Celebrating excellence: UK Experiential Education Awards shine spotlight on student, faculty and employer success
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2025) — Lights, laughter and a room full of inspired students, proud families and dedicated employer partners set the stage for the 2025 University of Kentucky Experiential Education Awards Night — a celebration of the transformational power of hands-on learning. Hosted by the Stuckert Career Center, housed in the Office for Student Success, on April 18, the event honored those who are shaping the future of work through immersive, real-world experiences.
More than just an awards ceremony, this annual gathering celebrates where classroom knowledge meets career exploration. It’s a night to spotlight the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact through experiential education — and this year’s honorees were nothing short of extraordinary.
Ashlyn Davis, a senior management major in the Gatton College of Business and Economics, was named the 2025 UK Experiential Education Undergraduate Intern of the Year for her standout internship with Lexington Sporting Club (LSC). There, she led community-driven initiatives and played a key role in operational support, turning her passion for teamwork into tangible impact.
“Interning with Lexington Sporting Club was (and is) one of the most rewarding experiences a student could ask for,” Davis said. “This hands-on experience, paired with invaluable mentorship from industry leaders, provided not just professional growth but a deeper appreciation for the teamwork and strategy that drive success both on and off the field.”
Alexander Maslov, Ph.D., lecturer in business analytics with joint appointments in the Departments of Economics and Marketing/Supply Chain Management, was honored as the 2025 UK Experiential Education Course Instructor of the Year. Maslov was recognized for his exceptional ability to connect technical instruction with real-world applications, creating a supportive, structured and engaging learning environment.
Nominated by student Shivani Pandey, Maslov stood out for his mentorship and guidance throughout projects involving artificial intelligence and predictive modeling. Pandey praised his thoughtful feedback, accessibility and commitment to long-term student success.
“Dr. Maslov’s instruction goes beyond the syllabus,” said Ray Clere, director of the Stuckert Career Center. “He equips students with the confidence, technical knowledge, and critical thinking skills they need to thrive — and that’s exactly what experiential education is all about.”
The award for UK Experiential Education Employer of the Year went to Gray, a long-standing partner and champion of student development. Through their robust internship program, Gray offers UK students unparalleled access to the inner workings of industry — from strategic planning to active construction sites.
Each of this year’s winners exemplifies how internships, co-ops and hands-on learning fuel not just professional development, but personal transformation.
“In these dynamic learning spaces, students discover who they are, what they’re capable of, and where they want to go,” Clere said. “Tonight, we celebrate the students, faculty and employer partners who make those discoveries possible.”
This year’s program recognized 18 nominees across all categories — a testament to the wide reach and deep impact of experiential education at the University of Kentucky.
2025 Undergraduate Intern of the Year nominees included:
- Alex Masterson, nominated by UK Lewis Honors College
- Austin Flischel, nominated by Superalloy Manufacturing Solutions Corporation
- Janet Black, nominated by Big Ass Fans
- Elizabeth King, nominated by Alton Webb Commercial Real Estate
- Emma Coomes, nominated by Lexington Humane Society
- Hannah Mason, nominated by the Department of Defense
- Jason Sun, nominated by Kimberly-Clark Corporation
- Jordan Williams, nominated by Gray
- MaKenzie Purdom, nominated by Toyota Motor North America
- Mary P’Oryem, nominated by Kentucky Educational Television
- Miles Hornbeck, nominated by HDR Engineering Inc.
- Nolan Mayfield, nominated by Middle Ground Capital
- Sarah Dutton, nominated by Heaven Hill Brands
Employer of the Year nominees included:
- Lexington Sporting Club, represented by Emily Fields
- VisitLex, represented by Arin Arnold-Davis
- Kimberly-Clark, represented by Jason Sun
- Marathon Petroleum, represented by Kevin Richards
As the 2025 event came to a close, it was clear: at UK, experiential education is more than a program — it’s a launchpad. The lessons learned outside the classroom are shaping careers, strengthening communities and building a future fueled by passion, purpose and partnership.
More information about the UK Experiential Education Awards can be found on the Stuckert Career Center website https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/stuckert-career-center/uk-experiential-education-awards or you can contact expblue@uky.edu.
To nominate someone for the 2026 UK Experiential Education Awards, visit https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/stuckert-career-center/uk-experiential-education-awards.
At the University of Kentucky, students are at the center of all that we do. From the moment you become a Wildcat through graduation and beyond, the Office for Student Success is committed to supporting you. Comprised of five areas and 25 units, together, they have one vision — to help students live a life of meaning. Student Success works through an equitable, holistic and inclusive lens to design and deliver unparalleled services and support a diverse community of learners in achieving their wildest ambitions. In the Office for Student Success this is what we do — this is who we are. You can explore resources available to you here. If you have additional questions, you can reach a Student Success team member by calling the helpline 859-218-YouK (9685).