UPIKE Magazine Fall/Winter 2020

MAGAZINE Fall/Winter 2020

Move Mountains.

IN T H I S I S S U E

K YCO E A R N S F U L L-AC C RE DITAT I ON $ 3 .2 5 M I L L I O N G R A NT F OR KYC OM SC HOL ARSHIPS J OH N N I E L eM A ST E R’ S DIAMOND ME MORIES

A timeline displayed on the sixth floor of the Health Professions Education Building traces the university’s more than 130-year history, capturing its legacy of exceptionalism, commitment to student success and service to the community made possible by the support of its donors.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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24

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An anonymous donor’s generosity spurs multimillion-dollar renovation.

This is where we move upward, toward innovation, to success and move obstacles so we can move toward bright futures.

In uncertain times, health and safety are a top priority on UPIKE’s campus.

NURSING PROGRAM RENOVATION

MOVE MOUNTAINS

HEALTHY AT UPIKE

President’s Letter 3 Campus and Faculty News 4 Music in the Mountains 10 Thriving in Challenging Times 12 New Certifications 13 UPIKE Rises to Meet Social Challenges 14

UPIKE's Online Graduate Programs 15

Diamond Memories 36

Funding the Future 16 Braving the Frontlines 28

The American Society of Optometric Surgeons 40

Heart of a Bear 30

From the Hills to “The Hill” 42

Inaugural Presidential Fellows 34

Trustee Spotlight 44

KYCO Earns Full Accreditation 38

Class Notes 46

VOLUME 7, NUMBER 1 MAGAZINE STAFF David Hutchens

Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations

EDITOR Katie Ray ART DIRECTOR Kate Hensley CONTRIBUTORS Amy Charles Laura Damron MBA ’19 Michelle Goff Sherrie Marrs Kelly Rowe-Jones Brooke Thacker ’04 Stacey Walters PHOTOGRAPHERS Larry Epling Matthew Lester Story ideas and letters to the Editor: Email: editor@upike.edu Mail: Editor, UPIKE Magazine Office of Advancement University of Pikeville 147 Sycamore St. Pikeville, KY 41501 Address changes: Email: alumni@upike.edu Online: upike.edu/alumni/ alumni-update/ Phone: (606) 218-5276 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday Class notes: Email: alumni@upike.edu Online:upike.edu/magazine Mail: Office of Advancement, University of Pikeville 147 Sycamore St. Pikeville, KY 41501

ON THE COVER

Salyersville, Ky., native Kennedy Garrett stands in front of the Coleman College of Business on campus. Garrett, who is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in accounting and management, is also a cheerleader and a tutor with the Center for Academic Excellence.

She will graduate in December.

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Several students participated in the “I wear a mask for” campaign to remind everyone on campus that wearing a mask is not just for themselves.

When asked who she wore her mask for, it was an easy question for sophomore Carrington Russell to answer.

“I wear my mask for everyone around me,” explained Russell. “By wearing our masks, we ensure that we can continue to stay here and enjoy all the great things UPIKE has to offer. I am grateful to be back on campus this year and I want everyone around me to be able to experience this as well.”

Letter from the

PRESIDENT Just today, I received a note from a friend that read, “The dumbest thing I ever purchased was a 2020 planner.� Without a doubt, this year has been one of the most disrupted of my lifetime. I understand the joke, but in reality, no year in my experience has taken more planning, more tenacity and more grit than the year 2020.

In January and February, we planned for a normal year. Then the pandemic hit, and our plans were disrupted, so we planned for an exceptional year. In April and May, we wrote the Healthy at UPIKE guidelines. They were modeled after the New Zealand plan, but incorporated much of what the CDC and Commonwealth of Kentucky were telling us was important. By late summer, we knew that the guidelines needed more flexibility, so we adjusted our practices. Our provost, deans and academic leaders realized that 16-week courses were fine face-to-face, but they were too long if we needed to move online. So, we pivoted to eight-week intensive courses. Students told us that course materials were too expensive for them to afford, so we pivoted to free course materials.

All of this took planning, exceptional planning, on the part of our faculty and staff. They planned, adjusted and replanned as we pivoted from face-to-face to online because of a sharp increase in the number of COVID positive cases on campus. Then everyone came back home, and they pivoted again.

In the middle of all this planning and pivoting, we had layers of change taking place all around us.

Racial tensions erupted again in the summer. This is not new; it has been simmering under the surface and erupting during moments of injustice that catch the public eye. Injustice is an old disease that we must constantly work to eradicate. Political tensions are an old thing too, though they seemed more volatile in 2020 than in past years. I would remind everyone that this is not as bad as it can get; the City of Pikeville was captured and recaptured by the Confederate and Union Armies repeatedly during the Civil War. It can get much worse, and thankfully, it has not.

The Pikeville Collegiate Institute arose, in part, because of our location as a strategic outpost in these mountains. Indeed, during the midst of the pandemic, I would suggest that UPIKE has been blessed.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the Elliott School of Nursing will soon have a new home in the Community Technology Center. UPIKE celebrates seven Fellows in the American Society of Optometric Surgeons, our first two Presidential Fellows and our first recipient of a Fulbright Award. We have been the recipient of generous grants and gifts that fund scholarships in medicine and continue to watch as the lives of our alumni unfold in beautiful ways.

My 2020 planner may be a mass of black marker and red ink, but it is punctuated with the names of UPIKE bears who have proven themselves to be exceptional during times of stress. We celebrate each of them in this issue because together, they are planning, pivoting and yes, moving mountains.

Striving to serve, Burton J. Webb President The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Pikeville. It is the policy of the University of Pikeville that no student shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program sponsored by the university because of age, race, color, creed, religion, handicap, sexual orientation or national origin. All other inquiries should be addressed to the University of Pikeville at 147 Sycamore Street, Pikeville, Kentucky 41501 or call 606-218-5250. *EOE

FALL/WINTER 2020 | UPIKE MAGAZINE

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KYCOM WHITE COAT The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine formally welcomed the Class of 2024 during a virtual White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, October 10.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony was prerecorded and available for students, friends and family.

KYCO’s Optometry Camp sets its sights on the world

For the third consecutive year, the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) hosted a summer camp aimed at introducing the profession of optometry to pre-health and preoptometry majors. The camp’s goal is to initiate an optometry school experience, help students understand the application process and map out an individualized pre-optometry preparation plan, all at no cost to the student.

Participants are typically invited to a three-day experience on campus. However, this year’s camp was held virtually as students from six states, and as far away as Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, got a glimpse into KYCO’s facilities and technology.

Department Chair of Academic Affairs and KYCO Associate Professor Jesson Martin, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., educated students about physical optics along with KYCO Associate Professor and Director of Research George Asimellis, Ph.D., who conducted the geometric optics session of the virtual camp.

White coat ceremonies are rites of passage for medical students, welcoming them to the profession and reinforcing the value of humanism as a foundation to medicine.

The ceremony encourages a psychological contract for professionalism and empathy in the practice of medicine.

This year’s keynote address, delivered by chief executive officer of Pikeville Medical Center Donovan Blackburn, focused on how the landscape of the health care industry has changed in the wake of COVID-19 and how new physicians must rise to the challenges ahead.

“You are entering into medicine in a time like no other. With this pandemic, the health inequities of this country, and the significance of the occupation ahead of you, health care needs you now more than ever,” said Blackburn. “Fill your coat with more than just the spread of your shoulders. Fill it with honesty, truth, compassion and heart.”

CLICK HERE to watch KYCO's White Coat Ceremony

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CLICK HERE to watch KYCOM's White Coat Ceremony

KYCO WHITE COAT The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) held its White Coat Ceremony on Sunday, August 23. The ceremony is symbolic within the health professions, reflecting a commitment to patient care. After two years of rigorous classroom and procedure lab curriculum, the students will apply their clinical setting knowledge.

William T. Reynolds, O.D., current president of the American Optometric Association’s Board of Trustees, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

Reynolds spoke to KYCO’s Class of 2022 about the history and future of the optometric profession. He also reminded students that their education at KYCO is exceptional and gives them a unique advantage.

Third-year students at KYCO were “coated” in the presence of their peers and KYCO faculty by Cliff Caudill, O.D., KYCO assistant dean of clinical affairs and Donald Egan, O.D., FAAO, DPNAP, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of optometry.

Reynolds challenged students as they began not only their clinical training, but their careers.

“Be involved,” said Reynolds. “Being involved moves your profession forward. It moves you forward personally, and most importantly, it moves the care of your patients forward.”

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OPENING CONVOCATION 2020 For more than a century, the University of Pikeville has created many opportunities through the promise of education. On September 3, UPIKE celebrated a new academic year with its Opening Convocation on Benefactors Plaza that was live-streamed on Facebook for community members, faculty, staff and students.

UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., and Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., extended warm welcomes to attendees and those watching live.

The keynote address was given by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities President OJ Oleka, MBA, Ph.D. Oleka shared a motivating story about how he began his academic journey and focused his remarks identifying with students and inspiring them to continue their education.

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“Fight hard, continue to push and get to the finish and be stronger than you were when you started,” said Oleka. “It is that push that will disrupt the generational challenges that you may face, which is incredibly important and should push you to achieve and thrive.”

Oleka commented on his trials and encouraged students to become involved on campus and connect with faculty, staff and fellow students to overcome the obstacles and challenges students face today.

“You can succeed, you can thrive, and you can make a difference,” said Oleka.

“Encourage yourself and encourage others.”

KYCOM professor lends editorial talents

Provost earns Fulbright Scholarship Arriving on U.S. soil in the late 1970s with her family, University of Pikeville Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., left a familiar language and culture behind to build a new life. She could not have known then that decades later, an impressive professional career would lead her to earning one of the most distinguished and coveted prizes in higher education, a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to forge lasting connections between the people of the United States and other countries to counter misunderstandings and help nations work together toward common goals.

