Mike Richey is a veteran of advancement with over 40 years of work experience at the University of Kentucky. He began his career as Director of Student Relations in the College of Agriculture. In 1984, he was asked to establish the college development program and later became Director of Alumni and Development for the College of Agriculture in 1988.Mike has served in leadership positions at national and international levels, including President of the National Agriculture Alumni Development Association, the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and three years as President of The Gideons International, a worldwide organization in 200 countries. He has received numerous state and national recognitions for his professional and non-profit work – including the prestigious Sullivan Medallion, a Distinguished Service and Leadership Award from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Agriculture Alumni and Development Association (NAADA). Mike has been a keynote speaker in more than 30 states and numerous countries.Mike holds B.S. ('73) and M.S. ('79) degrees in agriculture from the University of Kentucky. He resides in Lawrenceburg with his wife Susan. They have two children, Paul and Sarah. Paul is a minister in Hodgenville, KY and Sarah is an attorney in Lexington. They have five grandchildren.