When he was disabled in a coal-mining accident a few years ago, Lonnie Ayers of Barbourville turned to EKU's Tri-County Center in Corbin for a fresh start.

Now, when the fall semester opens at the Center Monday, Aug. 24, the junior paralegal studies major will be joined on his quest for a brighter future by daughter Adrienne, who lacks only one class graduating from Barbourville High School. Together, they represent the roughly 50-50 ratio of traditional and non-traditional students at the Center.

And it's not too late to join the mix. The last day for a post-marked application for admission as a degree-seeking student is Aug. 5, and, although early registration is recommended, students may register at the Center through the first day of classes. More than 1,000 students are expected this fall.

Four student orientation/advising sessions are scheduled prior to the fall semester: 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. July 17 and 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Aug. 13. New students planning to attend the Center this fall should notify the Center of which session they plan to attend by calling 606-528-0551.

Lonnie Ayers can certainly understand the doubts that incoming students might have.

After a year and a half of physical therapy, he came to the Center because "it was close to home, and I could take some of my basic classes without going to the Richmond campus."

Admittedly "terrified" at first, he said he was quickly put at ease by faculty, who, recognizing the number of non-traditional students, "stressed the importance of talking to them if you needed any help. Most, if not all the faculty provide you with their home telephone number, and I've used it many times."

So far, the 1976 graduate of Red Bird High School has recorded a 3.7 GPA, including a perfect 4.0 last semester.

"I'd like to go on to law school," he said. "I felt the paralegal program would give me a good foundation toward that. It wasn't a snap decision. I did a lot of research first."

When daughter Adrienne joins Dad at the Center this fall, she'll follow the same path as many of her peers, working part-time while taking some classes. That's just one of the attractions of the Center. She plans to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist. Eastern's baccalaureate degree program in forensic science attracts students nationwide.

Lonnie and wife Sandi also have 10-year-old Ashley and 2 ½-year old Courtney at home, as well as a grown son, Rick.

Students at the Center this fall will notice two newly furnished break rooms, as well as new carpeting and paint throughout the facility. "We're really excited about the facelift," said Director Rhonda Wheeler.

Additionally, the on-site bookstore, which opened last spring, is "working very smoothly now," she said.

Center hours are 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and, beginning Aug. 1, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays. The Center is conveniently located in the Tri-County Square Shopping Center, 785 E. Cumberland Gap Parkway.