The Fulbright organization recognizes only a select group of higher education professionals each year. Werth is part of a group of 10 university presidents and provosts from across the U.S. who will travel to Japan next year. She hopes to use this experience to strengthen the relationships that UPIKE already has with Japan and Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS) located in the city of Nissin.

“The opportunity to travel and experience another culture energizes me and continues to ignite my passion for serving in higher education. I am looking forward to learning more about the educational system in Japan, policies, expanding potential partnerships with the University of Pikeville, and meeting students, faculty and leaders,” said Werth. “We have enjoyed a relationship with NUFS since 2013 and I am interested in meeting students, faculty and leaders, while exploring additional exchange programs.”

UPIKE has a desire to foster experiences for rural, first-generation undergraduate students, as well as for medical and optometry students. Cultivating international experiences for students and faculty brings communities closer to other cultures, ideas, values, beliefs and religions, in unique and meaningful ways. This creates opportunities for growth and development, and for a more collaborative global community.

“My own experiences as an international student coming to the United States have been instrumental in my academic and administrative responsibilities. That young girl who arrived on an airplane with her parents and learned how to speak English was encouraged to attend college, and later in life earned a Doctor of Philosophy,” Werth concluded. “I am honored to be a Fulbright Scholar and will continue serving, building, strengthening, and empowering communities and stakeholders to close equity gaps in postsecondary attainment for all students.”

Kartick Pramanik, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology for the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and Kentucky College of Optometry, recently lent his editorial talents to Frontier in Pharmacology Journal in editing an e-book titled Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Translational Pharmacology.

While the world has witnessed rapid progression in the advancement of AI with robots and self-driving cars, the concepts of AI have also been explored significantly in biomedical fields, including pharmacology, to redefine the development of new drugs and tackle disease.

This publication explores the role of AI in infrastructure development for artificial intelligence applications in pharmacology. In addition, the e-book also explores knowledge of the applications in translational pharmacology, including individual drug response, drug safety prediction and pharmacovigilance, drug repurposing and refinement.

“I dedicated this research topic to Frontier in Pharmacology Journal to have a timely, focused and in-depth exploration of stateof-the-art AI technologies, from theoretical foundations to translational applications for the broad audience of the journal,” said Pramanik.

CLICK HERE to read the full e-book

FALL/WINTER 2020 | UPIKE MAGAZINE

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REF R E F LE C TIONS on a Pandemic

New gallery exhibit displays life during COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has altered how we live, learn, create, speak and interact. Creating art in response to current events can be a powerful antidote to fear and uncertainty.

Inviting all creative individuals to submit their expressions, reflections and creations in response to the virus, the University of Pikeville’s Special Collections and Archives, in collaboration with the Weber Art Gallery, launched an exhibit, “Reflections on a Pandemic: Life during COVID-19.”

UPIKE Professor of Art Patricia Kowalok encouraged individuals to enjoy the endeavors of this shared experience, reflect and be inspired when submitting entries.

“2020 has been a year quite unlike any other in recent times. COVID-19 has brought fear, encouraged resiliency, taught resourcefulness and committed us all to somehow muscle through these days,” said Kowalok.

“You hear about people, friends and colleagues, who have decided now to learn how to raise a garden. Now is the time to build a bench, now is the time to write poetry about this robber of peace of mind.”

Among the artwork, furniture, hand-made masks, personal writings, videos and other creative pieces submitted were photographs by UPIKE alum Allyson Gibson ’15.

“I have never been so scared, unsure and uneasy in my life. I am in a state of fear going to work every day, not knowing where those walking around me have traveled to and from,” explained Gibson. “What am I possibly taking home to my loved ones?”

Gibson, a Lowe’s employee in Pikeville, says it has been, and still is, a struggle to grasp the new normal. To help ease and balance the chaos, she turned to hiking, gardening and spending time in nature.

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“Along my hikes with my boyfriend and huskies, we found flowers and mushrooms that we photographed, and we began to appreciate even more of what beauty is in our world. Some days I would find the smallest flowers growing within the grass in my yard. This led to a connection with the earth and a peacefulness I had been missing since the pandemic began,” said Gibson.

“We gardened sunflowers, garlic, green beans and much more. Growing your own food is so rewarding, especially during a time that one may risk their life just going to the grocery store. If not for the connection to nature, I do not think I would have been able to keep my sanity.”

UPIKE and the surrounding community have survived and thrived through many obstacles, some of which have been recorded while others have been lost to time.

This project is intended to capture the challenges and document the impact the pandemic has had on the community while ensuring this experience lives on in the university archives for future generations.

The exhibit will be held through January 15, 2021, at the Weber Art Gallery, located on the second floor of the Record Memorial Building on UPIKE’s campus.

KYCOM celebrates new Gold Humanism Honor Society Inductees

The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) recognizes students, residents and faculty who demonstrate compassionate patient care and serve as role models, mentors and leaders in medicine.

During July, the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) held a virtual ceremony inducting 22 students from KYCOM’s Class of 2021 into the college’s chapter of medical schools and residency programs of the GHHS.

KYCOM’s GHHS inductees will have the opportunity to engage in networking and mentoring, participate in leadership and professional development opportunities, promote humanistic care within their communities and apply for chapter awards and grants.

Keynote speaker John Colston, D.O., was honored to be a part of the ceremony and encouraged students to stay involved with their classmates, their school and the honor society.

Dean of KYCOM and Professor of Family Medicine Dana Shaffer, D.O., FACOFP dist., FAOGME, congratulated the inductees.

“While this is an honor, you are making a commitment to your colleagues, mentors and, most importantly, your current and future patients,” said Shaffer.

“We are proud of you and have nothing but the highest expectations of the type of physicians each of you will become.”

KYCOM’s GHHS chapter includes Andrew Eric Abadier, James W. Adams III, Maher Alia, Mustafa M. Basree, Olivia Makenzie Boyette, Brant Mitchell Cornelius, Katie Dawn Dick, Valerie Shaelyn Dixon, Rebekah Fabella, Kaitlin Brooke Firquin, Shelly Gupta, Katie Ellen Johnson, Michelle Blanche Kommor, Logan Elizabeth Koubek, Brigham J. Merrell, Junetta Paige Nuckels, Aaron John Overbeck, Evan J. Price, Jenna Lynn Sturz, Austin Thacker, Hannah M. Walker and Kaitlyn Wathen.

Follow

@UPIKEBears for up-to-date campus news.

CLICK HERE to view the gallery

FALL/WINTER 2020 | UPIKE MAGAZINE

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M U S I C IN THE M O U N TA I N S

by Stacey Walters Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, the University of Pikeville is a destination for the arts, allowing its students an opportunity to thrive, learn and find their passion.

In company with long-serving Professor of Music Phillip Todd Westgate, DMA, UPIKE recently named Trevor Bailey as the new director of bands, Mike Bell and Michelle Rutherford as assistant directors of bands, and John Eric Rutherford, DMA as its new associate professor/director of choral and commercial vocal music studies.

This musical team’s collaboration and commitment will be “instrumental” in the fine arts program’s growth at the university.

Westgate states that music has been a part of UPIKE for decades and the band and choir student groups have been carefully kept in the institution’s tradition. Early administrations at UPIKE purchased Steinway Model B pianos and a Sabathil and Son harpsichord. A Kilgen pipe organ was installed in the Wickham Chapel in 1927

by Mary Ellen Warren Wickham in her husband Delos’ memory.

“The care that music was given early on by the university reflects the rich musical tapestry of Appalachia,” said Westgate. “One of the ways we see this love and respect for music is by the historical inventory of pianos at the university.”

UPIKE Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., says she believes Bailey displays extraordinary leadership abilities and a deep desire to engage and positively impact students.

Assisting Bailey is Michelle Rutherford who has 14 years of music teaching experience and holds a bachelor’s in music education from Otterbein University and a master’s in music from Kansas State University. Michelle is excited to join the team and sees endless possibilities for the music programs at UPIKE. Bell has 24 years of music teaching experience and received a bachelor’s in music education and a master’s in secondary education from Morehead State University and holds a master’s in theological studies from Liberty University.

Bailey is honored to serve as the director of bands.

Bell is thankful that UPIKE understands the importance of providing an opportunity for students to continue to pursue their passion for music.

Bailey received his bachelor’s in music performance from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., and earned a master’s in music education from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Eric Rutherford has 15 years of teaching experience. He holds a bachelor’s in music education from Otterbein University, a master’s in music from Northwestern

“My goals are to provide a safe learning environment and help students become the best version of themselves,” said Bailey, “and will continue to bring a high level of musical excellence to the campus, community and the Appalachian region.”

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“I am fortunate to be a part of the UPIKE band program and work with some of the most talented and gifted students,” said Bell. “Music for many Eastern Kentucky kids is much more than just a band or choir class; it is an opportunity for them to be creative and showcase their talents.”

(Pictured, from left) Assistant Director of Bands Mike Bell, Director of Bands Trevor Bailey, Associate Professor/Director of Choral and Commercial Vocal Music Studies John Eric Rutherford, DMA, Assistant Director of Bands Michelle Rutherford and Professor of Music Phillip Todd Westgate, DMA.

University, and a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Washington.

Eric plans to advance the choir program by directing the concert choir, teaching music theory, music appreciation and providing private voice instruction. Under his guidance, the choir has almost tripled in size.

“My mission is to help my students become better vocalists and have fun while at it,” said Eric. “I hold my students to high standards and work hard to develop a sense of community in the UPIKE choirs. We encourage all skill levels to become a part of our choirs. Beginners, community members, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join us and help the UPIKE choirs grow while enjoying making music together.”

UPIKE Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Jennifer Dugan, Ph.D., is delighted to welcome Eric to campus.

She says he brings a wealth of experiences working with students and community members to raise voices in song and will help make this campus and these mountains sing.

Second-year student Lucas Spriggs says the fine arts program opens many new opportunities and develops long-term professional and personal relationships.

“I would recommend the fine arts program at UPIKE to anyone interested in pursuing their passion,” said Spriggs.

