Meet Our People

Ja'Mahl McDaniel, M.A. | Director

Ja’Mahl McDaniel, a Louisville native, is a dedicated professional in the field of higher education student affairs. He holds a bachelor's degree in Community & Leadership Development from the University of Kentucky (2015) and a master's degree in Higher Education Student Affairs from Ohio State University. Currently, Ja’Mahl is pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Policy and Evaluations at the University of Kentucky. 

Having gained valuable experience as the program coordinator for the Intercultural Center at Wake Forest University, Ja’Mahl returned to his alma mater, the University of Kentucky, to serve as the associate director for the Martin Luther King Center. In September 2020, he assumed the role of director, leading the office with passion and dedication.

With more than six years of experience in higher education, Ja’Mahl has actively contributed to numerous campus committees and local community initiatives, including the Lexington Neighborhood Healers Project and the Lexington Commission for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. He has also served on national boards associated with higher education. Additionally, Ja’Mahl is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

In his personal life, Ja’Mahl finds joy in being a loving husband to his wife, Kameron, and a devoted father to his son, Jayce. He is deeply committed to advocating for and effecting positive change for students as they pursue their education. Ja’Mahl firmly believes that knowledge is the most powerful asset one can possess and is enthusiastic about creating an inclusive and accessible space where young individuals can consistently access knowledge without barriers.

Jasmine Prince, M.Ed. |  Associate Director

Jasmine is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a proud alum of the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she earned her bachelors degree in psychology. Jasmine also holds a Masters in College Student Affairs from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career in higher education, Jasmine has led programs and initiatives centered on student success, diversity education, social justice, student organization development and leadership development. In her role as Associate Director of the Martin Luther King Center, she supports the director with strategic planning, supervises the King Center interns and leads programs in collaboration with a variety of campus partners. She is dedicated to helping students find space to thrive as they navigate their collegiate journey. 

Melody Hall | Administrative Support Associate

Melody is an integral part of the MLK Center. She supports the director and both professional staff team members as an office manager. Melody has worked for UK for 15 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Environmental Sciences – now the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Additionally, Melody completed the three UK business certifications in 2016. She is located in the Gatton Student Center.

One of her greatest achievements was being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 2016. This is very important to her because making a difference in the community is one of her top priorities. She loves working with students and making a difference in their lives.