Alumni Spotlight – Valinda Lewis Livingston

Name: Valinda Lewis Livingston

What year did you graduate from Kentucky State University?

I graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education.  In 1959, I received the Master of Arts in elementary education from the University of Kentucky.  My post-graduate studies were done at Eastern Kentucky University, where I was certified in principalship and supervision of instruction.

What have you been up to since graduation?

Currently I am retired from the Fayette County Public Schools after serving 37 years as a teacher, elementary school principal and district-wide administrator. Twenty-six years ago, I founded the Consolidated Women’s Retreat that continues to meet annually in various states. I have been blessed to be a world traveler and to sing with the Lexington Singers at two wonderful venues – the Vatican in Rome, Italy and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In 1993, Governor Brereton Jones appointed me to the Kentucky State University Board of Regents and I was honored to serve as chair of the Board of Regents during my seven-year tenure. I am very active in my church community and I continue to serve in local and state leadership positions. I was married 34 years to the late Joe L. Livingston and we had one son and one granddaughter. I also have four great-grandchildren.

What is your best memory or memories at Kentucky State University?

I have great memories of the very competent and caring faculty, the cultural events held in Hume Hall chapel, the concert choir and the social activities that transformed a naïve 17-year-old into a well-equipped young woman.  My memories are many.

What is the most important thing you learned here?

 I learned that if you dream big and work hard, your dreams will become reality.