“It is a genuinely fantastic program that brings together people of all different backgrounds to be able to showcase their hard work and talent.

Westgate shared plans for the future to have more concerts and performances that will involve not only UPIKE students, but also UPIKE faculty and staff, along with community members and guest artists to present concerts and master classes.

“Moving forward in the 21st century, there is a strengthening in the planning for the music area at UPIKE,” said Westgate. “There was genuine intent in hiring excellent directors and assistant directors for the growing band and choir programs, and the results are showing across the board from those hires.”

The modern musical landscape at UPIKE has tremendous opportunities where students can thrive in a dynamic and creative atmosphere. Its students and faculty are fully engaged leaders who are proud to have a presence in the Appalachian mountains.

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THRIVING IN CHALLENGING TIMES

Free online course provides valuable insight to help community members strengthen skills for workforce success while earning college credit.

During a time of economic and public health challenges, the University of Pikeville, in partnership with Bit Source, offered a free online course that provided valuable insight and knowledge on how to thrive in challenging times. This experience was designed to help community members strengthen skills for workforce success while earning college credit, free of charge.

term, we received numerous messages from participants sharing their stories on how the course helped them during these troubling times. It is my belief that if we were able to assist and bring a sense of purpose to even one participant, then we fulfilled our goal for this course,” said Briscoe.

Uniquely, the four-week course aimed to expand the knowledge of participants in skills that are particularly important in today’s business climate. In addition to a hallmark course in digital literacy, participants could choose three of the four remaining modules, which included interviewing basics, leadership, personal finance and career planning and exploration to complete the three-credit-hour course.

“We believe it is extremely important to fulfill our role as part of the Pike County family,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “We have the ability to help our neighbors improve their skills while they are away from regular work; it is important that we do so. We believe in Eastern Kentucky and believe that education at every level will help us rise together.”

“I believe the Thrive course gave participants a sense of hope in the midst of such challenging times,” said Assistant Professor of Communication and Assistant Director of the First-Year Experience James R. Briscoe, Ph.D. “No one could have predicted that the world would be engulfed with a pandemic, let alone our region be affected by something with a magnitude such as this.”

The course was met with better-than-expected success, with 213 people enrolling before class began in May. Of the active participants enrolled, 66 percent were from distressed counties in Kentucky. The course provided opportunities for participants to engage with materials and exercises that fostered skill sets that will assist them in pursuing their vocations and betterment of lives.

“We had participants from across the region and in various other states as well. Throughout the course’s 12

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As an institution of higher education, UPIKE focuses on educating not only prospective high school students and graduate students, but also community members and advocates for the commonwealth. The course was designed for students of varying educational backgrounds, community members and leaders, and anyone who would like to grow professionally and personally during a challenging time.

Offered through UPIKE’s College of Arts and Sciences, the course was free to the general public, with participants earning a certificate upon successful completion, along with course credit that is transferable.

“I am grateful to have been part of this initiative and am proud to work at an institution that cares about the wellbeing of the community,” said Briscoe. “These practices exemplify the spirit of the UPIKE family.”

WO M E N A N D LEADERSHIP CAREER C O M M U N I C AT I O N

» Learn to communicate effectively and lead in a variety of settings. » Foster networking, mentoring and individual plans of study.

» Gain skills to succeed in today’s diverse work environments.

CORRECTIONS, R E H A B I L I TAT I O N & P R E V E N TAT I V E CONTROL » Gain a practical understanding of the court system, corrections and rehabilitation.

» Produce newsletters, media kits and professional reports. » Work in teams to boost communication and problem-solving skills.

» Prepare for any field focused on community safety.

CERTIFICATIONS

to take your career to the next level UPIKE is now offering new certificate programs for current students and alumni. Current students can gain career-ready skills that complement any major. Alumni looking for a new challenge can enhance their professional credentials. For more information, contact the Registrarʼs Office at (606) 218-5260.

D I G I TA L C O M M U N I C AT I O N

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS FOR PROFESSIONALS » Gain in-demand communication. » Develop problem-solving skills. » Analyze communication challenges and create resolutions.

D I G I TA L S K I L L S FOR THE WO R K P L AC E » Gain hands-on learning experience. » Learn from quality faculty with academic and research experience.

» Demonstrate technical knowledge of digital tools and programs. » Curate and evaluate digital content. » Produce artifacts using digital techniques. » Analyze trends and issues in digital design.

» Get ahead with technology in the workplace.

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UPIKE rises to meet social challenges Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse, are growing problems in Eastern Kentucky and other areas of the Appalachian region. The need for qualified professionals well-trained in addiction and mental illness is also on the rise. The University of Pikeville has risen to the challenge by offering a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to complement the social work undergraduate degree implemented in 2007.

“When we started designing the MSW program, a few things came into focus,” said UPIKE Chair of Social Work and MSW Program Director Genesia Kilgore-Bowling, Ph.D. “Based on an independent market analysis of Eastern Kentucky, we knew we needed to focus on mental health and substance abuse, and also making the program online and affordable.”

In collaboration with UPIKE's Advancement team, Kilgore-Bowling, business office staff, faculty and a host of others secured a highly-competitive Opioid Workforce Expansion Program grant in the amount of $750,000 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). HRSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. Awarded over three years, the grant will help offset the cost for this advanced degree.

Sixty percent of the money is allocated to students. UPIKE is able to award a $10,000 stipend to 15 students each year who meet the criteria for advanced standing or are in the last 30 hours of the program.

“Advanced standing means the student already has an undergraduate degree in social work, so they can build on that generalized platform with a specialized education,” said Kilgore-Bowling. “Our MSW program is unique in our focus is on mental health and addiction. The ʻandʼ is a key word.

Most MSW programs require a student to specialize in either mental health or addiction. Our program is so concentrated and focused that our students have to be knowledgable in both areas.ˮ

The MSW program offers two paths to completion – a 30-hour, fast track path for students who have an undergraduate degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and a 60-hour program for students who do not have that degree. The Eastern Kentucky region, being a health care provider shortage area, needs knowledgeable, skilled professionals who are equipped to address the complex social problems common to rural areas and those specific to Appalachia.

“This HRSA grant helps us provide a critical incentive for our students to come and earn an advanced degree that meets the workforce need in Appalachia,” said Kilgore-Bowling.

“Several things factored into me choosing UPIKE’s MSW program. The enthusiasm for the program voiced to me by Dr. G {Genesia Kilgore-Bowling}. was contagious, and thankfully I was considered for the advanced standing track. I am thrilled for the opportunity to complete my degree at a university that I know and trust right here in Eastern Kentucky and I am excited to be a part of the inaugural MSW class at UPIKE! This semester is going better than I imagined and I am already implementing my newly learned skills into social work practice.”

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-Kristi Lee

CLICK HERE to learn more about UPIKE's online graduate programs

Earn your Master of Business Administration The University of Pikeville-Coleman College of Business (CCOB) aims to prepare students to become valuable business leaders by offering a quality Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This program is available 100 percent online, for maximum flexibility.

Entrepreneur and small business owner for nearly 20 years, Heather McPeek MBA ’19 states that completion of the UPIKE MBA program has validated her confidence and competence as a business owner.

“Because of my hectic schedule and business commitments, I would have never been able to complete the MBA program in a traditional classroom setting,” said McPeek. “The online program provided invaluable experience and afforded me the opportunity of attaining a master’s degree at the age of 42.”

Dean and Professor of Business at CCOB Howard Roberts, Ed.D., says this rigorous and respected online degree program can change or catapult your career with credentials that are needed for a rewarding vocation.

Earn your Teacher Leader Master of Arts in Education The University of Pikeville-Patton College of Education advances teaching skills by offering a Teacher Leader Master Program designed for the working professional.

This 100 percent online and flexible learning program gives students the convenience to advance their education.

Aligned with the Teacher Leader Model Standards, the curriculum includes opportunities for action research, job-embedded professional growth and relevant field experiences focused on the classroom, school, and district-specific data and resources.

A recent graduate of the program, Brennan Alderman M.A. ʼ20, shared that the program at UPIKE provides personalized professional development and learning opportunities for practicing educators.

“This program is the perfect model for quality academics and staffing,” said Alderman. “The instruction I received was highly effective and relevant, and the leaders of the program made the transition of classes from day one to graduation a flawless and straight-forward process.”

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By Michelle Goff

T

he University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has received a five-year, $3.25 million Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) grant from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). KYCOM was one of only 86 grantees across the nation to receive the highly-competitive grant and only one of three Kentucky universities to receive funding. The scholarships will provide for at least half the cost of tuition for approximately 25 KYCOM students per year.

“I am so very pleased that for the second time, KYCOM has been awarded funding for the HRSA SDS grant,” said KYCOM Dean Dana Shaffer, D.O., FACOFP dist., FAOGME. “This grant allows KYCOM to help students fund their osteopathic medical education without totally depending on loans that must be repaid to the lender. By reducing repayable loans, students are more free to choose a medical specialty without worrying about going into a higher paying specialty in order to repay educational loans and accrued interest for the next several decades.”

Instructor of Medicine Candi Griffey, D.O., KYCOM ’13, will serve as the principal investigator for the grant, which aims to increase the number of graduates practicing in primary care, retention of full-time students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including students who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and number of graduates working in medically underserved areas.

“As a native of Central Appalachia and a graduate of KYCOM, I have an acute understanding of the challenges faced by underserved students and medically underserved areas,” Griffey said. “This grant will not only help the individual scholarship recipients, but also the populations who will benefit from the health care they receive from these future physicians.”

In order for an educational institution to receive funding, it must be carrying out a program to recruit and retain students from disadvantaged backgrounds and must demonstrate that the program has achieved success based on the percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled full-time and have graduated from the school. At least 20 percent of the school’s full-time enrolled students and graduates must be from a disadvantaged background.

