Read about the MBU alumni and community members making an impact in their communities.
Above: 2024’s Grafton Society inductees honored during October’s Homecoming celebration
Noted Alumna Recognized for Career of Leadership
Claire “Yum” Arnold ’69 is recognized for her extensive leadership across business and civic sectors. After founding and growing NCC LP, she later co-founded Leapfrog Services, a prominent IT firm, where she is CEO. Her journey, shaped by early lessons from her father, includes mentoring women and serving on influential boards, like the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Known for her strong values and commitment to supporting women and nonprofits, Arnold emphasizes authentic leadership and women’s voices in professional spaces.
Alumna to Serve as First Director of Pulaski County Drug Prevention and Recovery Office
Pulaski County has appointed Katie Thompson OT ’19 as the first director of its Office of Drug Prevention and Recovery. Thompson, a Pulaski native with a background in education and social services, will focus on addressing the impact of opioids by coordinating prevention, recovery, and restoration efforts. Her role, funded through the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, will involve collaboration with community partners to create effective local programs and resources.
Read More (subscription required)
Graduate Alumna in Local School Board Race
Meghan Ferguson, a current MBU graduate student and candidate for the Lexington School Board, advocates for improved collaboration between Lexington and Rockbridge County schools, focusing on issues like competitive teacher salaries, student wellness, and tailored educational policies. She proposes a Lexington representative on the Rockbridge County School Board to address high school and district matters. Ferguson’s priorities include data-driven policy, community involvement, and addressing the unique needs of each student. Learn more in the full article here.
Professor Addresses Important Issues Ahead of Election
Dr. Amy Tillerson-Brown, history department chair at Mary Baldwin University, moderated an NAACP forum addressing “Project 2025” and its implications for Black communities. The forum aimed to educate voters on the project’s potential impacts, especially in education, where proposals might threaten Black history programs. Panelists discussed concerns about the initiative’s conservative agenda, emphasizing its possible effects on federal agencies and policies relevant to minorities.
MBU Grad Focuses on Rural Health ahead of Election
Jane Kleiss ’96, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin’s 75th Assembly District, focuses on rural health care, aiming to improve access and support for community health needs. She advocates for bipartisan solutions, infrastructure improvements, and addressing environmental issues like PFAS contamination in local waterways. Her priorities also include balanced government support for rural communities and collaborative approaches to manage issues like wolf populations and health care facilities. Kleiss emphasizes the importance of compromise and community-driven solutions in her platform.