Colonel Whittney Allen

Colonel Whittney Allen was recently named the 2026 Rising Eagle Alumni Award recipient by Morehead State University (MSU), recognizing her professional achievement, leadership, and commitment to service.

Colonel Allen currently serves as Director of Foundation Marketing & Communications for Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), where she leads storytelling, donor engagement, brand strategy, and marketing for the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities. In this role, she supports the philanthropic efforts of a 14-hospital system caring for more than 400,000 people across Appalachia.

A proud MSU graduate, Colonel Allen exemplifies the University’s values of service, leadership, and expanding opportunity. Her career uniquely blends strategic communications, nursing, and philanthropy which provides a well-rounded perspective on community needs, healthcare challenges, and the power of storytelling to improve lives.

She began her career in communications and marketing after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from MSU. She later completed a master’s degree and pursued nursing, seeking to better understand the full spectrum of patient experiences. Her time in the Morehead State University Nursing Program was both rigorous and rewarding, providing a foundation that continues to guide her professionally today.

Her path into healthcare was inspired by her parents’ lifelong commitment to caring for others. Her mother, Vivian Morgan, served patients for more than 30 years as a nurse, while her father, Rod Morgan, dedicated over three decades as an occupational therapist. Their example of compassion and patient-centered care continues to shape her work and purpose. In a meaningful reflection of their shared commitment to service, Allen and both of her parents have been commissioned as Kentucky Colonels by Andy Beshear.

Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky and now living in Lexington with her husband, Dr. Tejas Nandurkar, Allen remains deeply committed to serving the communities that shaped her. She serves on the Morehead State University Nursing Advisory Council, where she supports the development of future nursing professionals and contributes to strengthening healthcare education in the region. Through her role with the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities, she leads and actively participates in community-focused initiatives across eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, including “Giving with our Hands” service days and philanthropic campaigns that address food insecurity, patient assistance, and broader community health needs.

Allen previously served on the board of Kentucky Cystic Fibrosis Services and volunteers with Natalie’s Sisters. She had the honor of serving as Miss Kentucky United States in 2013, representing and serving communities across the Commonwealth through appearances, outreach, and advocacy efforts focused on health and service. Across each of these roles, her commitment remains centered on strengthening communities, expanding access to care, and serving others with purpose.

Allen was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of her commitment to serving communities across Kentucky through philanthropy and community-focused initiatives. Her efforts have centered on supporting families in need and elevating the voices and stories of the communities she serves.

“Being named a Kentucky Colonel is a deeply meaningful honor that represents a commitment to service, humility, and taking care of others,” Allen said. “To me, it is not simply a title, but a responsibility to lead with integrity and to use my time and talents to strengthen the communities I am part of.”