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$3.25 MILLION

GRANT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

As part of KYCOM’s commitment to student success, Director of Educational Support Janie Castle and Coordinator of Academic Progress Cathy Derry track the performance of disadvantaged and other at-risk students, monitor their academic status and benchmarks, and offer advice on how to improve curriculum achievement and meet career goals. KYCOM’s retention plan includes providing individual consulting with disadvantaged and academically at-risk students to plan strategies aimed at improving course achievement and board examination performance.

In addition to Shaffer and Griffey, Castle and Derry as well as UPIKE Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness and Athletics Compliance Administrator Margaret Sidle, Ph.D., collaborated with grant writers, Michelle Goff and Denise Thomas, on the grant proposal.

“It is gratifying on both a personal and professional level to know that the work we do will directly benefit, in such a significant way, students with great need who will become servant leaders in the medical field and will allow them to achieve their goals, knowing that but for the financial assistance they may have been prevented from doing so,” stated Thomas.

Grants office staff, located within the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, are experienced in writing grant proposals for a wide variety of projects and programs that are in pursuit of funding from public and private agencies for the benefit of the UPIKE community.

The HRSA grant meets UPIKE’s mission of creating opportunities for Appalachia and KYCOM’s mission to provide students with an osteopathic medical education that emphasizes primary care, encourages research, promotes lifelong scholarly activity and produces graduates who are committed to serving the health care needs of communities in rural Kentucky and Appalachia.

This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,250,000 with zero percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

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THE IMPACT OF

SCHOLARSHIPS

Kathryn Becker, D.O., KYCOM ʼ20

Becker decided on KYCOM after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky, majoring in biology and Spanish. She chose KYCOM for the strong anatomy program and because she wanted to pursue osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) with a more integrated, holistic approach to medicine.

Becker enrolled in medical school at KYCOM with other personal financial obligations on top of education expenses. Thankfully the Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) helped relieve the financial burden.

“In receiving the scholarship, I felt a huge sense of relief because it allowed me to focus on my studies rather than being stressed out about the financial aspects,” said Becker. “I’m glad the university has made this scholarship available and sees what a difference it makes, allowing med students to focus less on finances and more on learning.”

After a serious look at family medicine, Becker was drawn more to women’s health services. She is now working as an OB/GYN resident at Central Michigan University.

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Martin Erlandson, D.O., KYCOM ʼ19

Erlandson came to KYCOM from Wisconsin because of the emphasis the program places on rural health care for underserved populations using OMT. A physician he shadowed early in his journey to becoming a doctor trained in Pikeville and encouraged him to learn more about the program.

Erlandson received the SDS three of the four years he attended KYCOM as a non-traditional student with a family and financial commitments.

“I started medical school married with two children and we fully expected financial hardship during the student and training years. The scholarship alleviated some of the stress associated with loan burden and made the decision to practice in primary care a more feasible choice,” said Erlandson.

He thanks the former senior associate dean for osteopathic medical education, William T. Betz, D.O., for welcoming him into the class of 2019. He is now a second-year resident at Gunderson Health System in La Crosse, Wis., practicing family medicine with an emphasis on rural care.

To date, more than 100 KYCOM students have been helped to realize their dreams of becoming a doctor thanks to scholarships made possible by funds awarded to UPIKE from the Health Resources and Services Administration. This recently renewed $3.25 million grant will continue to aid future physicians with the financial burden of their medical education and help KYCOM prevail in creating leaders in health care.

Laiken Hayes, D.O., ʼ15, KYCOM ʼ19

Hayes grew up in Knott County, Ky., and completed her undergraduate studies at UPIKE while in the Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program, before being accepted into KYCOM. She was a recipient of the SDS three of the four years she attended medical school.

“Receiving the scholarship has chipped away a large portion of the financial burden hanging over my head to repay. It has allowed me to concentrate less on the financial aspect of medicine and more on developing a patient-centered practice,” Hayes explained. “I am extremely grateful to have been selected for this scholarship and hope to be a representation of the type of physician for which it was designed.”

Hayes is currently in her second year of residency in internal medicine at the University of KentuckyBowling Green Medical Center. She is working toward a fellowship in pulmonology and critical care after residency concludes. She plans to reside in the Appalachian region to practice medicine.

Allie Whitley, D.O., KYCOM ʼ17

Whitley is a Grayson, Ky., native who completed her undergraduate education at Georgetown College in Kentucky, majoring in chemistry and minoring in biology. She chose to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor at KYCOM. Born in Eastern Kentucky, Whitley wanted to pursue her medical training at KYCOM and Pikeville felt like home to her. Receiving the SDS made realizing her dream a little easier.

“This scholarship helped to decrease financial barriers and stress during medical school that allowed me to really focus on learning the medicine,” Whitley said.

Whitley completed her residency training in June of this year at Duke/Southern Regional AHEC in Fayetteville and now practices family medicine in Sunset Beach, N.C.

“I certainly plan to pay it forward as a seasoned attending, both with support to learners and with care for my patients, the people of our region, in their sickest, darkest times,” said Hayes.

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ANONYMOUS DONOR’S

GENEROSITY

S P U RS

MU LT I M I L L I O N - DO L L A R R E N O V AT I O N

By MICHELLE GOFF

The University of Pikeville has embarked upon a multimilliondollar renovation of the Elliott School of Nursing that will transform the training of health education professionals and positively impact the region’s health care for generations to come.

It all started with the generosity of an anonymous donor’s concern for health care in Appalachia.

In early 2019, UPIKE hosted the then-potential donor, who had expressed an interest in the university’s health care programs.

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“The visit could not have come at a better time,” explained UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “We had received permission from the accrediting body to increase the baseline of associate degree students accepted each year from 39 to 60. In addition, to produce an additional number of nurses to continue meeting the region’s health care needs, we had taken steps to establish a traditional BSN program.”

What’s more, the Elliott School of Nursing was scattered across campus. Faculty offices were in

Study Lounge Rendering

Student Lounge Rendering

Skills Laboratory Rendering

the Health Professions Education Building, the computer lab was in the Armington Building, instructional classes were taught in the Coal Building and Record Memorial, and skills and simulation labs were held on one floor of the Community Technology Center (CTC). UPIKE needed a space dedicated to the instruction of nursing students. To facilitate the best learning environment and foster growth, simply put, the nursing program needed a home.

After touring UPIKE’s campus and meeting with stakeholders,

including the president and College of Nursing and Human Services Dean Karen Damron, Ph.D., the generous donor pledged $2.2 million to renovate two floors of the CTC, allowing for UPIKE to expand nursing skills and simulation labs and to better prepare nurses.

During phase one, the medical library was relocated to the Allara Library and the renovation of the third floor of the CTC began.

“The third floor will be a new lab for teaching skills to our nursing students and an area for them to

practice those skills,” Damron said.

“Our goal is to have the third-floor skills lab ready for our students in the spring of 2021. In addition, there will be some much-needed study areas and a student lounge for the nursing majors.”

After construction of the third floor is complete, phase two, renovations of the fourth floor, will begin.

“The fourth floor is currently used as both a skills lab and simulation center,” Damron explained. “This renovation will result in the fourth floor being entirely simulation.

Our simulation center will include

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a simulated nursing desk, med room, four simulation immersion rooms with audio/visual recording capability, pre- and de-briefing areas, a skills practice area, and much needed storage for simulation supplies and our manikins, mid-fidelity simulators, and high-fidelity simulators.

Also, on the fourth floor, there will be an office for the simulation director and a student lounge area.”

According to Damron, the skills and simulation labs will allow students to experience and react to critical situations that don’t commonly occur when they are in clinical areas with actual patients. This will better prepare them for a time when quick reaction and appropriate interventions are needed by a patient.

“This expansion will allow us to make full use of equipment purchased beginning in fall 2017 as a result of a generous EDA grant,” Damron said. “The importance of skills and simulation training in the preparation of nursing professionals cannot be overstated. Renovation of the fourth and addition of the third floor for this training will make the Elliott School of Nursing’s labs and learning spaces comparable, if not better, than any nursing school in the country.”

Agreeing with Damron, Webb also noted the project’s collaborative nature.

“UPIKE identified a need that a community member helped fill with a generous donation,” Webb said. “We then worked with an architect to create designs that fit the needs of the school of nursing. From the outset, university administration, including the provost, deans, vice presidents, nursing faculty, facilities, and other staff across campus, have worked together to ensure the project’s success.”

“Renovation of the fourth and addition of the third floor for this training will make the Elliott School of Nursing’s labs and learning spaces comparable, if not better, than any nursing school in the country.”

Karen Damron, Ph.D., Dean of the Elliott School of Nursing

Simulation Hall Rendering

Briefing Room Rendering

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Simulation Hall Rendering

UPIKE Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations David Hutchens echoes Webb’s sentiments and commends the anonymous donor.

“This renovation will create a world-class nursing facility that would not have been possible without the generosity of a gracious individual who cares deeply about the health and wellbeing of the people of Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia,” Hutchens said. “We will remain committed to being good stewards of this generosity by producing nurses who will provide care for untold residents of this region.”

UPIKE expects to conclude the renovation and move the entirety of the nursing program into the CTC by November 2022.

CLICK HERE

Check it out!

CLICK HERE to view the 3-D rendering of the new 3rd floor nursing space

CLICK HERE to view the 3-D rendering of the new 4th floor nursing space

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With bold innovation, UPIKE is changing communities to build a better world.

We built a medical school in the mountains, exactly where most said it would never work. We dreamed of bringing sight to the mountains and built a thriving optometry school. We envisioned a university that would continue to exceed the world’s expectations through industry-leading programs, progressive partnerships and leadership development opportunities.

Because UPIKE exists, graduates are prepared for professional success in some of today’s leading career fields. The next generation of students will be empowered to achieve and strengthen the communities they love in Appalachia and beyond.

At UPIKE, we move mountains.

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Rebecca Diamond, Class of 2023

The University of Pikeville’s return to campus looked a bit different this fall as the need to remain flexible became apparent in the face of changes constrained by the global COVID-19 pandemic. UPIKE carefully prepared to welcome students back to campus through developing and implementing the Healthy at UPIKE plan, which included COVID-19 guidelines to ensure a healthy and safe academic year.

UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., and the President’s Cabinet, along with the Pike County Health Department (PCHD) and local infectious disease specialist Fadi Al Akhrass, M.D., FACP, MBA ’20, developed necessary precautions to enhance campus safety for not only students, faculty and staff, but the community as well.

The Healthy at UPIKE guidelines consist of four levels based on the infection rate in Eastern Kentucky. The plan’s overarching structure evolved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and White House guidelines, fused with the New Zealand model that had been highly effective in reducing the number of infections.

Built into the plan were several important approaches to limit the spread of the virus such as wearing a face mask, physical distancing, creating extended family groups, baseline testing, contact tracing, temperature screenings and daily health surveys.

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Proactive measures were introduced to minimize the impact of COVID-19. UPIKE quickly made many safety modifications to campus, including classrooms that allow for physical distancing, frequent cleaning of surfaces of high-traffic areas, limited seating and to-go options at dining services, increased signage, floor decals marking six feet and added hand sanitizing stations around campus.

UPIKE rapidly gained state-wide attention for its plans of reopening. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear mentioned UPIKE’s efforts in his daily updates.

“Speaking of school spirit, how about UPIKE? UPIKE is going above and beyond, making sure even the mascot is setting the right example out there for our people,” he stated while showing a photo of UPIKE's mascot wearing his special-made mask.

Alongside University of Louisville President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, Western Kentucky University President Dr. Timothy Caboni and University of Kentucky President Dr. Eli Capilouto, President Webb shared UPIKE’s wellrespected reopening plans during a webinar hosted by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in July.

Webb was thankful for the opportunity to represent the independent colleges that exist in the commonwealth.

He spoke about what the end of the spring semester resembled as the pandemic approached.

Adam Hotelling, Class of 2021

“I think what we learned was that the preparation we put into place in the previous year and a half, with all the training and learning management systems, and the ability to pivot quickly online paid off in a big way,” Webb explained. “Since that time, we’ve had the opportunity to build a plan that’s very comprehensive for bringing students back in the fall and making sure that we do everything possible to make them safe and healthy while they’re here.”

Re-imagining what campus would look like in the fall, the university made sure faculty were equipped to teach face-to-face or shift to fully online learning.

UPIKE Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., shared that the university introduced a Hyflex teaching model during the fall 2020 semester, where students would experience flexibility in the classroom.

support and commitment felt throughout the UPIKE community during a global pandemic remained strong.

The well-being of those living beyond campus continues to strengthen the UPIKE community’s core as safety remains the university’s top priority.

Compassion was felt throughout the campus by launching an “I wear my mask for” campaign during the seemingly difficult time to unify students and the community.

“I wear my mask for my family and my friends, both on campus and off,” said UPIKE student Adam Hotelling.

Webb, who remains hopeful, shares that nearly everything about the pandemic works against maintaining the kind of culture we have come to expect as part of the UPIKE family.

“We cannot be together in the same way: our faces are covered, we cannot eat together, sing together or attend sporting events together. And yet, hope continues to live on the hill. I see it in the eyes of students, blurry from all night studying. I hear it in the voices of weary faculty members “UPIKE is going above and who still manage to foster beyond, making sure even The university has worked closely exceptional learning, despite the mascot is setting the with the PCHD to bring point-of-care switching between face-to-face testing to the UPIKE campus. As of and virtual forms of teaching. right example out there for late October, UPIKE was fortunate I feel it in the cafeteria, where our people.” to receive enough tests to be able to we distance in a safe way but Kentucky Governor screen 25 percent of students each still manage to express just how Andy Beshear week and have the ability to test happy we are to see each other,” anyone who is symptomatic with a said Webb. “We cannot know rapid antigen test. Webb says this the future, but I can tell you is a tremendous step forward for the campus and he is with confidence that if this pandemic lasts for 12 to 18 grateful to the PCHD for their work in procuring the months or even longer, we’ll still be here at the top of tests. these stairs providing education for anyone who chooses to call this place home.”

Even with much change and innovation, one of the “Our faculty worked tremendously hard, preparing to teach using a Hyflex model. The idea behind the Hyflex method was to provide a bridge to a fully online program,” said Werth. “I am so proud of our faculty for their continuous innovative spirit and support of our students.”

university’s values remained the same, compassion. The

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Although this experience has been challenging and draining, it has been a rewarding experience as well. I’ve learned I can handle crisis and handle the emotional and mental stress that comes with it.

Braving the Frontlines I

f 2020 has proven anything, it is that competent and compassionate physicians are vital to the changing landscape of the world. This makes the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) even more valuable, not only to Kentucky, but to the nation.

Two KYCOM graduates worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic during their residencies, demonstrating courage and dedication to their patients and their chosen field of medicine. Soon after COVID-19 cases began spiking in the U.S., Rachel Willimann, D.O., KYCOM ’17, a third-year pediatric resident working at Nassau University Medical Center in New York, and Nate Hensler, D.O., KYCOM ’18, a second-year family medicine resident at Baton Rouge General, put their rotations on hold to help their health care facilities prepare for the

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influx of COVID-positive patients.

While all agree that the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus has devastated the nation, both were able to come out on the other side as more confident physicians.

Working in the epicenter of the disease in the U.S., Willimann had to quickly transition from pediatric care to adult medicine. Aside from the direct-care she gave to patients, she found her interactions with their families made the most impact.

“Although this experience has been challenging and draining, it has been a rewarding experience as well. I’ve learned I can handle crisis and handle the emotional and mental stress that comes with it,” said Willimann. “I made a point to call and speak with my patients’ families every day to provide updates about their loved one and comfort them. It was hard for them not to be able to visit, and I know that hearing from me daily made a difference for them.”

Rachel Willimann, D.O., KYCOM ’17

In Baton Rouge, a growing hotbed for the disease in the U.S. last summer, Hensler volunteered to help open up a shuttered hospital that had been closed for five years. It became a COVID care center for the community and he was the first resident to work there. After a few months, funding was secured to keep the hospital open for another year to continue serving the community’s needs. As a result of the pandemic, Hensler has grown as a physician and feels ready for anything.

“I went into the situation extremely nervous, but about a week into it, I realized I was taking great care of patients. I have the knowledge and capability to treat patients and not feel overwhelmed,” said Hensler. “The medical education I received at KYCOM was great and paired with the experience I’m getting now shows me I can be a great physician in any scenario.”

Both physicians credit KYCOM with preparing them to be highly-skilled medical providers and have relied on their training and education to help them get through the pandemic.

“A large portion of the credit belongs to KYCOM for providing me with such a great education in both basic sciences and clinical medicine,” said Willimann. “I’m very proud to have been a part of KYCOM and to be part of the Pikeville community.”

UPIKE salutes these young doctors and all the KYCOM students who answered the call to face the unknown and simply help. They embody the true spirit of the university.

By AMY CHARLES

Nate Hensler, D.O., KYCOM ’18

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Pikeville Alumni Association collaborated with faculty and staff to turn the new normal into an opportunity to highlight the bravery and dedication of UPIKE alumni.

To honor alumni for their selfless service to others during the global pandemic, the UPIKE Alumni Association began a social media campaign called “Heart of a Bear.”

Nominated by friends, family, community leaders, classmates and colleagues, alumni were recognized on social media and praised for their service to others.

Throughout the campaign, physicians, nurses, teachers, law enforcement officers, delivery drivers and those serving in hospitality were among the essential positions recognized. With nearly 300 nominations, it was clear that graduates served in almost every area of need across the country.

In August, those nominated were also invited to attend a virtual event via Zoom with the UPIKE Alumni Association. President Burton Webb, Ph.D., KYCOM Dean Dana Shaffer, D.O., FACOFP dist., FAOGME, and Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations David Hutchens thanked attendees for their front-line service and commitment to the values of being a UPIKE Bear.

Hutchens defines the meaning behind having the “Heart of a Bear.”

“Service to others is at the core of having the ‘Heart of a Bear,’ and going beyond just the duties of a job in a manner that is recognized by your peers,” said Hutchens. “Simply put, it’s passion on the front lines of all industries during this pandemic. UPIKE could not be prouder of the alumni who were nominated for Heart of a Bear.”

UPIKE alum Brad Hall ’96 is proud of his alma mater for continuing to present graduates who keep showing everyone what it means to take a “Heart of a Bear” into the world.

“I am honored to have been selected as having the ‘Heart of a Bear,’ as others were more deserving of this award than I, such as our doctors, nurses, and other essential workers. In my work with American Electric Power, during this time of a pandemic, I have played a small part alongside our many extraordinary AEP employees to make sure everyone has reliable power,” said Hall.

“It has been a time in life like no one has ever seen and I, along with millions of other people in this great nation, played a small role in keeping our country functioning during such abnormal circumstances.”

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Fadi Al Akhrass, M.D., FACP, MBA ʼ20 “Fadi Al Akhrass, M.D., FACP, earned his MBA from UPIKE in 2020. He is the medical director of infectious diseases and infection control at Pikeville Medical Center and is serving Eastern Kentucky in critical ways during COVID-19. From providing exceptional care as a highly-skilled, compassionate infection disease specialist at PMC; to providing expertise at local COVID-19-related press conferences; to offering credible information on COVID-19 through social media, Dr. Al Akhrass has been proactive in helping keep his community safe.”

Katie Fekety Zeljak ʼ11 “Katie Fekety Zeljak is a 2011 graduate of the UPIKE College of Arts and Sciences.

She works with Home Instead Senior Care in Los Angeles. As the client care coordinator, she is continuing to meet with seniors and their families in the community to assess their needs and organize in-home, personal care. Katie and her team are also participating in Errands for Seniors, delivering essential items to seniors who cannot leave their homes due to the quarantine.”

