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Homepage News March 17, 2026

Asbury Education Graduates Make Impact in Menifee County Schools 

How Dr. Lewis Willian Is Connecting Asbury Education Graduates to Leadership Careers Across Kentucky

Asbury University alumni from the Asbury School of Education continue to make an impact in Menifee County Schools in Kentucky. The following seven AU graduates work in Menifee County Schools:

  • Joshua Kincaid ’23 (Superintendent)
  • Tonya Means ’20 (Assistant Superintendent)
  • LaJohnda Williams ’23 (Principal of Menifee Central Elementary)
  • Tina O’Hair ’27 (currently in the Principal Licensure program; Assistant Principal of Menifee Central Elementary)
  • Kelli Abney ’23 (Principal of Menifee County High School)
  • Elizabeth Hagerman ’24 (Assistant Principal of Menifee County High School)
  • Douglas Elam ’27 (currently in the Principal Licensure program; Teacher at Menifee County Academy Alternative School)
The Asbury University (AU) School of Education and Menifee County Schools have a close connection that has developed over the past decade.”
Dr. Lewis Willian Asbury Associate Professor of Education and Program Director of Educational Leadership

“Over that time, Asbury Education Leadership candidates have been hired in many of their district leadership positions, including each of their school principals and their Superintendent.  Because many of these administrators have been hired to serve while still learning in their graduate courses (the Option 6 program), Asbury mentors have provided support on-site in Menifee County multiple times per year. Program participants have recruited other leaders to join the AU Education Leadership Program because of their own positive experiences with Asbury.”

Dr. Willian brings a 30-year career as a teacher, principal, Kentucky Department of Education Recovery Leader and Central Office Administrator, coming to Asbury University to recruit for and teach in the School of Education’s Graduate Studies. His teaching assignments include school principal and undergraduate methods courses.

Menifee County School administrators continue to produce flourishing students.

In 2025, Menifee County High School senior Carter Wells received acceptance to six Ivy League schools, making history in Menifee County. Wells chose to attend Yale University among his options of Brown University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Columbia University, and Harvard University.

The partnership between Menifee County and Asbury University has created a pipeline of high-caliber leadership that is transforming our schools."
Joshua Kincaid ’23 Superintendent

“Asbury prepared me to lead with a ‘students-first’ mindset and gave me the confidence to foster an environment where students can compete on a global stage. The hands-on mentorship I received during my graduate studies ensured that I was equipped to handle the complexities of the superintendency. We are proud to have so many Asbury-trained leaders in our district, as we all share a common commitment to seeing our students achieve their highest potential.”

Menifee County produces outstanding students because our educators set high expectations, build strong relationships, and create learning environments where every student feels supported and challenged."
Kelli Abney ’23 Principal of Menifee County High School

“At MCHS, we provide students with a variety of course offerings that promote opportunities for exploration, growth, and preparation for college and careers. My time at Asbury prepared me for this role by emphasizing servant leadership, collaboration, and effective leadership practices. The skills I gained there have allowed me to focus on building capacity within our school—supporting teachers, developing leadership in others, and putting systems in place that help both staff and students succeed.”

“Asbury University prepares students to enter their professions with excellence, combining hands-on training, personal mentorship, and Christ-centered formation that equips graduates for their next step.”


Learn More about Asbury University’s SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Asbury University offers Traditional and Online Undergraduate programs in Education; the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree for initial certification; and M.A. programs in English as a Second Language, Learning and Behavior Disorders, Literacy Specialist P-12, and Principal Licensure. Additional degree programs include the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Principal Licensure with Instructional Supervisor (dual licensure) and certifications for Director of Pupil Personnel, Instructional Supervisor, and School Superintendent.

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