BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Four Kentucky teachers are now a part of the Governor Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.

What You Need To Know

  • Four Kentucky teachers were inducted into the Governor Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame for their dedicated work for their students

  • Of the inductees were Jesse Brown, Kimberley Embry, late Hellen Russell and late Donna Smith

  • Their portraits will be held up at Gary A. Randell Hall on Western Kentucky University’s campus

The 2023 inductees were Jesse Brown, a retired high school history teacher from Glasgow Independent High Schools; Kimberley Embry, a 32-year-long teacher for Butler County High School; Hellen Russell, who has now passed away, who worked in education for 44 years while in Barren County; and Donna Smith, who has also passed away, who taught math for 30 years at Allen County-Scottsville High School.

A ceremony was conducted for them, with Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman present. Carved plaques with their faces on it were given to them for their admirable dedication.

“It is the least we can do for, as elected officials, what I believe, is the most important job for Kentucky,” Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said.

Jesse Brown, who started teaching in the 1960s, said although he is not a full-time teacher anymore, he still substitutes for classes often. He’s subbed four times this week. People were eager to hear why hasn’t hung up the teaching coat just yet. 

“My wife is deceased, so the school is the best place for me to be,” he said. “I am there with people I enjoy, and who appreciate me, so where else could I be and be as happy?”

Embry still teaches, while also coaching cross-country. She often spends late nights working for her students. The job is as rewarding as it is tough for her.

“Just knowing that you’re making a difference for kids, knowing I can be there for them, knowing that they could text me about something, knowing that they have someone to look up to,” Embry said.

Her experience as a role model has also gone a long way for her students.

“There are so many kids who truly care about being successful, and they want to please you,” Embry said. “They just need teachers that love them and want to support them.”

Not only were these teachers there for their students, they also taught valuable lessons. Brown discussed his teaching and explained one of his favorite lessons he taught his students.

“I used to tell my students ‘Find something you enjoy doing and do it well,’” he said. “‘If you’re doing it well, you’ll be in demand, and if you’re in demand, you’ll be making a good living. What else could you want?’”

Their portraits are hung up in the Gary A. Randell Hall on Western Kentucky University’s campus.

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