Breanna Tussey ʼ18 “Breanna Tussey is a 2018 graduate of the UPIKE College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelorʼs degree in biology. She is a QC Technician in the DNA Sequencing Lab of Eurofins Genomics in Louisville, Ky. At the beginning of the pandemic, Eurofins started getting massive orders for COVID-19 test kits. Breanna immediately stepped up and volunteered to help the Oligo Manufacturing Lab of Eurofins. She is working countless hours and going above and beyond her regular duties to assist those in need during this pandemic.”

Brandon Blackburn ʼ04 “Brandon Blackburn is a 2004 graduate of the UPIKE College of Arts and Sciences. As a co-district technology coordinator and teacher for Pikeville Independent Schools, he has poured his heart into supporting teachers’ transition to non-traditional instruction by ensuring that all the teachers in the district have the digital tools to reach students in this time of crisis. As a worship minister at Cornerstone Christian Church, he has helped his congregation transition to online services. Despite his workload and dedication to service, Brandon still has energy to support his own family and to hold them close during this global uncertainty. He and his lovely wife, Sarah, have two boys, Ian and Liam. He makes this whole situation a little more BEARable for his family, his students, the teachers in his district, his church family and his community.”

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With nearly 300 nominations, it's clear that graduates serve in almost every area of need across the country.

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for having the heart of a bear and making your alma mater proud.

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I love it here!

It’s everything I thought it would be and a little extra.

Noah Helphenstine Inaugural Presidential Fellow

The Presidential Fellow Scholarship is awarded annually to two deserving students. This prestigious program offers a full-ride scholarship that includes room and board and is renewable for up to eight semesters or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree. For more information about applying for the scholarship, visit upike.edu/presfellow.

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INAUGURAL

Presidential Fellows The University of Pikeville introduced a brandnew scholarship this year, the Presidential Fellow Scholarship. Awarded to two deserving students, this prestigious program offers a full-ride scholarship that includes room and board and is renewable for up to eight semesters or until the completion of a bachelor’s degree.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must earn a minimum high school GPA of 3.75 and achieve a top-tier ACT or SAT score. Students must also have 50 hours of documented community service prior to graduating high school. Finalists are invited to campus for an interview before the winners are selected. The scholarship stipulates that the recipient must also work on campus.

Aariana Sparks and Noah Helphenstine were also selected for UPIKE’s Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program. This opportunity allows them to interact with the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine facilities, helping to better prepare them for medical school.

Sparks graduated valedictorian from Betsy Layne High School in Floyd County, Ky., and is also a UPIKE cheerleader. She is majoring in biology with plans to become a doctor, although she is uncertain about her specialty. She is currently working in the Health Professions Education Building on campus.

Aariana Sparks Inaugural Presidential Fellow

Balancing her cheer schedule with work and academic commitments have still left Sparks with time to explore campus and make friends. Being awarded the scholarship has also helped ease the financial hardship that can come with the cost of a college education.

“I absolutely love UPIKE and I have made so many friends through the cheer program,” said Sparks. “When I submitted my personal statement, I never dreamed I would have been selected. With everything else going on in my life, this scholarship is such a blessing to me. It allows me to attend college without worrying about debt.”

Helphenstine graduated salutatorian from Caldwell County High School in Princeton, Ky. He has a double major in biology and chemistry and also works as a research assistant for Professor Phillip Jen, Ph.D., in the biology department, where he is helping with cancer research and learning about research processes.

His father is a practicing emergency room physician, but Helphenstine is interested in pulmonology and orthopedic surgery as possible specialties. His background in scuba diving has piqued his interest in hyperbaric medicine. He is choosing to keep his options open and see where life takes him and is grateful the scholarship gives him that opportunity.

“I love it here! It’s everything I thought it would be and a little extra,” said Helphenstine. “Being one of the recipients is a large blessing because I don’t have to worry about the financial burden. I can pursue my education and get one of the best quality educations in Kentucky in my field, thanks to this scholarship.”

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Memories Diamond

by Stacey Walters

I

f you are a baseball fan in Eastern Kentucky, then Johnnie LeMaster is easily recognized as a local diamond legend. A former professional baseball player who served as the head baseball coach for the Pikeville College Bears between 1994 and 2006, LeMaster set records and inspired many on and off the field.

A Paintsville, Ky., native, he began his baseball career in high school and jumped to the big-leagues as the sixth overall pick in the 1973 Major League Draft by the San Francisco Giants.

LeMaster played shortstop for four major league teams over 12 seasons (1975-1985 and 1987), 10 of them for the San Francisco Giants. He set a major league record, hitting an inside-the-park home run in his first at-bat as a Giant during a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of only two players to ever accomplish the feat.

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He recalls playing in historic Wrigley Field and Fenway Park as “pure, unadulterated baseball.”

After his major league career, LeMaster returned home to Kentucky. Soon after that, he accepted a head coaching position at then Pikeville College and built upon the Bears baseball program for 12 seasons and became the all-time leader in career coaching wins with 277.

More than that, LeMaster wanted to positively influence Appalachia’s youth, and serving as the head baseball coach at Pikeville College gave him that opportunity.

“God had blessed me with a talent to teach baseball, and I did not want to bury that talent,” said LeMaster. “I wanted to have a positive effect on young people to help guide them in better ways in this world.”

Ron Damron, dean of students and athletics director during that period, praised LeMaster for establishing a successful program and serving as a role model for Eastern Kentucky athletes.

“Johnnie was a great caliber person that a small institution like Pikeville College needed at the time. He recruited many local players and brought diversity to the baseball program,” said Damron. “He is a tremendous person; I believe his faith in God guided him to give something back to the university and invest his time to positively impact the futures of his players.”

UPIKE alum Gary Justice ’96, MBA ’13 had the pleasure of playing for LeMaster during his first two years as the head coach and expressed that they not only had success on the field, but LeMaster taught the players meaningful life lessons.

“Coach LeMaster was a players’ coach and cared about us outside of playing baseball,” said Justice. “Johnnie taught us that your teammates would be your lifelong friends support them on and off the field.”

A former pitcher for the Bears, Tommy Chamberlin ’96 fondly remembers his years playing for LeMaster.

“As a person who loved baseball, it was great playing for a former big leaguer. I loved listening to his stories about his time in the major leagues and his experiences there.

However, what I remember most about Coach LeMaster is that he cared about his players,” said Chamberlin. “He didn’t need the job as a small college baseball coach but chose to invest his time in us and our futures. He had such a positive impact on my life.”

LeMaster was the 1997 Coach of the Year in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletics Conference and led the Bears to a school-record 40 wins during the 2000 season. His

“

“

I have had a lot of great things happen to me in my lifetime, but there is no bigger honor than to have the UPIKE baseball field named after me,” said LeMaster. “I have so many wonderful memories and emotions that run through me every time I come near the field. career as a baseball coach was highlighted by helping four players sign contracts to play professional baseball with Major League affiliates.

He spent his summers watching games and scouting players to ensure that the baseball program was a success.

“Recruiting players is 90 percent of what your program will look like,” said LeMaster. “It was not easy, but recruiting locally really helped support the program.”

Attributable to the program’s success, in the early 2000s, the university honored LeMaster by officially naming the facility the Johnnie LeMaster Baseball Field.

“I have had a lot of great things happen to me in my lifetime, but there is no bigger honor than to have the UPIKE baseball field named after me,” said LeMaster. “I have so many wonderful memories and emotions that run through me every time I come near the field.”

Former UPIKE Head Softball Coach (1995-2000) Bill Baird ’66 says that LeMaster is an influential coach and a devoted Christian, husband, father and grandfather.

“LeMaster always set the bar high. He encouraged me and was my go-to for advice about the mechanics of the game,” said Baird. “He has been a leader of many Christian mission trips to South America as well as serving his church and community in many capacities.”

Now retired, LeMaster resides in Paintsville. He spends most of his time doing mission work worldwide, serves as an elder for the Paintsville Church of Christ and can be found swinging a golf club instead of a bat.

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KYCO EARNS FULL ACCREDITATION ELEVATING OPTOMETRY CARE IN APPALACHIA

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UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER SPRING/SUMMER 2020 2020

The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) reached a milestone this year by earning full accreditation from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), advancing the college to a new level of success.

KYCO began the process of achieving accreditation in 2015 with the submission of a comprehensive self-study. The acceptance of this study allowed KYCO to begin admitting students in the fall of 2016. Then, for each subsequent year, a self-study was submitted and followed by an on-site evaluation by a team from the ACOE. Each evaluation provided guidance for KYCO regarding ways to enhance its program. The final site visit was conducted virtually in April due to COVID-19 and KYCO received their final approval during the summer.

KYCO Dean Michael Bacigalupi O.D., M.S., FAAO, said that receiving accreditation was crucial because students must graduate from an accredited optometry school in order to be licensed to practice optometry.

“Since I began at KYCO in 2018, earning accreditation with the ACOE was a top priority,” said Bacigalupi. “For new graduates to be licensed to practice optometry, they must prove that they graduated from an accredited school, so this was imperative for the first graduating class.”

The Class of 2020 earned their Doctor of Optometry degrees after completion of the four-year professional study, which included classroom, laboratory and clinical training.

Bacigalupi credits the KYCO faculty, the joint faculty shared with the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, staff and students in reaching this landmark. “It was a team effort,” he said.

Since earning the accredited status, KYCO has begun the process of creating new residency programs and continuing education programs for optometrists. These new initiatives will help continue to grow the college and provide more care for people in the region.

KYCO serves the needs of Central Appalachia through outreach by offering vision screenings and regional clinics open to the public including the Dr. Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic on the UPIKE campus.

“KYCO’s accreditation provides us with equal standing amongst all the other optometry schools in the country,” said Bacigalupi. “It really helps us with continuing to recruit high-quality faculty and students to our part of Eastern Kentucky.”

