Since childhood, Karen has been taught the value of giving back. Growing up in High Point, NC, she was surrounded by love and the commitment to support one’s community, help others succeed, and find solutions to ever-growing needs. 

As a first-generation student from humble beginnings in the rural coal mining area of Knott County, Kentucky, Stanley understands first-hand the importance of access to education and paying it forward.

As a first-generation student, Karen received her bachelor’s degree in interior design from Western Carolina University and has since dedicated her life to paying it forward.

At 17, Stanley received a scholarship to study mining engineering at the University of Kentucky. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Engineering in 1981, Stanley committed to creating opportunities and transforming students' lives for future generations.

Stanley and Karen are specifically invested in helping students with unmet needs and students from Appalachia achieve their academic dreams.

They dream of being part of a growing program to produce more engineers and computer scientists, which will benefit the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the world.

They know that producing more engineers and computer scientists will change not just this generation but generations of many families.