Rural Kentucky university promotes diversity with hair care vending machine (2024)

Kentucky-based Morehead State University is making strides in campus wellness, particularly for its students of color, by installing a vending machine stocked with hair and hygiene products. This innovative initiative, a partnership with In Living Curls College Beauty Supply, is designed to provide essential beauty and wellness products directly to Morehead students.

The vending machine, a first for a public university, is a direct response to the needs of students, especially those from underrepresented communities. This is particularly significant in rural eastern Kentucky, where access to diverse beauty and wellness products can be limited.

The initiative was spearheaded by Taunya Jones, Morehead's special events planning manager, and Melanie Day, founder of In Living Curls. While she was a student at Morehead, Jones experienced firsthand the challenges of finding the products she needed to care for her hair. Inspired by Day's innovative hair care vending machine at Transylvania University, a private university in central Kentucky, Jones worked tirelessly to bring a similar solution to Morehead.

By offering a range of hair and hygiene products, Jones and Day worked together to help Morehead address a critical gap in traditional campus amenities. This move not only enhances the overall student experience but also promotes inclusivity and diversity. Morehead's commitment to providing essential products and services reflects a broader trend in higher education, where institutions are prioritizing the holistic well-being of their students.

Launching campus self care initiative

To learn more about the impact of this innovative initiative and its potential for expansion, we spoke with Day via email interview.

Q: Are there any plans to expand the hair care initiative to other public universities in Kentucky or nationwide?

Day:Currently, our focus is on partnering with both private and public institutions across Kentucky. Looking ahead, we're excited to expand our operations nationwide, with the goal of becoming the leading provider of hair care and beauty products on college campuses. Our mission is to ensure that students everywhere have access to the essentials they need to feel confident and supported.

Q: How has the student body responded to the new vending machine? Are there any positive or negative reactions?

Day: The student body's response, including feedback from faculty and staff, has been overwhelmingly supportive. School administrators have even shared their positive experiences with other campuses, encouraging them to consider similar initiatives for their students. We've been told repeatedly how much of a difference the vending machine has made in helping students feel welcomed and seen.

A standout positive reaction has been the way the vending machine inspires students to think outside the box and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Additionally, the machine provides a means for students to earn extra income by offering hair and barbering services on campus.

One of the challenges we encountered early on was the misconception that the machine was only for Black students. While we focus on providing essentials for textured hair — which spans all ethnicities—we also offer a wide range of hair care, personal care, and other campus essentials. Our mission has always been to promote accessibility, affordability, and a sense of community on college campuses.

Q: What challenges, if any, did Morehead face when installing and maintaining the vending machine?

Day: Thanks to careful planning and clear communication, we encountered no challenges during the installation or maintenance of the vending machine. Our proactive approach ensured that the process went smoothly, demonstrating the importance of coordination and preparation in successfully implementing such initiatives.

Q: How does the availability of hair and hygiene products on campus contribute to the overall well-being of students, particularly students of color?

Day: The availability of hair and hygiene products on campus significantly contributes to students' overall well-being, particularly for students of color. By offering culturally specific items, such as products for textured hair or unique skin needs, the university fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion. These vending machines serve as "a letter from home," providing familiar comforts that remind students they are valued and understood.

Access to these products also reduces stress and barriers for students who might struggle to find such items locally, saving them time and effort during busy academic periods. This convenience supports students' self-confidence, personal care and mental health, contributing to their success both inside and outside the classroom.

Moreover, these machines symbolize the university's commitment to diversity and holistic student well-being. By addressing the unique needs of all students, the institution not only enhances their quality of life but also demonstrates a proactive approach to inclusion, aligning with its mission to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

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