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Doug Boyd

Alisha Cheng

Kristen Lantz, O.D., KYCO ’20

Trevor Peden

The American Society of Optometric Surgeons: KYCO students achieve Student Fellowship status In 2018, a faculty-student collaborative initiative quickly advanced into an absolute first in the nation, The American Society of Optometric Surgeons (ASOS) student chapter.

and hoped to elevate the knowledge and experiences of KYCO students to be the best optometric surgeons possible.

University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Optometry Cliff Caudill O.D., FAOO, Director of Research and Associate Professor of Optometry Georgios Asimellis, Ph.D., and KYCO Class of 2021 student Logan Ritchhart discussed an objective for a student organization that placed significant focus on providing optometry students with additional interactive learning experiences, networking and advocacy opportunities.

In the letter granting the charter to KYCO as the first student chapter of ASOS, Founding President Richard E. Castillo, O.D., D.O., stated, “We look forward to future collaboration and to the contribution which the growth and development of KYCO’s chapter will have on not only helping the ASOS realize its mission, but also its impact on optometry at the local, regional and national levels.”

The colleagues realized that the goals they had for the student organization matched those of a collaborative group of practitioners and educators committed to the advancement of knowledge in optometric surgery, ASOS,

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After petitioning ASOS for the formation of a student chapter, the group received its official welcome letter.

Founding Member and Treasurer of ASOS, Caudill is proud of the dedication and professionalism the student leaders of ASOS have shown at KYCO and the national chapter.

“The students at KYCO took the initiative to start a student chapter of the American Society of Optometric

Logan Ritchhart

ASOS Doug Thompson

Surgeons, a new national organization dedicated to the training of optometrists in clinical procedures involving the use of lasers and surgical procedures; and then took a step further by crafting a fellowship program to document their commitment to developing these skills beyond the extensive coursework they receive in our curriculum,” said Caudill. “We look forward to the continued development of the association at the student level that no doubt will be guided by the work of our students here at KYCO.” Students may work toward a “Student Fellow” designation based on attaining 20 hours of additional education outside the classroom by attending ASOS student chapter monthly meetings, ASOS national meetings or regional meetings.

KYCO recently recognized seven students who achieved the ASOS Student Fellowship status. Doug Boyd, Alisha Cheng, Kristen Lantz, O.D., KYCO ’20, Trevor Peden, Logan Ritchhart, Doug Thompson, and Emily Williams

Emily Williams

officially achieved the ASOS Student Fellowship status and were mailed pins and certificates in July.

Lantz expressed that being part of the ASOS student fellowship program was an incredible learning experience and educational opportunity.

“The ASOS student fellowship program provided handson experience with our optometric lasers, surgical procedures, and light therapy procedures we use for patient care. While practicing in states with an expanded scope of practice, this education is necessary to develop the clinical skills and confidence needed to give our patients the best care possible,” said Lantz. “I do not doubt that the students who continue to be involved in this fellowship program will set themselves apart from their peers with the information and skills it provides.

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to become a fellow and support an expanded scope of practice in the optometric field.”

by Stacey Walters

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FROM

THE HILLS TO “THE HILL”

by AMY Charles

This summer marked one year that University of Pikeville graduate Tiffany Thacker ’07 has worked for the mayor of Washington, D.C., as deputy director of business development and strategy. In this position, Thacker is responsible for facilitating the mayor’s economic development priorities.

She helps lead a team responsible for creating jobs and tax revenue for the district.

“We are charged with developing and implementing the mayor’s economic strategy, attracting and retaining businesses to the district, driving investment to the city, deploying strategic investment into our business community and supporting access to entrepreneurship,” Thacker explained. “Generally making sure the District of Columbia is a good partner for businesses.”

How does this history/political science major from Shelby Valley land a prestigious position in government policy? She credits her UPIKE education, several internship opportunities and her small-town upbringing with preparing her for success in the big city.

After transferring to UPIKE her sophomore year, Thacker soon caught the eye of Professor Nancy Cade, Ph.D., who encouraged her to attend The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars her junior year. This organization is an independent, nonprofit serving hundreds of universities in the United States and other countries, providing selected college students 42

challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C., for academic credit.

“Dr. Cade pushed me to participate in the Washington Center’s academic seminars which gave me an intensive learning experience and exposed me to new ideas and career paths,” said Thacker. “It sparked a passion in me to learn more about economic development and figure out how to have a career that allowed me to make a difference in the world around me.”

Cade’s mentorship and guidance helped Thacker navigate through what she was looking for from her education and career, and her support continues to this day. “I honestly don’t believe I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for her influence on my life,” expressed Thacker. “I think you can only get that type of connection with your professor at a university like UPIKE, where you’re not just one in hundreds of students in a classroom.”

The Washington Center showed Thacker how important internship

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opportunities were in expanding her network. She made sure to utilize internships to help build up marketable skills, but also to get her foot in the door to make connections.

“The Washington Center has added value to the university and changed students’ lives for the better. So many students say this is the best thing they’ve done in college,” said Cade. “I am so proud of Tiffany’s accomplishments in her career. I don’t think she imagined she would be working in government, but she is great at networking and can talk to absolutely anyone.”

Thacker believes being from a small town has helped her naturally be able to develop relationships with others, saying that people from rural areas often take for granted being friendly and saying hello to strangers is common everywhere.

“I am able to meet new people easily, have conversations and develop meaningful relationships with them, and I am not sure I would be as comfortable doing that if I had grown up anywhere else,” Thacker added.

UPIKE helped Thacker develop the skills and knowledge she needed to prepare her for the next steps after graduation, by opening up doors for her through the experiential learning opportunities. She went on to earn her master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University in 2012.

“While I think it is important to have the knowledge and skills to be successful in a job, it’s equally important to be able to get access to that job in the first place,” said Thacker. “UPIKE opened doors for me that I never knew existed and taught me how to find my way and generate my own opportunities.”

While Thacker has worked in economic development for nearly a decade, she is unsure of where her future will lead her. One thing is for certain, wherever her career takes her, she wants to make a difference, enjoy her life and not waste her talents.

“Life is a never-ending journey.

Pushing and growing in my career path and taking more leadership roles in economic development is certainly an avenue to explore, but I’ve also learned to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, and to not be afraid to pivot and change paths as I learn more about myself and what makes me happy.”

“Life is a never-ending journey ...

I’ve also learned to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, and to not be afraid to pivot and change paths as I learn more about myself and what makes me happy.”

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TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT

A Legacy of Care

By AMY CHarles Rakesh Sachdeva, M.D., FAAP, is a well-known name throughout the Pikeville community and beyond. He has dedicated his career to medicine and caring for Appalachian children. The University of Pikeville is proud to add him as the newest member of its Board of Trustees. This appointment promises to deepen the decades-long relationship Dr. Sachdeva has with the university, as he already serves as the founding chair, clinical professor and course director of the Division of Pediatrics at the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM).

“The University of Pikeville is pleased to welcome such a long-time and beloved member of our community to the Board of Trustees,” stated UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “Dr. Sachdeva has cared for children in this community for many years. His love of education in general and higher education, in particular, is well known.

We look forward to working with him on many different projects as the years progress.”

For 25 years, Dr. Sachdeva and his wife, Seema Sachdeva, M.D., have served the Pikeville community, caring for countless children. His accomplished career in pediatric medicine includes establishing the Physicians for Children and Adolescents in Pikeville, one of the largest pediatric practices in Eastern Kentucky. He has mentored and precepted more than 100 graduates of KYCOM currently pursuing pediatric residencies or who have become practicing pediatricians.

UPIKE remains committed to preparing students for the future while creating intellectual, cultural and economic opportunities for Appalachia. Dr. Sachdeva is eager to take on this new role with the university and says he is amazed by the progress and advancement the university has made over the years, especially in the area of health sciences.

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Throughout his long career healing the children of Eastern Kentucky, Dr. Sachdeva has accumulated numerous awards and recognitions from KYCOM, University of Kentucky, Pikeville Rotary Club and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Dr. Sachdeva also has international success including lectures, fundraising and training seminars, working to help eradicate polio on a global scale. He has served as district governor for Rotary International D-6740, which encompasses the eastern half of Kentucky and has facilitated a multitude of global projects, including clean water, sanitation and child health.

The legacy of medicine and dedication to others created by the Sachdevas is continued in the work of their two daughters. Shilpa Sachdeva Larkin, M.D., is finishing her radiation oncology residency at the University of Kentucky and Shikha Sachdeva, M.D., is in her second year of residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Louisville. Their son-in-law, Spencer Larkin, M.D., recently completed his urology residency at the University of Kentucky and has joined a practice in Danville, Ky. The Sachdevas are very proud of the loves of their lives, their granddaughter Norah Mehr Larkin, who is two years old, and her brother Russell Bodhan Larkin who was born on November 15.

Even with an established practice, professional successes and a full community service calendar, Dr. Sachdeva is finding ways to make contributions to the university using his wisdom and years of experience.

“I am honored and humbled by my nomination to the Board of Trustees at the University of Pikeville.

The university is an educational gem in Central Appalachia,” Dr. Sachdeva stated. “Their impact 44

on healing, alleviating suffering, and improving the quality of life of the folks in Kentucky, Appalachia, and elsewhere are being felt now and will be a blessing for the generations to come.”

“I am looking forward to serving the university with my experience and insight into health care and supporting our university family in its mission, vision and future endeavors,” he concluded.

I am honored and humbled by my nomination to the Board of Trustees at the University of Pikeville. The university is an educational gem in Central Appalachia.

Their impact on healing, alleviating suffering, and improving the quality of life of the folks in Kentucky, Appalachia, and elsewhere are being felt now and will be a blessing for the generations to come.

Drs. Seema and Rakesh Sachdeva

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Class Notes

20 YEARS

OF FRIENDSHIP ON THE HILL Best friends (pictured left to right) Shena Shepherd ’04, Stacey Israel ’05, Jennifer Harvey ’04, Krissy Crase ’04 and Lois White ’04 were introduced on the hill. They recently celebrated 20 years of friendship with a photoshoot by Danielle Reid ’20 on campus.

