Turning Passion into Promise

By Stacey Walters

Over the years, countless alumni have improved the world around them through their tireless efforts, ingenuity and compassion. For as long as she could remember, Pike County Health Director Tammy Riley ʼ92 wanted to pursue a career in an educational field. Thus, when she graduated from then Pikeville College (PC) with a bachelor’s degree in middle school education, Riley began traveling on a path of success that opened many doors, allowing her to achieve her dreams while making a community impact.

Riley consistently had a personal connection to the university that began in 1983 during early adulthood, where she attended PC on a math and science scholarship. A few years later, Riley returned to the university as a non-traditional student to finish her college education while juggling the responsibilities of a single parent.

“I have so many warm memories from my young adult years at UPIKE to my early professional career. The university feels like a second home to me,” said Riley. “The connection to the university is almost as deep as my connection to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.”

Upon graduation, Former Vice President of Student Services and Dean of Students Ron Damron offered Riley a position as a counselor for a federal grant program titled Educational Talent Search, a sister program to Upward Bound. She soon transitioned into the role of adjunct instructor and peer-to-peer tutoring lab coordinator for the university.

“Tammy has amazing leadership skills and wasn’t afraid to tackle any situation. She loved challenges. She knew with her work ethic and determination, she could succeed,” said Damron. “She would never settle for just ok; it had to be top quality. Tammy desires to help people and is always looking for ways to make things better.”

During her educational journey, several individuals from UPIKE played a significant role in Riley’s professional development and their carefully guided supervision helped her flourish.

“I could write papers on the influence of such professionals as Ron Damron, Brenda Maynard, Gene Lovel, Pam Scott, Russ McIntosh and Dr. John Scott,” said Riley. “They provided me with the resources to build a strong foundation and expand my horizons.”

In 1998, Riley took a leap of faith into the world of pharmaceutical sales and remained in the industry for a little more than eight years.

“UPIKE provided me with the skills to succeed in several different fields by improving my ability to think critically,” said Riley. “A strong foundation in writing, communication and creative problem solving were instrumental in obtaining my diverse background.”

While a pharmaceutical sales representative in Eastern Kentucky, an opportunity arose for Riley to work in the college setting again as the Campus Director at American National University (ANU).

During her 13 years serving at ANU, Riley led two campuses and worked closely with accrediting bodies, regulatory boards, hospitals, and the general medical community while launching and promoting various allied health programs to expand opportunities for ANU graduates.

Riley’s overall experience helped her transition and led her professional career to serve Pike County in her current role as public health director.

“I enjoy serving in this position. It allows me the opportunity to help my fellow neighbors,” said Riley. “In my former professional roles, I have been able to help individuals improve their work environment, formal education and socioeconomic status. As public health director, I have the opportunity to help individuals, families and communities improve their health outcomes and behaviors, which is far more important than income and career.”

Now more than ever, Riley has become a familiar face between the growing connection of Pike County residents and the focus of transforming public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Especially in the time of crisis, determination is the key to success. Tammy went the extra mile to create a safe Pike County, where people feel emotionally and physically secure,” said Pikeville Medical Center’s Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention Fadi Al Akhrass, M.D., FACP, MBA ’20.

Riley’s professional career is only one component of her accomplishments. On a personal level, she has finished three full marathons and 41 half marathons and has aspirations to participate in the New York City Marathon. She is motivated by women who achieve success by overcoming obstacles in their lives and says, “It is encouraging to see a young person make short-term sacrifices to obtain long-term goals.”

UPIKE has influenced Riley’s life in many ways and she says she is fortunate to have had the opportunity to study, learn and grow in such a beautiful part of the country.

“I often say that the first lesson I learned at UPIKE was compassion for others,” said Riley. “I would not be where I am today without the robust educational experience I received on the Hill and the belief that nothing comes without hard work.”