Meet the Team

Joy Anderson Asher is an alumna of Centre College and has worked at Centre since 2000. She has an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky and is certified as a Master Career Specialist. Prior to returning to her alma mater, she served as the Director of Graduate Employment Services at Spencerian College and a graduate intern at the University of Kentucky Stuckert Career Center.

Joy provides strategic leadership on career readiness and is passionate about career success for all students. She has given national presentations on career leadership, scaling career services for students, and career data and outcomes.

Kirk Knott joined the Center for Career & Professional Development as Associate Director in 2014. Kirk provides comprehensive career counseling to students in the Science, Engineering & Tech and Social Impact CECs, as well as alumni and all undecided students. Kirk comes to us from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, where he has worked as both a career counselor and a faculty member. Kirk has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from the University of Texas, and a Master of Education in community counseling from Texas Tech University.

Nate Meissner joined the Center for Career & Professional Development in 2022 as an Assistant Director. In this role, Nate provides comprehensive career counseling to students in the Arts, Media & Entertainment, and Law, Government & Policy CECs. He joined Centre in 2016 as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology with specialties in economic anthropology and archaeology. Nate received his Ph.D. and M.A. from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in anthropology, and his B.A. from St. Cloud State University in anthropology.

Research

Meissner’s research and teaching interests include material culture, complex societies, Mesoamerica, North America, economic anthropology, colonialism, social network analysis, long-distance exchange, lithic analysis, quantitative methods, and semiotics.

Kaitlyn Overstreet joined the Center for Career & Professional Development in 2025 as an Assistant Director. In this role, she provides comprehensive career counseling to students interested in Business, Economics, and Finance. Kaitlyn earned her BA from Georgetown College and began working in Higher Education immediately following graduation. She went on to pursue two MA degrees from Campbellsville University and is utilizing both in her work today.

A Danville native, she and her husband now live in Harrodsburg with their son.

Michael Taylor joined the Center for Career & Professional Development in January 2023 as the Assistant Director for Career Exploration Communities. As of June 2025, Michael serves as the Associate Director for Internships where he administers all aspects of the Centre internship program, and improves access to internship opportunities. Michael holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, a Master of Education in School Counseling, a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, and is a Certified Career Counselor through the National Career Development Association.

With over 11 years of dedicated experience in healthcare business development, Laura built a career centered on creating meaningful partnerships, expanding access to care, and championing innovative strategies that improve lives. Her journey in healthcare allowed her to strengthen community relationships, drive growth initiatives, and advocate for compassionate, high-quality behavioral healthcare.

Laura Hill is excited to bring this same passion for connection, strategy, and growth into the world of higher education. As the Associate Director of Employer and Alumni Career Networks for Centre College, she will partner with employers, alumni, and community organizations to support student development and career readiness. By combining her background in business development with a heart for mentorship and collaboration, she is committed to helping students explore opportunities, build confidence, and prepare for successful futures.

As a proud Centre alum, it’s especially meaningful to return to her alma mater and invest in the next generation of Colonels. She is honored to support current students as they shape their paths and help foster connections that will continue to strengthen the Centre community for years to come.

Genny Ballard, Ph.D. is Assistant Dean for Career Access and Opportunity and Professor of Spanish at Centre College in Kentucky. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and a U.S. Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Ballard is actively engaged in international education, community-based learning, and student internships. She has extensive study abroad experience, having directed several programs in Latin America. Ballard is also an active contributor to international research groups that focus on intercultural competence and language teaching.

Bryana Miracle joined the Center for Career & Professional Development in January 2019 as the Employer Relations Specialist, and later took on the role of Marketing & Communications Specialist in 2023. In this role, she creates and leads all marketing and outreach initiatives, oversees the CCPD website and social media accounts, and is responsible for the creation and design of promotional materials for the office. Bryana is an Eastern Kentucky University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies through the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences.

Sherri Gowins joined the Center for Career & Professional Development in 2001 as the Administrative Assistant. As the Senior Administrative Assistant, Sherri ensures that the daily operations in the office run smoothly. She serves as the primary contact for visitors, guides students to their appropriate career coaches and CCPD resources. Sherri also assists with special projects such as the annual outcomes report for graduating seniors, the Law School Fair, and provides technical and logistical support for multiple meetings, conferences, and workshops.