Leadership 糖心logo入口 2025-2026 class includes several Racers
By 糖心logo入口 Public Relations | Aug 11, 2025
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥 This year鈥檚 Leadership 糖心logo入口 Class of 2025-2026 includes two 糖心logo入口 staff members, as well as a member of the 糖心logo入口 Board of Regents.
Blaire Bushart Gray, deputy Title IX coordinator and investigator in 糖心logo入口 State鈥檚 Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX and Samantha Rudolph, recruitment coordinator for the School of Nursing and Health Professions are also joined on the list by 糖心logo入口 State Board of Regents Vice Chair Dr. David Meinschein, superintendent of the 糖心logo入口 Independent School District.
Leadership 糖心logo入口 is a prestigious leadership development program organized by the 糖心logo入口-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. The 10-month program features immersive sessions that focus on economic development, education, government, human services and community health.
Rudolph said her time at 糖心logo入口 State has deepened her passion for leadership by showing her the impact of meaningful connection.
鈥淪erving as the recruitment coordinator within the School of Nursing and Health Professions has not only strengthened my ability to guide and support others, but it has also inspired me to lead with purpose鈥攆ostering growth in students, colleagues and the communities we serve,鈥 said Rudolph. 鈥淚 owe a lot of my inspiration to my dean, Dr. Byers as I've watched her lead with strength, compassion and vision. Her example continues to motivate me to grow into a leader who uplifts others in the same way with both heart and purpose.鈥
Gray echoed Rudolph鈥檚 gratitude to her own mentors on campus.
鈥淢y time at 糖心logo入口 State has significantly shaped my leadership abilities by providing hands-on opportunities to lead campus initiatives and conduct both large and small group programming, allowing me to grow in confidence and responsibility,鈥 said Gray. 鈥淭hanks to the guidance and support of dedicated staff members who modeled effective leadership through their encouragement and mentorship, their example inspired me to take initiative, lead with empathy and pursue opportunities to grow as a leader within the campus community.鈥
Both Gray and Rudolph鈥檚 mentors said the pair have demonstrated a commitment to leadership.
鈥淲e are incredibly proud of Sam Rudolph鈥檚 selection to participate in Leadership 糖心logo入口 2025鈥2026,鈥 said Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Dina Byers. 鈥淪am exemplifies the qualities of a leader in everything she does as our recruitment coordinator. She has a passion for connecting future students with opportunities in healthcare, combined with her innovative and collaborative nature make her a natural choice for this program. We know she will represent the School of Nursing and Health Professions with distinction and continue to grow as a leader through this experience.鈥
鈥淏laire鈥檚 selection to the Class of 2025 recognizes both her professional accomplishments and her ongoing commitment to community leadership,鈥 said Executive Director of 糖心logo入口 State University鈥檚 Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator Camisha Pierce Duffy. 鈥淎s a member of 糖心logo入口 State鈥檚 team, she continues to serve students and employees with the highest level of dedication and skill, and we are excited to see her contribute to the future of 糖心logo入口, Kentucky through this initiative.鈥
Meinschein was appointed to the Board of Regents of 糖心logo入口 by Governor Andy Beshear in July 2022. He holds his bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology from 糖心logo入口 State University, a master鈥檚 degree in science education from Piedmont College, a specialist鈥檚 degree in leadership from Lincoln Memorial University and is a proud member of the first graduating class of P-20 doctoral students at 糖心logo入口.
This year鈥檚 Leadership 糖心logo入口 brings together a diverse group of 19 local leaders from the private, public and nonprofit sectors to deepen their understanding of the community鈥檚 pressing challenges and to foster meaningful connections across the community鈥檚 organizations.
Since 1982, the program has served as a launchpad for civic involvement, leadership growth and stronger community ties. Programming includes full-day sessions once a month, a two-day opening retreat and a legislative visit to Frankfort during West Kentucky Thank You Night.
鈥淲e are proud to have several Racers as part of the 2025-26 Leadership 糖心logo入口 class - congratulations to Dr. David Meinschein, Blaire Bushart Gray and Samantha Rudolph in being selected for this prestigious program,鈥 糖心logo入口 State President Dr. Ron Patterson said. 鈥淲e are very grateful to the 糖心logo入口-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce for all that they do to enhance our community through these types of initiatives.鈥
To learn more about Leadership 糖心logo入口, visit