University of Louisville Office of Access & Opportunity

Employee Spotlight: Meet Brian Voils

Brian Voils works in the Center for Military-Connected Students as a Military-Connected Student Specialist. Having joined UofL less than a year ago, Brian supports current military students by processing military reduced-tuition benefits, quality-checking military tuition assistance, and helping students navigate the many systems and resources involved in their educational journey. He also works closely with students, faculty, and staff to educate them about available military and veteran benefits and helps resolve challenges that may arise during a student's time at UofL.

The Center for Military-Connected Students plays a critical role in supporting nearly 10% of UofL's student population. The center helps military-connected students access and navigate their educational benefits while serving as a key connection point between students and campus partners, including the Bursar, Registrar, academic advisors, student success coordinators, and faculty. For many students, these benefits make higher education possible, and the center's work helps ensure their success and retention.

Brian shares why he chose to work at UofL:
“I was making a career transition and wanted to find impactful work that was more person-focused than profit-focused, and I was inspired by what I learned of UofL’s commitment to student-focused solutions during my time as a graduate student in the College of Education and Human Development’s Higher Education Administration program. I’m also impressed with the efforts I’ve seen the University take to ensure our students can enroll, participate, and persist in their classes and achieve their goals, even when it’s at odds with our budgetary constraints. To add to all this, the Center for Military-Connected Students has one of the best work/leadership climates I’ve experienced!”

Brian’s work helps ensure military-connected students have the support, resources, and guidance they need to access opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve their educational goals at UofL.

Take a step toward better health and wellness on June 20!

The FREE Power Station Bootcamp, sponsored by the University of Louisville Office of Community Engagement and UofL Health, features health resources, fitness activities, and wellness education for community members.

Date: June 20 | 10:30 a.m.�Location: The Power Station | 935 W. Oak St.

What to expect:�• Free health screenings provided by UofL Health�• Free nutrition guide�• Free exercise class�• Healthy snacks�• Conversations with trainers and health professionals�• Great community atmosphere

The event also highlights UofL Health’s H.E.A.R.T. Program (Helping Everyone Address Risk Today), an initiative focused on identifying and addressing cardiovascular health risks through community-based screenings and prevention efforts.

Come out to learn more about the resources available to help support your health and well-being.

Employee Spotlight: Meet Krista Schutz-Hampton

Krista Schutz-Hampton works in the UofL Disability Resource Center as a Neurodivergence Specialist, a role she has held for nearly two years. Through a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach, Krista supports neurodivergent, primarily autistic, students by helping them build confidence, develop self-advocacy skills, strengthen executive functioning, and navigate their college experience successfully. She provides individualized student support, facilitates workshops, and collaborates with faculty, staff, and student leaders to create more inclusive practices across campus.

The Disability Resource Center plays a vital role at UofL by ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to university programs and services in compliance with federal disability laws. The DRC coordinates accommodations for eligible students and works with the campus community to promote access, inclusion, and opportunity across the university.

Krista shares why access, opportunity, and belonging matter:

“Access, opportunity and belonging matter because they shape who participates, succeeds and feels valued. Access ensures people can engage whether it's through physical access, information, accommodations, etc. Opportunity is what allows access to turn into growth. It's about fair chances to learn, contribute, advance and recover from challenges. Belonging is what sustains engagement. When people feel respected, seen and safe to be themselves, they're more likely to fully participate, persist through challenges and invest in the campus. Access, opportunity and belonging matter because they create environments where people don't just survive but thrive, contribute in meaningful ways and feel that they truly matter.”

Fun fact: Krista loves to travel and has visited 14 countries and 37 U.S. states. Among her favorite adventures are watching Belgian chocolate being made by candlelight during a power outage, swimming with stingrays, and chasing whitetip reef sharks in Fiji.

Krista’s work helps create an environment where neurodivergent students have the support, resources, and sense of belonging they need to thrive at UofL and beyond.

Every student has a story, and Ka’Lynn Johnson’s is one of purpose, service, and determination.

As a recent University of Louisville social work graduate, Ka’Lynn found a path that allowed her to combine her passion for helping others with opportunities for leadership, learning, and community impact.

Her journey is a reminder of the difference that education, mentorship, and a commitment to service can make—not only in one person’s life, but in the lives of those they serve.

We are proud to celebrate students like Ka’Lynn who are using their talents to make a positive impact in their communities.

