The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has named Dr. Angela Williams and Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin among the 2025 membership of the Kentucky Faculty Advisory Network (KFAN). Williams will serve as chair of the network, and Gebremedhin joins as a faculty representative from Kentucky State University.

Williams serves as the chair and program director of the School of Social Work at Kentucky State University and as an assistant professor. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in social work from the University of Kentucky. Her career spans school social work, trauma-informed care, and systemic advocacy. She has served as director of field education and faculty senator at the University, with expertise in accreditation, curriculum development, and community partnerships.

Gebremedhin is chair of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and an associate professor of soil science. He earned his doctorate in plant and soil science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. His research focuses on soil conservation, carbon dynamics, and sustainable farming practices. Through teaching and applied research, he connects students with Kentucky’s agricultural community while advancing practical solutions for farmers.

Together, Williams and Gebremedhin represent two of the University’s three colleges — Arts and Sciences, and Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.

“As provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Kentucky State University, I am very pleased that Dr. Angela Williams will serve as chair of KFAN and that Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin will represent our university among the network’s members,” said Dr. Michael Dailey. “Their leadership and scholarship reflect the strengths of Kentucky State, and I am confident they will make meaningful contributions to conversations on student success, faculty development, and higher education policy across the Commonwealth.”

As part of the 2025 KFAN cohort, Williams and Gebremedhin will join faculty representatives from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of Kentucky.

Both are honored to serve in these key statewide roles.

“Serving as chair is a responsibility I take seriously,” said Williams. “It is an opportunity to elevate faculty perspectives, strengthen support for our students, and ensure that Kentucky communities remain central to higher education policy discussions.”

“At Kentucky State, our land-grant mission combines teaching, research, and Cooperative Extension to serve communities across the Commonwealth,” said Gebremedhin. “This appointment provides a platform to share that perspective and to help shape policies that advance student success and strengthen higher education in Kentucky.”

Faculty selected for KFAN help shape statewide conversations about student and institutional success. Through their leadership, Williams and Gebremedhin will extend the University’s mission by preparing future professionals, advancing applied research, and building partnerships that strengthen communities.

“Faculty voices are essential to Kentucky’s progress in higher education,” said Melissa Bell, CPE’s vice president for academic excellence and student success. “This group will offer valuable perspective on statewide issues and contribute ideas on promoting student success through faculty engagement.”

By engaging faculty leaders from institutions across the Commonwealth, KFAN creates space for collaboration and ensures statewide policy discussions reflect perspectives from every corner of Kentucky’s higher education system.

“Teaching, advising, and mentoring, faculty serve so many critical roles on campuses,” added CPE President Aaron Thompson. “The network is another way for us to have more conversations with university faculty, and we look forward to what this new group of members will bring to the table.”