HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — There was no shortage of Northern Kentucky University students lending a hand to the next generation of freshmen Aug. 15 as they moved onto campus for the first time. 

What You Need To Know

  • Northern Kentucky University welcomed its next generation of students Aug. 15 at move-in day 

  • Several returning students were on hand to greet incoming freshmen 

  • It also marked the start of a new school year for Cady Short-Thompson, NKU president 

One of those freshmen was helped by two members of a previous generation of students, who happened to be his parents. Amy Hatfield and her husband, Tony, were helping their son, Griffin, get his new dorm room in order. 

"NKU pride; go Norse," Amy Hatfield said. "I'm a two-time alum, and my husband is also an alum," 

Tony said he lived in dorms during his entire NKU tenure, and bringing his son back brought up some good memories. It was just as much a special day for Griffin. 

“I’m excited, a little nervous, but just excited to live on my own, get that experience for me,” Griffin said.

It was also the start of a new school year for Cady Short-Thompson, NKU president. However, she did previously teach at the university, which came up when she visited Griffin's dorm room. 

“She was my student," Short-Thompson said of Amy as they reminisced.

With a mix of familiar faces and new beginnings, Short-Thompson said the university is ready to take on new challenges as they come up throughout the year. 

“One of my biggest goals has been around enrollment management, increasing our enrollment, and today is evidence that we are doing our work well," she said. "We are growing the enrollment of the university." 

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