College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

For Mildred "Millie" LeJeune, the Hilltopper Spirit means pursuing personal growth and a life of excellence. From exploring her passion for physical therapy, getting involved in various campus organizations and making connections within the campus community, LeJeune has sought experiences at WKU and beyond that have pushed her ambitious goals forward.

A junior Exercise Science major from Atlanta, Georgia, LeJeune discovered her future career path early in her Hilltopper journey.

"I've always enjoyed helping others and being a first responder, so I wanted to pursue my degree in Exercise Science. When I got into the program, Dr. Sarah Scali, a Pedagogical Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, made a significant impact on my decision to pursue a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy."

LeJeune also made a strong first impression on Dr. Scali through her enthusiasm in class.

“From my first meeting with Millie, I could tell that she was truly excited about being a Hilltopper. Now that is saying something since the first class I taught her was held 100% online due to COVID-19. Despite that, Millie was engaged and interested in the material of the class and was one of the few students that would type “Thank You!” in the chatbox at the end of each session," Dr. Scali shared.

Dr. Scali also noted LeJeune's commitment to achieving her academic and personal goals.

“In the classroom, Millie shows determination and dedication with her studies. I have met with her many times during my office hours to further discuss the concepts from class, how to study and prepare for exams, and ways to expand her learning with summer internships, experiences, and workshops. Millie’s desire to help people is part of her character and she is bound and determined to be a physical therapist to continue that path. Millie has a heart of gold and we are lucky to have her as a part of our EXS program!"

In addition to Dr. Scali, LeJeune highlighted the strong connections formed with faculty and staff in departments around campus. She emphasized the positive impact of Dr. John Conley, an Instructor in the WKU Department of English and Dr. Martha Sales, who serves as the Interim Dean of Students, Executive Director of the WKU Intercultural Student Engagement Center, and Executive Director of WKU TRIO Programs.

"I know I can always go to them as a safe space, whether it's to get advice or chat about life. My professors motivate me every day to continue my education to pursue my passion, which is physical therapy," LeJeune noted.

LeJeune also noted the powerful impact of professional opportunities available outside of the classroom.

Experiences available within her major, such as the Exercise Science Club, offered opportunities to hear from current physical therapy students, network with professionals in the field and learn tips for conveying her skills in a resume.

Furthermore, LeJeune has completed multiple internships in her home state of Georgia, allowing her to gain hands-on experience in the field of physical therapy and grow as a future professional.

"My first internship helped develop my communication skills, as I was required to work with my patients to create the best recovery solutions with the given sessions they were offering," LeJeune said.

Looking to the future, LeJeune hopes to give back to the community and wants to assist a wide range of patients through her work. After completing her undergraduate degree, she aims to attend graduate school and earn a doctorate in Physical Therapy.

After becoming a Hilltopper, LeJeune worked to get involved with campus organizations and make connections within the Hilltopper community. Her involvement on campus includes Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Co-ed Business Fraternity, WKU NAACP, Hilltopper Organization of Latin American Students, Black Student Alliance, WKU ISEC and Alpha Epsilon Delta Healthcare Honors Society.

Most notably, LeJeune also serves as the current President of Black Women of Western (BWOW), an organization dedicated to providing mentorship and networking opportunities for women of color on WKU's campus. Through hosting events such as a vision board night, a female empowerment conference and casual meet and greets, BWOW offers opportunities for Hilltoppers to learn and grow together.

Reflecting on her experiences so far, LeJeune referenced a moment in spring 2021 as a highlight of her WKU journey.

"The best part of my WKU experience is being involved with ISEC and BWOW. One of my favorite moments at Western was in spring 2021 - when the Black Student Alliance hosted the Black Excellence Awards. It was so heartwarming to see everyone come together as one to celebrate the excellence on campus," LeJeune shared.

The event also held special moments for BWOW and for LeJeune specifically. In recognition of BWOW's efforts on campus, the group won the Organization of the Year award - a point of pride for all of the organization's members. LeJeune also received the Hustle Award for her work with her small business, Millie's Miracles T-Shirt Line. This award is given to a student entrepreneur that has made an impact and who displays the most consistent effort and hustle.

LeJeune is excited to continue BWOW's mission this month by contributing to Women's History Month activities. During the fourth week of March, BWOW will sponsor a week of activities dedicated to female empowerment and celebrating the role of women in society, with events such as a donation drive for feminine hygiene products and a social event at Jump Air Zone. The week also includes collaborations with campus organizations, such as the MajorRedz Dance Team and Blaq Art Nouveau.

When developing these events, LeJeune hoped to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of women as part of Women's History Month.

"I decided to design and implement these events because I'm a part of an organization for women on campus, but often, women don't get their flowers. Hence, I felt I needed to help plan something where others could be honored and celebrated."

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To learn more about the Exercise Science program at WKU, visit https://www.wku.edu/exs/