BookFest Links

Thanks to the Colliers

The primary sponsor of BookFest is Dr. Robert Collier, Professor Emeritus of English at NKU. He has donated thousands of dollars to fund the annual event as a memorial to his wife, Barbara M. Collier.

Mrs. Collier taught for 37 years in several states, including 27 years in northern Kentucky schools, until her retirement in 1996. Her last years of teaching were spent in the Project Ascent Program for Gifted and Talented Students at River Ridge Elementary School in Kenton County.  

Barbara Collier's undergraduate degree was from the University of Kentucky. She took graduate courses at NKU as well as courses in French and Spanish. She was an avid tennis player, and she traveled widely throughout Europe and the Mediterranean countries.

The educators of BookFest are pleased to sponsor an essay award in honor of Barbara Collier. She prided herself on her ability to teach reading, and she was devoted to bringing out a love of books in her students.