Letter from the
PRESIDENT “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” - Abraham Maslow
Throughout our 130-year history, the University of Pikeville has encountered crossroads at pivotal moments in which it could’ve chosen the status quo but instead decided to grow. At the heart of challenging decisions is always this: our commitment to preparing students for successful, meaningful lives, and strengthening the region we serve through collaboration and innovation. When considering all that is at stake, how could we step in any direction other than forward? UPIKE has changed in significant ways to provide greater opportunity for our students and to transform communities. The addition of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Kentucky College of Optometry is a glimpse into the university’s progressive spirit. Currently our graduate programs are expanding to include a Master of Social Work (MSW). We saw the heavy demand for an increased number of professionals, trained in Appalachia, with the skills needed to help alleviate the widespread problem of opioid/substance abuse disorder. The new degree program contains a specialization in mental health and addictions and will help create healthier communities. Transformation is also reflected outside the classroom in our co-curricular programming, student life and athletic teams. Archery is a newer sport on campus that, this year, welcomed a student-athlete who competed at the international level with Team USA in Madrid, Spain. Because we fully believe that transformation equates to growth, our students have more opportunities than ever before to thrive, discover, explore and succeed. Amidst exciting developments on the hill, some things have remained the same. They’re the same things our alumni carry in their hearts and minds today. Faculty and staff are still preparing students for lifelong success; they’re still igniting students’ passion for learning; they’re still bringing out the best in students; their minds and office doors are still open; and they’re still student-centric. Students are still more than a face in the classroom or on the field; they’re still building character and growing in faith; and they’re still forging their own unique paths. UPIKE is still “home” for our students; it’s still taking chances; and it’s still graduating remarkable alumni. I encourage you to read about a UPIKE legend, Ron Damron, in this issue. Special people like Ron have lovingly woven the fabric that is UPIKE. The university that arose from humble beginnings in 1889 has come a long way and our vitality depends on the UPIKE Family’s continued commitment to our students. Some things change, but we’re always…
Striving to serve, Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. President 2
UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2019
