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A long-serving higher education professional recently joined the ranks at Kentucky State University as director of alumni relations.

Kellea Tibbs, who has 20 years of experience in higher education, will lead alumni relations.

Tibbs has experience in the areas of alumni relations, student affairs residence life, student leadership and development and advising.

“I was drawn to the director of alumni relations position at Kentucky State University because I am passionate about the area of alumni relations and bringing people together under one common purpose for socializing, networking or fundraising opportunities with others who have a common experience,” Tibbs said. “I am also very excited to, once again, be able to continue my professional experience in an HBCU environment.”

Tibbs most recently served at Ohio University as the assistant director of campus relations for the Ohio Alumni Association. Tibbs also served as the coordinator for student leadership and development at Central State University, as well as several positions with residence life and housing at the University of Maryland, State University of New York, Ohio University and North Carolina Wesleyan College. Tibbs began her higher education career in 1998 as an AmeriCorps member at Otterbein University in Columbus, Ohio.

Tibbs said some of her goals as director include working with current alumni relations staff and others to increase membership into the Kentucky State University National Alumni Association (KSUNAA) and to meet strategic and operational goals. Tibbs also plans to conduct outreach and visits to the Kentucky State alumni chapters and attend events to learn more about Kentucky State alumni, the institution’s history and to develop good relationships with volunteers.

A proud graduate of Kent State University, Tibbs earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a long-time volunteer with the Kent State University Black Alumni Chapter. Her interests and hobbies include event planning, creative writing, crafts, reading and community service through various organizations, including her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Tibbs grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio area and her family resides in the northern Alabama area.

“It is my pleasure to serve you at Kentucky State University and to be a part of the Frankfort community,” Tibbs said.