LEXINGTON, Ky. — When hundreds of University of Kentucky employees and community members gathered in December for the UK Wildcat Forum Annual Conference, they came together to reflect on leadership and the many ways people show up for one another in the workplace. Behind the scenes, several Gatton College of Business and Economics staff members played central roles in making the day possible; from planning the full conference experience to leading breakout sessions that offered practical tools and encouragement to attendees.
Held Dec. 9, 2025, at the University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center, the annual conference is a university-wide gathering supported by the UK President’s Office and is designed to build community at UK through shared learning and meaningful dialogue. This year’s theme, “Leading with Intention: Finding Purpose in What You Do and Who You Are,” guided a day of keynotes and breakout sessions.
For Ryessia Russell, director of Honors Pathways at Gatton and conference chair, the event was both a leadership opportunity and a mission-driven commitment to community-building.
“I stepped into leadership on the Special Events Committee, first as co-chair last year and now as chair, not for the spotlight, but because I see the impact this conference has on our community,” Russell said. “It allows attendees to build connections, exchange ideas and engage in conversations that directly shape their professional and personal growth.”
Russell served as co-chair during the previous conference year and stepped into a lead planning role for the 2025 event, overseeing the planning committee and helping coordinate the many moving parts required to bring the conference to life. Russell also delivered opening remarks during the morning session and served as chair-elect for the forum’s executive committee.
Russell emphasized that one of the conference’s strengths is accessibility, a professional development opportunity designed to be affordable and welcoming to a broad audience. It draws participants from UK, UK HealthCare, and the Lexington community, creating space for conversation across roles and perspectives.
The conference included four rounds of breakout sessions, with programming taking place throughout the day across multiple rooms in the Gatton Student Center.
In addition to her role as conference chair, Russell collaborated closely with Howard Johnson, assistant director of academic advising in Gatton, who served on the Special Events & Conference Committee and also led a breakout session. Johnson presented “The Four P’s of Mentorship: How the People We Place in Our Presence Shape Who We Become,” a session focused on intentional mentoring practices and how mentorship influences student success, growth, and professional outcomes.
Gatton academic advisor Alicia N. Abney, Ed.D, also served as a breakout presenter, leading a session titled “Defying Gravity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Owning Your Greatness.” The session addressed imposter syndrome as a common challenge in higher education and leadership roles — particularly for individuals who face barriers due to income, geography or other factors — and provided strategies for reframing self-doubt, dismantling perfectionism, and building confidence.
Abney’s presentation offered both research-based insight and an interactive component, guiding participants through reflection and practical techniques they could use in their own professional lives and in their work supporting students.
Together, the Gatton presenters reinforced the value of academic advising professionals as leaders across the institution.
Russell noted she is especially grateful to Gatton for supporting staff and faculty attendance at the conference, an investment that aligns with Gatton’s broader commitment to professional growth and reflection.
“I’m especially thankful to the Gatton College of Business and Economics for supporting staff and faculty attendance at the conference,” she said. “Investing in leadership development and reflection illustrates Gatton’s values and its genuine commitment to supporting its people.”
As Russell prepares to step into the role of chair of the UK Wildcat Forum, she will no longer be responsible for planning the annual conference. But her involvement this year, both as chair and committee leader, reflects the behind-the-scenes leadership that helps build a stronger university community.
“The conference truly embodies UK’s principle of Bringing Together Many People, One Community,” Russell said, “a space where students, staff, faculty, and community members come together to learn, reflect, and grow as leaders.”
