Alumni Awards

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Terry Conley ’89

Conley has worked for more than 30 years as a certified public accountant in Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky, with extensive experience at some of the world’s largest accounting firms. During his 18 years at Grant Thornton, Conley’s contributions played a pivotal role in a private equity deal that resulted in the largest accounting firm transaction in world history. His client list includes many Fortune 50 companies, six billionaires and numerous start-ups that grew into global conglomerates.

GARY THRASH OUTSTANDING AMBASSADOR AWARD

Tiffany Nichols Fannin ‘09

Fannin continued her education after UPIKE at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in 2012, and later obtained an MBA from Morehead State University in 2014. Professionally, she serves as the Assistant General Counsel for Procurement at Conduent.

HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD James Browning, Ph.D.

Browning graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1976 with a BA, followed by a Master’s of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979. In 1985, he earned a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor University. He taught religious studies and humanities courses for more than 20 years at UPIKE and held leadership roles. He also served as the general education coordinator for seven years. He recently retired but continues to teach as an adjunct professor.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Lisa Pinson

For 20 years, Pinson taught elementary school. In 2022, she transitioned to working for the City of Pikeville, continuing her passionate service to the community. Over the past two years, Pinson has created countless memories through her involvement on campus. One of her most memorable experiences was assisting the UPIKE Football team and incoming students to remove tires from the river on UPIKE’s annual Service Day.

RISING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

Andrea Coughtry, MBA ’16

Coughtry partially owns and manages a large real estate portfolio in Kentucky, Georgia and New York. Coughtry is a board member for Baby Health Services. She is also a member of the Commercial Association of Lexington, the Building Industry Association of Lexington, National Association of Realtors, one of the top 50 of 3,000 Bluegrass Association of Realtors, Atlas Alliance and Ambassador for Inman, a real estate news company.