“My time at UPIKE was truly special.

I had no idea my time on the hill would lead to me meeting my lifelong best friends,” said Shepherd.

“The memories we share and continue to make are a blessing.”

Crase, who is a math teacher, has been named principal of the new Floyd County School of Innovation in Eastern, Ky. She lives in Prestonsburg, Ky., and has worked as a curriculum lead at the school and district levels. Crase has mentored new teachers and coached multiple sports, including being the head volleyball coach for more than a decade. Crase has received grants for innovation instructional projects and is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) leader in the region.

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Harvey teaches high school literature classes, dual credit speech classes for her seniors, and the occasional English or religion class for middle school students at the Piarist School, a private, Roman Catholic college preparatory school in Hagerhill, Ky. She is also an adjunct communications professor at UPIKE. She resides with her husband, Matthew, in East Point, Ky., along with Molly, their 16-year-old cat.

Israel is an internal medicine hospitalist and nurse practitioner for Mt. Carmel Trauma Center in Columbus, Ohio. She resides in Newark with her husband, Marc, and their daughter, Summer Raine (9).

Serving the at-risk student population daily by helping with academic planning and overall wellbeing, Shepherd is the Academic Coordinator for the ACE (Academic and Cultural Enrichment) Program at UPIKE. In her time at UPIKE, she developed the Leadership Engagement Achievement Development Service (LEADS)

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Initiative, one of the first leadership programs on campus for sophomore and junior ACE participants. In addition to her role in ACE, she is also the staff sponsor of BUG (Blessed Unity of God), a Bible study group that is entering its 20th year on campus. She resides in Pikeville with her husband, Jay, and their three cats, Autumn, Tess and Lucy.

White is an accounting professor at UPIKE and the coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program. She also advises Phi Beta Lambda. White and her husband, Jesse, own and operate a small business, Independent Metal Works, LLC, in Prestonsburg, Ky. They have five dogs and will be welcoming their first child in January.

CLICK HERE to be featured in the next edition of UPIKE Magazine

Gearldean Branham JC ’38, PC ’68 celebrated 100 years of life on July 20. Although she felt the day was “no big deal,” her family and friends disagreed. Though they were unable to celebrate with her as they wanted due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pikeville Police Department and Pikeville Fire Department led a parade in her honor. People sang “Happy Birthday” and shouted well-wishes to Branham as they drove by. The parade was a surprise to Branham, who says she was overwhelmed by the community response. She also used the time to share some advice in an interview with WYMT on how to make one’s number of years, however many, worth remembering.

“Get you a book and keep your log. Then eat your greens,” said Branham. “Put the cigarettes away and eat plenty of fresh fruit. Go to bed early and get up early.”

She said those secrets have helped her make it through the last century, adding that she has seen her share of growth in her lifetime. She said the growth will continue, for the city and the people who live there, if people work to make it happen.

“You’ve got a long way to go. Seriously. And you’ll never know where you’ll be,” she said. “You don’t know what happens tomorrow. I guess that’s what kept me moving.”

1980s

Brian Addington ’89 was reappointed for a six-year term as Judge to the Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims this summer, covering the Northeast Tennessee area.

2000s

Joseph “Tex” McFaden, D.O., KYCOM ’01, a member of the inaugural class at KYCOM (PCSOM), a disabled combat veteran and a retired medical doctor, is now living his dream with a third career in Aerospace Electronics Engineering building rockets for NASA. On October 2, a few days before his birthday, they launched the Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket and Cygnus cargo spacecraft from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility near Chincoteague Island in Virginia. He says the proverbial candle on the birthday cake was the breathtaking sight of the rocket launching to the International Space Station.

Sherisa Warren, D.O., KYCOM ’09 has joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group to develop a vascular surgery program in London, Ky. She will be the first fellowship trained vascular surgeon in the region. After working at Abrazo Arizona Heart Institute in Phoenix for four years, Warren is excited to return close to

home and care for underserved patients in London.

She says she has a deep heart for people in general, but especially in Appalachia. After earning her medical degree, she completed a residency in general surgery at Garden City Hospital in Michigan. Upon finishing her residency, Warren participated in two fellowships, general vascular surgery at Maclaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens, Mich., and general and endovascular surgery at Arizona Heart Institute and Hospital in Phoenix. From there, she began practicing at Abrazo Arizona Heart Institute, a world-renowned destination for heart and vascular care.

2010s

The American Osteopathic Foundation recently celebrated the 2020 State Emerging Leaders, which included Gregory Harris, D.O., KYCOM ’10, hematologist and oncologist in Georgia. These exceptional individuals who provide service to others through osteopathic tenants and principles, advocacy efforts, community service and philanthropic spirit, are honored in their first six years of practice within the osteopathic profession.

Pinehurst Surgical Clinic in Pinehurst, N.C., welcomed Matthew Strode, D.O., KYCOM ’10. He is the first surgical oncologist to join the general and bariatric surgery team. Strode, an active-duty Army member, joined Pinehurst after being stationed at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, located just over 30 miles away, since September of 2018. He completed his internship and residency at the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center in 2016. Before moving to Womack, he also completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in 2018.

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Wes Barnett, M.D., ʼ16 graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and started his emergency medicine residency at the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital in July. Barnett graduated from UPIKE with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology. He currently resides in Georgetown, Ky., with his wife Jocelyn (McCown) Barnett ʼ13.

Stephanie Anderson MBA ’20 and her husband, Dominic, welcomed their daughter, Charlie Carmen, on June 24, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces.

Stephanie, who is from Toronto, works as the events and communications coordinator for admissions at UPIKE. Dominic, who is from Hollywood, Fla., is entering his third season as the defensive coordinator for the UPIKE football program and is enrolled in UPIKE’s MBA program, on track to receive his second master’s degree this coming spring.

The Holland Hospital Medical Group welcomed Lauren McGraw, D.O., KYCOM ’17 to its Douglas, Mich., practice. McGraw specializes in family medicine and provides comprehensive outpatient care for patients of all ages.

Nicole Rex, D.O., KYCOM ’17 joined the Adena Family Medicine Main Campus Clinic, adding primary care services to Chillicothe, Ohio.

Jordyn Taylor, RN, BSN ’15, MSN and her husband Brent welcomed their second daughter, Logan Raye, on October 5, weighing 10 pounds 5.3 ounces. Their four-yearold daughter, Avery, is an excited big sister. The family resides in Georgetown, Ky. She currently works as an RN at UK Hospital and just completed her master’s degree in nursing at EKU and has plans of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Michael Sheppard ’05 and Valorie Patrick ’05 welcomed their son Myles Sheppard on June 30, weighing 7 pounds 10.8 ounces. Michael works at the Social Security Administration in Pikeville and Valorie works for Logan Mingo Mental Health in Logan, W.Va. The family resides in Delbarton, W.Va., with their three other children, Malaki Sheppard (14), Major Sheppard (6) and Alaina Varney (10 months).

In the midst of a pandemic, Hannah Adkins ’19, who is a mucoepidermoid carcinoma cancer survivor, and Brandon Osborn were married on March 28. The couple had a small celebration with their loved ones and church family to limit exposure. The couple resides in Pikeville with their rescued puppy, Abel. Hannah works at Community Trust Bank and is currently a full-time graduate student at Western Kentucky University studying speech-language pathology and set to graduate in 2022. Brandon works for the Prestonsburg Fire Department.

Sumer Musick ’11 and her husband, UPIKE Chaplain Rob, welcomed their son, Lazarus Finnian James, on June 11, weighing 8 pounds 1 ounce. Sumer, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in religion and psychology, is the associate professor of religion at UPIKE. The family lives in Pikeville with their three other children, Moriah Hope (13), Lottie Moon (10) and Hosea Simeon (7).

Send us your news!

We want to hear the latest on your business ventures, career moves, honors, awards and family news. Email your news, along with a high-resolution photo, to alumni@upike.edu.

Submit by April 2021, for the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of UPIKE Magazine.

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UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2020

BABY

BEARS

Katelyn Howell ’12 and her husband, Adam, welcomed their first son, Baker Lane, on September 11, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces.

The family resides in Salyersville, Ky., where Katelyn works as a first grade teacher and girls basketball coach at Porter Elementary in Johnson County. Upon graduating UPIKE, she went on to complete her master’s degree in education and just recently obtained her Rank 1. She will be graduating in 2021 with a second master’s degree in school counseling. Adam is currently working as a mine engineer for Wellmore Energy, LLC. The couple says they are so excited to start this next phase in their lives with their little bundle of joy.

Christopher Price ’15 and his wife Cheyenne ’16 met at UPIKE and wed in 2016. Christopher is now team lead for Unifirst Corporation in Huntington, W.Va. In 2020, Christopher earned the Employee of the Year award for Unifirst. Cheyenne works at Pikeville Medical Center as a registered behavior technician providing ABA therapy to children with Autism. On January 4, they welcomed their daughter, Lynden Rose, weighing 8 pounds 12 ounces.

Jacob Hamilton ’18, MBA ’19 and his wife Haley ’15 welcomed their daughter, Sadie Kay, on June 9, weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces. Their oldest daughter, Mia Valentino, who can be seen at UPIKE sporting events in her cheerleading uniform, loves UPIKE and her new baby sister.

The family lives in Banner, Ky., where Jacob, who transferred to play baseball at UPIKE, is now territory lead/external marketing liaison at Plainview Healthcare Partners. Haley, who was on the Bears volleyball team, is now the assistant volleyball coach at UPIKE.

Paige Parsley ’17, BSN ’18, who danced all four years of college, and her husband Chase ’19, who played basketball and graduated with a bachelor’s in business management/sport management, welcomed their leap year baby, Holden, on February 29. Holden weighed 4 pounds and 12.8 ounces. Paige is currently a registered nurse at Pikeville Medical Center and assistant coach for the UPIKE Dance Team. Chase is a special education teacher at Warfield Elementary and assistant basketball coach at Martin County High School.

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