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Frankfort, Ky- Shioneka Farr, a first-generation college student from Paducah, Kentucky, has embraced her journey at Kentucky State University with dedication and enthusiasm. As the Vice President of KSU Girls Rock, a women’s empowerment organization, and a lifetime member of the National Speech and Debate Association, Shioneka is committed to making a positive impact. She chose to major in criminal justice to make a difference in her community, driven by her desire to give back to the working-class values that shaped her upbringing.

This summer, Shioneka has excelled as a legal intern, gaining valuable experience in policy creation and review. Under the guidance of Mr. Zachary Atwell, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Regents and Mrs. Laura Reynolds, Paralegal and Office Manager in the Office of the General Counsel, Shioneka has been well-prepared for law school and the legal profession. "Zach and Laura have supported me in my internship from the very first day. I was excited to learn more about the field and they helped me so much with even believing I had it in me to take the next step and push to go to law school," she says.

One of Shioneka’s standout projects is a proposal to introduce flex dollars for KSU students. This initiative is inspired by similar programs at other public colleges and universities across Kentucky, which have offered off-campus dining options for years. KSU has not yet adopted such a program, and Shioneka’s proposal aims to fill this gap by creating a new meal plan that includes off-campus dining dollars.

The proposed flex dollars would provide students with greater flexibility, allowing them to use their meal funds at a variety of local restaurants in addition to on-campus dining facilities. This change would not only give students more dining choices but also support local businesses and strengthen connections between the university and the community. It’s a practical solution for students with busy schedules, helping them maintain healthy eating habits.

“I’m so proud of Ms. Farr and how far she has come. We love having her here at KSU; she’s very ambitious,” said KSU President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo.

Shioneka enjoys campus life through KSU’s fashion shows and pageants, and the support she’s received from her mentors has been crucial. Despite starting college amid personal challenges and the pandemic, Shioneka’s perseverance has been evident. She plans to work as a paralegal while attending law school, feeling well-prepared thanks to her internship experience. Her advice to prospective students is to stay true to themselves and explore their passions at KSU.

For more information about student organizations at KSU, visit here. For questions pertaining to the Office of General Counsel, visit here.