April 17, 2025 - Northern Kentucky University is welcoming Debra “Debbie” Wulfeck, of Kenton County, to the NKU Board of Regents. Appointed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Debbie’s appointment will run through June 30, 2027.
“Debbie represents NKU’s core values through her lived experience, community roots and heart for service,” says Nathan Smith, Chair of the Board. “Her role as a steadfast advocate for local causes speaks volumes about her character, and we are fortunate to have her voice and perspective on the Board as we continue to strengthen NKU’s role in the region.”
Debbie is replacing Elizabeth Thompson, who stepped down from the board last year.
“Debbie is a proven pillar in the Northern Kentucky region, and her dedication to serving our community through multiple non-profits and philanthropic endeavors makes her an outstanding addition to our board,” says NKU President Cady Short-Thompson. “I have no doubt Debbie’s generous insights and commitment to excellence will prove to be invaluable as we move NKU’s mission for student success forward through the ever-evolving educational landscape.”
Debbie is a long-time Northern Kentucky resident of 52 years. With three kids at home, she graduated from NKU with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a minor in math in 1994 when she was 41 years old. A devoted community philanthropist, Debbie is a member of the Steering Committee for Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky (CHNK), Co-Chair for the Dragon Fly Foundation Gala and is involved with the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky.
“I feel so honored to stand alongside Northern Kentucky’s most dedicated leaders as we work toward the continued success of an institution that is so close to my heart, in a region that I am proud to call my home,” says Debbie. “I am looking forward to giving back to our community by building on the university’s strong foundation and ensuring we uphold our student-centered values.”
Debbie currently resides in Covington with her husband, Richard. Together, they have three children and seven grandchildren.
About Northern Kentucky University: NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of more than 15,000 students on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky and bustling downtown Cincinnati. Ranked in the top 30 out of 500 universities nationwide by The Wall Street Journal for exceptional value, we are a regionally engaged university committed to delivering an innovative, student-centered education. We empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region. For more information, visit nku.edu.
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