A Lasting Influence

By Burton J. Webb, Ph.D.

In August of 1986, a newly hired professor of history and political science joined the faculty of then Pikeville College. Nancy (Meyer) Cade completed her Master of Arts in American history in 1979 and had nearly completed her doctorate in American history when she was offered a teaching position at the college by thenpresident Dr. William Owens. She successfully defended her dissertation and earned a Ph.D., from Ball State University a year later and moved into a life of fulfilling work as a college professor.

Since then, Cade has been an influential faculty voice at the University of Pikeville. For 37 years, she has walked these halls and moved hundreds of students to think more critically about their political views. I have traveled the country speaking to alumni from both sides of the political aisle, and while all could tell me where Cade’s political views pointed, each was careful to say that she never tried to indoctrinate them. Cade always said, “If you are going to be conservative or liberal, then you had better be able to defend your position!” She worked to make each person sharper, without regard to whether she agreed with them politically.

While employed at UPIKE, Cade chaired nearly every faculty committee, including the social sciences division, and since 2014 has been the Davenport Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science. More recently, her passion for service has turned to the Washington Center in Washington, D.C. As an instructor, sponsor and board member at the Washington Center, she has facilitated the development of hundreds of students, some from UPIKE and some from around the country, to consider a life of service in politics. Her influence is wide, but she will always be remembered here for her leadership in the social and political sciences.

During her time at UPIKE, she met and married Dr. John Cade, professor of mathematics. Together, they have cared for a long line of cherished pets, loving each and providing them with a good home. As Cade retires from the university, we wish her well, thank her for her many years of service, and hope that she will always remember the lives of students she has changed along the way, for they will remember her.