Your journey to success begins here
Upward Bound Math Science Program
Courtney Miller
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Tutor / Counselor & Science Instructor
Courtney Kay Miller graduated from Bell County High School in 2005. In high school she was a member of the school’s varsity cheerleading team and President of their Future Farmers of America chapter. After graduation, she attended Southeast Community and Technical College in Middlesboro where she received her Associates Degrees in Arts and Science. Immediately after, Courtney transferred to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Education and Dairy Science. During her time at EKU, Courtney worked at Stateland Dairy, owned by the university and served as vice president of Delta Tau Alpha, the Agricultural National Honor Society, as well as vice president of both the EKU Ag. Club and Collegiate FFA. To finish her requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in education, Courtney completed her student-teaching at Knox Central High School and has been employed at the site since. Courtney now serves as a College/Career Coach for high school seniors at KCHS.
Kellie Halcomb
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Tutor / Counselor
Kellie graduated in 2014 from Harlan County High School with an Honors Diploma. In high school she participated in various clubs and organizations including: National Honor Society, Gifted and Talented Leadership, Beta Club, First Priority, Student Government, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. Kellie is now a Junior at University of the Cumberlands where she is a member of Kappa Delta Pi and the Kentucky Education Association. Kellie is pursuing a degree in Early Elementary Education and plans to further her education by obtaining a Master's in School Counseling. However, in her spare time, Kellie enjoys traveling, photography, cooking, and spending time with her puppy.
Corey Burns
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Tutor / Counselor
Corey is a 2014 graduate of Harlan High School where he earned an advanced academic diploma. He was an active member in the Beta Club, FBLA, Leadership, and the varsity baseball team. Since graduating high school, Corey attends the University of the Cumberlands where he is currently pursuing a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in special education (learning behavior disorders). At Cumberlands, Corey is a member of the Kentucky Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi, Appalachian Ministries, the Peer Mentoring Program, and has been named on the Dean’s List every semester. He also works as a STAR for the freshman orientation insights program. Upon graduation in 2018, Corey would like to start teaching and pursue a Master’s degree in another special education background. During his free time, Corey enjoys exploring nature, classic cars, and spending time with the ones he loves.
Zachary A. Howard
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Tutor / Counselor
Zachary Alexander Howard graduated from Harlan High School in 2011. In high school he participated in Marching Band, Beta Club, Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and graduated a Harlan Scholar. From there Zachary attended Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College and graduated with an Associates of Science and an Associates of Arts. While at SKCTC he was vice president of Phi Theta Kappa, president of the Student Government, and a member of the All KCTCS Academic Team. Zachary is currently enrolled in East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy pursing a Doctorate of Pharmacy. He is also a proud member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and Phi Delta Chi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.
Pat Pate
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Political Science Instructor
Cory Clem
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Math Instructor
Cory Clem was born and raised in Harlan county. He graduated in May 2015 from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and education. Cory states that, "Teaching has always been my passion. It presents the perfect opportunity for me to teach what I know, help influence lives, and be there for many kids. This was my first year working with UBMS and it could not have gone better."
“People Learn More From Who You Are Than What You Teach”
Theresa Banks
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Business Smart Instructor
Theresa has lived in Kentucky since 1990, when she relocated here after graduating high school in South Carolina. Theresa married her best friend in 1991 and has 2 children, one of which is in the United States Army, and the other is a full-time missionary with Scripture Memory Mountain Mission, AKA Camp Nathanael. Theresa received her Associates in Arts and Science in 2015. She is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from MSU. She is also the Administrative Assistant for Student Support Services at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.