CHS staff member selected for BRIGHT Kentucky Leadership Program

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Jessica Pennington, staff support associate for the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the College of Health Sciences’ Morehead Campus, has been selected to participate in the competitive BRIGHT Kentucky Leadership Program, an initiative designed to develop emerging leaders across Appalachian Kentucky.

Pennington, a native of Morehead, serves in a critical role supporting faculty and students throughout both the didactic and clinical phases of the Physician Assistant Studies program. Her work includes providing administrative and logistical support that helps ensure the success and day-to-day operations of the campus while advancing the education of future healthcare professionals.

“The best part of my job is building relationships with our students and helping support them throughout their educational journey,” she said. “I enjoy being someone they can rely on, whether it’s helping them navigate challenges, celebrating their accomplishments or simply making their day a little easier. Knowing that my work plays a small part in their success is incredibly rewarding.”

BRIGHT Kentucky was developed in 2019 through support from the Appalachian Regional Commission and private partners, including the Whitaker Foundation and Kentucky Power Foundation, to build leadership capacity among next-generation leaders across the Appalachian region of the Commonwealth. 

The program brings together professionals from a variety of industries and backgrounds for nonpartisan leadership training, networking opportunities and mentorship experiences designed to strengthen communities and promote economic and community development throughout the region. Since its launch, approximately 200 young professionals have completed the program and are making an impact across communities throughout the Appalachian region.

Pennington said learning of her selection was both exciting and meaningful.

“I was truly honored and excited,” Pennington said. “There are so many talented professionals across Kentucky, so being selected felt both humbling and encouraging. It reaffirmed my commitment to continuing to grow as a leader, and I immediately began thinking about everything I could learn from the experience and bring back to my department and our college.”

She also said Morehead’s sense of community also contributes to her experience at the regional campus.

“People genuinely care about one another, and there’s a strong commitment to supporting our students and the region we serve,” Pennington said. “It’s rewarding to be part of a campus where you can build meaningful relationships and see the impact of your work firsthand.”

Pennington said BRIGHT Kentucky aligns closely with her own philosophy of leadership and service.

“I’ve always believed leadership is about serving others, continuing to learn and finding ways to make a positive impact,” she said. “My hope is to become a stronger, more thoughtful leader who can bring fresh ideas back to the University of Kentucky while continuing to better serve our students, colleagues and community.”

Pennington earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education in 2009 and a Master of Arts in Wellness Promotion in 2013, both from Morehead State University. 

Before joining the College of Health Sciences, she worked with the Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), serving in several roles including student services educational assistant, continuing education administrator and health careers coordinator at the UK AHEC Program Office. She later returned to Northeast Kentucky AHEC, where she coordinated clinical rotations for medical students and led recruitment efforts for regional preceptors.

She has also presented at national conferences, including the National AHEC Organization and the National Rural Health Association. Most recently, she co-presented with medical students at the 2023 Regional Medical Campus Conference.

Pennington said she is grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to representing the college through the program.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the University of Kentucky for investing in professional development opportunities like this and for supporting employees as they continue to grow,” she said. “I’m excited to represent our college through BRIGHT Kentucky, learn from others across the state and bring those experiences back to benefit our students, colleagues and community.”