Ammerman, a former UofL volleyball player and graduate of several UofL College of 成人直播 and Human Development (CEHD) programs, credits her career success to her years of academics and athletics at the university.聽

鈥淯ofL has always felt like my second home,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 have developed lifetime friendships through each program, degree and certification that have been pivotal in my life and career,鈥� Ammerman said.聽

Her next journey will start this fall, where she is excited to reinvent how a school can look and feel.

鈥淚 am thrilled to have this once in a lifetime experience to open a brand-new school and build a strong sense of belonging with our students and community,鈥� said Ammerman. 鈥淲e will be an ‘explore school,’ which gives students the opportunity to experience hands on learning in the following pathways: Engineering and Design, Business and Communications, and Consumer Sciences.鈥�

Ammerman began her academic and athletic career at UofL in 2003 as a volleyball recruit and garnered numerous accolades with her team, winning conference titles and advancing to the Sweet 16 twice. 聽

As an educator and scholar, Ammerman obtained a bachelor of science degree in in 2007 and a in 2008. While working full-time in JCPS and starting her family, Ammerman also earned a with a concentration in principalship in 2013, and a in 2016. In May 2023, she completed her fifth credential from UofL鈥檚 College of 成人直播 and Human Development (CEHD) – a rare accomplishment for any student.

Ammerman has worked in various roles throughout JCPS for 15 years, most recently serving as principal of Crosby Middle School where she led during the year of non-traditional instruction (NTI) during the pandemic. In 2021, she was named JCPS Middle School Principal of the Year by the Jefferson County Association of School Administrators.

鈥淭hroughout my career as a UofL student, I have always been treated like a person. Relationships matter and UofL professors and advisors have always made that the number one priority,鈥� said Ammerman. 鈥淚 have always felt like they wanted me to be successful and were happy to engage with me outside of class.鈥�

By Tessa Chilton,

Haspel, a UofL graduate, will deliver remarks and take questions about her career in the CIA and national security. The questions will be asked by a UofL graduate, longtime public affairs expert, political commentator and co-founder/partner of Louisville-based RunSwitch Public Relations.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader , UofL President and McConnell Center Director will join Haspel and Jennings on stage.

鈥淲hat a day for the University of Louisville. To host the director of the CIA, the majority leader of the U.S. Senate and a regular CNN commentator 鈥�- all UofL alumni 鈥�- on the same stage is an amazing opportunity for our university,鈥� Gregg said.

Born in Ashland, Haspel took the CIA helm in May. She is the first woman to hold that position and has more than 30 years of intelligence experience, including many years as an overseas operative. She is the second CIA director to appear as a McConnell Center guest. The first was , who spoke at the center in 2012.

Haspel will share how her years in Kentucky and at UofL prepared her to serve the CIA and how she is positioning the agency to confront today鈥檚 intelligence challenges.

“I was born in Kentucky and, while my family has deep roots there, I was an Air Force 鈥榖rat鈥� and followed my father to postings all over the world. My childhood overseas instilled in me an appreciation for foreign languages and cultures, but also a deep understanding of the vital role of American leadership in confronting aggression abroad,鈥� Haspel said in May at her confirmation hearing.

The free, public discussion begins at 9 a.m. in Bigelow Hall, Miller Information Technology Center. Tickets are no longer available. However, those interested in attending the event may enter their name on a wait list at . Tickets are nontransferable and limited. Tickets are required for entry with photo IDs that match each name requested. The event will be streamed live at .