She gained 28 years of experience as a social studies teacher at Owensboro High School and has also served as the Development Officer for Girls, Inc. and the Non-Residential Supervisor for Oasis Outreach, a center for domestic violence survivors, all positions dedicated to enriching our community. While Lori’s qualifications and commitment have made her a valuable asset to the college, it has been her significant personal impact on our students that makes her an invaluable mentor to each of us.
Lori’s contributions to our community have been nothing short of remarkable. She single-handedly organized an Amazon Shopping Day that engaged every corner of the Panther community, including faculty and staff, by donating returned Amazon packages supplied through a partnership. She also established a Panther Pantry, ensuring everyone has access to necessary food and supplies, and she provides individual support for our students.
Lori also actively serves in the Salvation Army and has been an active member of NAACP for over 30 years. At Kentucky Wesleyan, she addresses personal and behavioral concerns for individual students in need, connecting those in dangerous or desperate situations to local resources. Her willingness to go above and beyond for students in need has been a profound blessing in our lives.
As the Coordinator of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Lori plays a vital role in maintaining a supportive environment that upholds our Wesleyan Way pillars: love in Christ, honor, integrity, and support. She resolves bias incidents, supports affected individuals, and celebrates and assists everyone across our campus. Her dedication to fostering a welcoming and respectful community helps ensure that all students have the equal opportunity to thrive.
Thanks to the commitment of Lori Thurman and Kentucky Wesleyan College, students feel supported in and out of the classroom. Her efforts have not only enriched our college experience but have also prepared us for a future of compassion and responsibility. Her impact reaches far beyond the walls of her office, and the legacy she has made will continue to inspire us as we move forward as Alumni of Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Lori: Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, which you have sacrificed for, nurtured, and protected. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we hope and pray that your incredible potential continues to be recognized and celebrated by all. We are excited about all that we can accomplish together in the coming years, and for the influence you will continue to have on the future students of this amazing community. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to not only meet you but to learn and grow under your guidance and shining light.
Sincerely,
KWC students Nevaeh Branch, Jaylin Bross, Sara Brown, Sam Hardesty, Elijah Moss, and Grace Vazquez-Rodriguez
