Faculty News

Diving Into Water Pollution

Professor of Biology Agus Sofyan, Ph.D., was honored to give a presentation about the impact of water pollution on the food chain as the keynote speaker at Universitas Djuanda (UNIDA) in Bogor, Indonesia, last December. This opportunity expanded his scholarly activities and fostered potential collaboration between UPIKE and UNIDA, focused on enhancing student success, faculty development and university growth. He emphasized the transfer of pollutants through different trophic levels. “It is well known that many pollutants eventually end up in water through precipitation, soil erosion and other transportation models,” said Sofyan. “Many of these pollutants will be accumulated and biomagnified through the food chain. Understanding the fate and transport of pollutants in the water ecosystem is important for risk assessment and human health protection.”

In the fall, Sofyan will offer a course in environmental sciences that will engage students in learning about the issue. In addition, he plans to offer a special topic course on biodiversity and bio-conservation next summer. Both courses are designed to help students understand environmental issues and involve practical experimentation to learn, face and solve the problems scientifically.

“Increasing awareness and involvement in conserving and maintaining clean water resources is key to the success of sustainability of water resources in the area,” said Sofyan. “UPIKE has a responsibility to educate, nurture and show students the implementation of good practices in sustainable development.”

Exemplary Educator

Coletta Parsley, Ed.D., assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, professor and director of teacher education and chairperson of the Patton College of Education, was selected as the 2023 Kentucky Association of Teacher Educators (KATE) Distinguished Educator by the KATE awards’ review committee. This recognition is specifically designed to honor exceptional professional educators who have made significant impacts within the educational landscape of Kentucky, encompassing P-16 teachers, administrators and supervisors. Having dedicated 35 years to the field of education, Parsley was nominated by her peers due to her extensive involvement in the academic community in Kentucky, notable contributions to teacher preparation programs, commitment to professional integrity and active engagement in national and regional professional organizations.

“I am deeply honored to have received this award,” said Parsley. “There are so many educators who make significant contributions daily; therefore, to be nominated and selected for this award by peer educators was a humbling experience and one that I will always appreciate.”

Good Faith and Integrity

Professor of Religion James Browning, Ph.D., bid farewell to his tenure at UPIKE this year. Embarking on his academic journey in August 2004, he was captivated by then Pikeville College’s distinct identity as a Presbyterian institution deeply committed to fostering a robust liberal arts education. He eagerly embraced the opportunity to enrich the religion program by crafting innovative courses that would resonate with students and contribute to the academic tapestry of the institution.

Browning takes immense pride in observing the numerous former students who have transitioned into careers in the local community and beyond, including those who are now serving as members of the university’s staff and faculty.

“I feel like my teaching career is worthwhile when I see so many of my students flourishing,” said Browning. “I’ve been blessed with many friends and colleagues at UPIKE who have impacted my life. I particularly appreciate my partnership with Rob and Sumer Musick in the religious studies program. We work together so well that one of our students nicknamed us ‘The Religion Trinity.’”

Browning’s distinguished career has been marked by many notable achievements, including being honored with the prestigious Walker Teaching Award twice. Among his proudest accomplishments is establishing the Carol Grizzard Browning Lecture Series, a testament to his wife, who retired from UPIKE in 2011. Additionally, as general education coordinator, he spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the undergraduate curriculum, leading the faculty toward a revitalized general education program. Collaborating with colleagues, he played a pivotal role in the design and implementation of the new medical humanities major.

“I hope the religious studies program continues to be vital to the UPIKE community. Twenty years ago, Carol and I wrote out plans for revising the religion major on the back of napkins at El Azul Grande,” said Browning.

“In the ensuing years, the program has been redesigned and revised continually to meet the needs of our changing campus and world. I look forward to seeing what it becomes in the future.”

Approaching retirement with a mindset of embracing spontaneity, he intends to let his post-academic pursuits unfold naturally as he embarks on a new chapter in Columbia, S.C.

“I am sure I'll spend my time reading, writing, hiking and volunteering. I want to continue teaching as an adjunct. There’s always something new to learn,” said Browning.

“I hope to be remembered as an authentic person who acted in good faith and with integrity in all I did.”