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The Kentucky State University student ombudsperson was recently named Kentucky’s ACT College and Career Readiness Postsecondary Champion.

Sophia Rucker-Taylor (formerly Ellis) said she hopes she can continue to put all students on a level playing field when it comes to education.

According to the ACT website, the ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are individuals across the country who support ACT’s mission of education and workplace success. They are high school seniors, K-12, postsecondary, and workforce professionals, who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and contributions in support of college and career readiness in their respective communities.

“Everyone – at some point in their life – has been inspired by an individual who is tenacious, positive and dedicated to helping others achieve their life goals,” ACT Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Montgomery said. “The ACT College and Career Readiness initiative provides an opportunity to recognize those exemplary individuals whom we all know and love and want to ensure their stories are told to inspire others to action.”

Rucker-Taylor said she loves what she does and she doesn’t feel it’s a coincidence that she works at Kentucky State.

“A lot of students I work with are first-generation college students and I see me in them,” Rucker-Taylor said. “I don’t want them to have to go through the frustrations I did just to acquire an education.”

Rucker-Taylor said she is humbled and blessed to receive this honor.