Read her full story on UofL News: https://news.louisville.edu/news/uofl-social-work-graduate-finds-purpose-path-service

Douglas Craddock, PhD, Vice President for Community Engagement and Interim Vice President for Access & Opportunity, was named fellow of the American Council on Education for 2026–27.

Craddock joins a national cohort of higher education leaders selected for this prestigious program. The American Council on Education Fellows Program provides participants with opportunities to learn how institutions operate at the highest levels, preparing them for senior leadership roles.

Read more on UofL News.

UofL’s Douglas Craddock named fellow of the American Council on Education May 18, 2026 | The University of Louisville’s Vice President for Community Engagement and Interim Vice President for Opportunity and Access Douglas Craddock will join a group of 30 other university leaders in the 2026-2027 class of the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program.

Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s Office of Access and Opportunity and Office of Community Engagement Staff Retreat.

The retreat was a meaningful opportunity to connect with colleagues, learn more about the important work taking place across our division, and strengthen our shared commitment to student success. Through conversations focused on collaboration, planning, wellness, and engagement, the day reinforced the value of community building and working together to support students and the broader campus community.

We appreciate all who attended and contributed to making the retreat a positive and productive experience. Opportunities like this help strengthen relationships across teams and continue building a culture centered on access, opportunity, and student achievement.

The University of Louisville celebrates School of Dentistry graduate Kiara Rainey for her dedication to compassionate, community-focused dental care.

After years of experience as a dental hygienist, Rainey pursued her lifelong goal of becoming a dentist and devoted countless volunteer hours to serving patients through community clinics and outreach programs. Her commitment to creating welcoming, patient-centered care environments reflects the values of service and excellence fostered at UofL.

As she begins serving underserved communities in Northern Kentucky, Rainey is helping improve access to care while inspiring future healthcare professionals.

Read more: https://community.louisville.edu/news/dental-school-graduate-excels-compassionate-community-dentistry

The newest edition of Cardinal Pathways is now available!

This edition features updates and highlights from across the Offices of Access & Opportunity and Community Engagement at the University of Louisville, including student support initiatives, accessibility programs, military-connected student services, health equity efforts, events, and community partnerships.

Thank you to everyone helping create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen connections across campus and community.

Read the latest edition here:
Cardinal Pathways Newsletter

https://mail.uofl.me/t/r-B33CC95AC4FAC04F2540EF23F30FEDED

Student Spotlight: Meet Cory Burnett

Cory Burnett is a Graphic Design major from Louisville, Kentucky, and a student worker with the University of Louisville Center for Belonging, Access, and Engagement, where he has been making an impact for over a year. As a member of the Society of Porter Scholars, Cory is committed to both his academic journey and personal growth.

Beyond his work and studies, Cory has a strong interest in cars: “I’m a big automotive fan, especially European and Japanese cars!”

Cory shares what Access, Opportunity, and Belonging mean to him:
“Access, opportunity, and belonging matters to me because without it, I wouldn’t have been able to make it as far as I have in life. It gave me a fair, real chance to not only improve myself, but also find what gives me purpose.”

Cory’s story reflects the impact of having access to support, opportunity for growth, and a sense of belonging that helps students discover their path and purpose at the UofL.
UofL Center for Belonging Access & Engagement

Student Spotlight: Meet Janyia Lewis

Janyia Lewis is a third-year Business Administration major from Louisville, Kentucky, and a student worker with the Center for Belonging, Access, and Engagement since Fall 2024. Through her leadership and service, Janyia is making a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community.

Janyia serves as President of the NAACP at UofL and also leads at the state level as President of the Kentucky State Conference for youth and collegiate chapters of the NAACP. In addition, she is the Treasurer of Global Citizens United. Janiya put her commitment to civic engagement into action by organizing and leading a voter canvassing initiative in the Parkland neighborhood, that connected students with opportunities to serve and engage in their community

When she’s not leading or organizing, Janyia enjoys unwinding and listening to her favorite genre of music, Neo-Soul.

Janyia shares what Access, Opportunity, and Belonging mean to her:

“Access, opportunity, and belonging are natural components of a functional society. These factors have a daily impact on our lives and help define who we are. As a student, I am proud to be a part of a community that cultivates said environment!”

Janyia’s leadership and dedication reflect the power of student voice, civic engagement, and building community at UofL. . UofL Center for Belonging Access & Engagement

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