Sophia Salyers

Student Speaker, May 2024

Salyers, from Lexington, Kentucky, is a Lewis Honors College student graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the UK College of Arts and Sciences, with a minor in criminology and a social science research certificate. She will deliver the student address at the 9 a.m. Friday, May 3 ceremony.

During her time at UK, Salyers has served as a program intern for UK Counseling Psychology, a student coordinator for UK Transformative Learning and an assistant teacher at UK’s Early Childhood Lab. She is the founder and president of the student organization, UKY Medicats, and member of UK Psi Chi, the Psychology Student Association, 4 Paws for Ability and the Kentucky Psychological Association.  

Salyers says she hopes her fellow graduates will feel connected to her through her speech and recognize the magnitude of their hard work and dedication during their time at UK.

“I want my fellow graduates to know that I love them and support them, even if I haven't met them,” Salyers said. “They are in this community that UK has built, and that makes us family. I hope they reflect upon their time here and appreciate the moment. My time at UK has been a life-altering, incredible experience. I will never forget my time as an undergraduate and I am so grateful for all of the experiences, connections, and lessons I have been provided. I never in my wildest dreams imagined my life could be as rewarding as it is in this moment. Thank you, everyone, who made this happen!”

After graduation, Salyers will begin a master’s program in counselor education through the College of Education. She hopes to one day work in pediatric counseling psychology at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital for children with chronic illness.