Mary Ann Bokkon was born and raised in rural Kentucky near Lake Cumberland.  She has a BA in History, an MAE in Student Affairs, and a post-bacc certificate in Gender Studies, all from Western Kentucky University (WKU).  She has worked in higher education for 16 years--3 years as a Counselor in Educational Opportunity Centers, 3 years as a Financial Aid Administrator at a four year public college, and 10 years as a Student Support Services Coordinator, all at Western Kentucky University.   She has recently transitioned to Student Support Services Coordinator at a 2 year public community and technical college, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College ("SKY"CTC).   She lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky in a 105 year old house with her husband, teenage son, and 3 cats.