Morehead State alumni reflect on Upward Bound impact

For Gary Adkins (Class of 1974) and Sherry Adkins (Class of 1974, 1995, 2010), Morehead State University's Upward Bound program provided much more than a pathway to higher education. It prepared them for successful careers, fostered a lifelong connection to the University, and, ultimately, brought them together.

The couple met during an Upward Bound information meeting in the spring of 1970 before participating in the federally funded college-preparation program. More than 50 years later, they credit Upward Bound with changing the course of their lives.

"It opened my eyes to everything outside of my limited experience in Greenup, Kentucky," Gary said. "It showed me that I could succeed at college."

Sherry shared a similar perspective.

"My time in Upward Bound opened my eyes to a bigger world. A world of people and opportunities that allowed me to grow," she said.

Their story began at an informational meeting for prospective students and their families in South Shore. Gary, already enrolled in the program, noticed Sherry across the room.

"I found Sherry to be attractive, and I winked at her," Gary recalled.

Sherry remembers it just as well.

"Gary sat across the room from my mother and I and winked at me numerous times. I finally winked back," she said. "On the way home, I told my mom, 'What if that's the guy that I will marry someday?'"

That summer, both arrived on Morehead State's campus through Upward Bound, and by early July, they were dating. Beyond introducing them to each other, Upward Bound gave both students the confidence and skills to succeed in college.

"It definitely prepared me for college," Gary said. "I understood where resources were and how to access them. It provided me with the study skills I needed and used during college, the Army, and while in law school."

Sherry said the program's coursework gave her a head start.

"The classes at Upward Bound I took prepared me for some of the classes in high school," she said. "I wasn't a lost college freshman, and my study skills were already developed."

The program also introduced them to experiences beyond the classroom.

"I had never been to a swimming pool before Upward Bound," Sherry said.

Gary credits the program's mentors for helping shape his future.

"The tutor counselors served as big brothers, providing guidance," he said.

The couple continued dating throughout their undergraduate years and waited until they completed their degrees to marry.

"We wanted to graduate before we got married," Gary said. "We were married the evening before our graduation ceremony."

Following graduation, both continued their connection to Morehead State. Gary later served as a member and president of the Morehead State Alumni Association Board. At the same time, Sherry earned three degrees from MSU, retired after a 46-year nursing career, and now serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Today, both remain advocates for the University and the TRIO programs that helped shape their futures.

"The TRIO programs have greatly expanded since the 1960s," Gary said. "I've had the opportunity to interact with members of Congress in seeking funding for TRIO."

For Sherry, giving back is a way to honor the opportunities she received decades ago.

"It makes me so proud to be able to give back monetarily and of my time for others," she said. "The opportunity that Upward Bound gave us allowed us to have a life we would not have had otherwise."

Serving 334 students from 20 high schools across 18 counties, Upward Bound combines academic instruction, leadership development and college readiness activities designed to help students achieve their educational goals. Recently, the program celebrated its 60th anniversary at Morehead State.

For more information about Upward Bound, you can email upwardbound@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-9300.