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Gill Finley, Jr., Director
Gill Finley, Jr. is the Director of Upward Bound at Kentucky State University. Born and raised in Louisville, KY. He obtained a Masters in Public Administration from the University, and met and married his college sweetheart, Bridgett Finley. Together they raise a son, Gill Finley III, who is an honor student at Franklin County High School in Frankfort, KY. Mr. Finley is a member of Bethsaida Temple Church of the Living God where he serves on the Outreach Jail and Campus Ministry Team. He is a member of the honorable Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, Alpha Upsilon chapter. Mr. Finley also contributes to the Kentucky Employee Credit Union as a board member. He has enriched the community of Frankfort through hosting numerous events such as lock-ins, 3 on 3 and basketball tournaments, mentoring programs, small business seminars and ventures. Formerly employed with the state government for almost fourteen years, Mr. Finley is excited to take the helm of Upward Bound as Director in order to uplift the lives of youth from underrepresented backgrounds. A man of compassion, wisdom, ingenuity, he fulfills the role of mentor and leader to his staff and Upward Bound students. Mr. Finley has many important plans for the direction of Upward Bound; however, his most earnest goal is to ensure that each of his Upward Bound students receive a college degree. Concerning why he is passionate about the youth of today he references his coined motto that they are “Today’s investment, tomorrow’s gain.” Therefore, he truly believes investing his time, labor, and passion for education in the lives of his students, for he knows that harvest time is just around the corner.
T’Ebony N. Torain, Academic Counselor
T’Ebony N. Torain is the Academic Counselor with the Upward Bound program at Kentucky State University. Before working with Upward Bound, she was employed with a character-based abstinence education program in Lexington, KY for almost two-years. Her love for young people can be seen through her desire to see them excel in their pursuit of higher education. She pledges to do all that she can to ensure each Upward Bound student graduates from high school and receives a college degree. As a first-generation college student herself, T’Ebony knows the importance of receiving a college education. She is a class of 2004 honor graduate from Fisk University where she received her degree in History. Upon graduating from Fisk, she became a Ronald McNair scholar, W.E.B. Dubois Honors Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa inductee, and graduated college with an overall grade point average of 3.64. She plans to pursue her graduate degree in Public Administration. T’Ebony attributes her accomplishments to her faith, family values, and self-determination. She believes that young people from all backgrounds can achieve their goals if they believe in themselves, work hard, and surround themselves with positive people and programs such as Upward Bound.
Angela Reynolds, Administrative Assistant
Angela Reynolds, the Administrative Assistant, is the new edition to the Upward Bound team. Persevering through various obstacle and challenges, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Relations. A recent college graduate herself, Angela understands the obstacles that students may face while pursuing a college degree. Mrs. Reynolds has an extensive background working with youth. She gained experience as a daycare provider and substitute teacher at Rosenwald Child Care Center which was located on KSU campus. She also worked as an Assistant teacher at the Y.M.C.A.’s crayon club. Her administrative duties at Upward Bound include providing warm customer service, meeting the needs of students and parents, using computer application skills and working effectively and efficiently with fellow Upward Bound staff. She takes pride in working behind the scenes to ensure Upward Bound is running smoothly. Angela’s motto is “if you believe it you can achieve it.” She believes that programs such as Upward Bound is beneficial to helping students achieve their goals. Failure is never an option! She encourages students to have faith in themselves and value their education. As a new bride to Leland Reynolds and a mother to Leila Reynolds, she truly understands the importance of family. She looks forward to working with the students and their families as well.
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