Dr. Chelsea Brislin has served as the Associate Director of Gaines since 2018. Prior to this role, she served as the Director of the Gatton College of Business and Economics' Honors Pathways Program and as the Admissions Counselor for the UK Lewis Honors College.

Chelsea serves as an affiliate faculty member for the UK Lewis Honors College and the UK Appalachian Center where she teaches courses on visual literacy, Appalachian representation and identity, and contemporary Appalachian literature. 

Outside of the University, Chelsea also serves on the board of directors for the Kentucky Humanities Council and is an active volunteer with the Lexington Humane Society. 

Education

·       Ph.D., University of Kentucky - English Literature

·       M.A., New York University - Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Thought 

·       B.A., University of Kentucky - Art History

Research Interests Include: 

·       Appalachian representation and identity 

·       Contemporary Appalachian literature 

·       Art and visual studies/ visual literacy