UPIKE Magazine Spring 2017

MAGAZINE Spring 2017

20 Years of

Keeping the Promise

Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine KH IRBET EL-MAQAT I R | COMMEN C E M E N T 2 0 17 | O N LI N E N U RS I N G PR OGR AM

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UPIKE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE MAGAZINE

ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE ANCIENT

www.UPIKE.edu

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Spring 2017 Volume 3, Number 2 MAGAZINE STAFF David Hutchens

Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations

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KYCOM218 EDITOR Lucy Holman ’89

ART DIRECTOR Kate Hensley

CONTRIBUTORS Roya Attar, O.D., Misty Asbury ’11, Lakia Bailey ’11, Lisa Blackburn, Laura Damron, Ron Damron, Michelle Goff, Sherrie Marrs, Stephanie Stiltner ’10, Brooke Thacker ’04, Dan White

2017 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

KYCOM AT 20

KEEPING THE PROMISE CELEBRATING PHOTOGRAPHERS20 YEARS OF KEEPING THE PROMISE Larry Epling, Jordan Gibson ’08, Kate Hensley, Stephan Hoerold, Dusty Layne, Doug Mortimer, Stephanie Stiltner ’10 CONTACTS

Story ideas and letters to the editor: Email: lucyholman@upike.edu. Mail: Editor, UPIKE Magazine, Office of Advancement, University of Pikeville, 147 Sycamore St., Pikeville, KY 41501.

Address changes: Email: mistyasbury@ upike.edu. Phone: (606) 218-5276 between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Class notes: Email: alumni@upike.edu.

Online: www.upike.edu/Alumni/Class-Notes.

Mail: Office of Advancement, University of Pikeville, 147 Sycamore St., Pikeville, KY 41501

The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral 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.

President’s Letter 2

All-In All-American 30

Campus News 3

Athletics Hall of Fame 31

Nursing Online 9

I Studied Skellig Before It Was Cool 32

CitrOHa 10

Lego Challenge 33

Advancement 16 KYCOM Congratulations 22 Growing Awareness 24

Alumni Events 34 Class Notes 36

Leading Technology 26

ON THE COVER Emily Scott of Pittsburgh, Pa., was among the 120 new physicians to graduate from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 20. More than 1,100 physicians have graduated since 2001, with 76 percent serving in primary care.

T

his year has passed in a whirl of color and spectacle. A year ago, if someone had suggested that we would complete the construction of the new Health Professions Education Building and have it filled with students studying optometry and nursing, I would have believed them. If they had then suggested that we would have 12 students live through the incident in the Ft. Lauderdale airport; survive, without controversy, a protest of national note in the City of Pikeville; somehow manage to come through two accreditation visits with flying colors; draft a new faculty/staff handbook and build a strategic plan for the next five years, I would have been incredulous.

Letter from the

PRESIDENT “Everything we hope to accomplish is stronger because we do it together.”

As I look back on all that has transpired in the last year I am utterly amazed at the graciousness of God, the hard work of the UPIKE family and the resilience of our students. We celebrate the accomplishments with those who have worked so very hard to make them happen, we grieve together in the face of tragedy and we are incredibly grateful to all of the people who have helped the university along the way. It has been a memorable year.

Now, we stand at the brink of a new strategic plan that will take us into the year 2022. Every employee has had the opportunity to impact this plan; it is robust, aspirational and strategic. The board of trustees offered their final input and approved our efforts.

In any case, the fall of 2017 will begin with a flurry of activity and focus as we concentrate all of our efforts on engaging and empowering our students to be successful learners and leaders in the 21st century.

Everything we hope to accomplish is stronger because we do it together. We will do all we can to empower our students to succeed, but even if every member of the UPIKE employee family fills his or her role well, we may still fall short ... without you.

Thank you for the many ways in which you support your school. Just today, I received a note from a UPIKE friend whose husband passed away a while ago. She thought of us when she donated his suits to our career closet. Young men and women who need appropriate attire for job interviews are able to find what they need in the career closet. Like so many other gifts, this thought-filled act empowers our students to become successful.

It is our sincere hope that reading this magazine will cause you to lift your eyes to the hills once again. Your college is still here, still pursuing the same mission, and still …

Striving to serve, Burton and Kay Webb

Just beyond the president’s office, the new Health Professions Education Building beckons. Home to the Kentucky College of Optometry, the $72 million investment represents a new era in rural vision care.

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WHAT’S THE

BUZZ

AT UPIKE?

Dr. Tim Whittier surveys a hive of bees atop The Coal Building. This spring the biology department initiated a project to introduce hives on campus that could be incorporated into a variety of courses including entomology, sustainability and animal behavior.

Click here to watch the Bee Cam.

Photograph by Stephanie Stiltner ’10 SPRING 2017 | UPIKE MAGAZINE 5

Campus News

Film students, professor work on award-winning documentary From moonshiner shootouts and empire building to railroad explosions and drowning victims, “The Breaks: Centuries of Struggle” is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of six individuals whose lives would be forever changed by a common thread – “the Breaks” – the wild west of the east.

The award-winning project documentary was co-directed

by Curtis Mullins, outdoor enthusiast and lifelong patron of the Breaks Interstate Park, and Andrew Reed, assistant professor of film and media arts at UPIKE. Located on the borders of Kentucky and Virginia, the park is home to many globally rare species and woodlands.

Reed saw the project as a way for UPIKE film and media arts (FMA) students to work on a professional featurelength documentary.

UPIKE hosts Lt. Governor’s Entrepreneurship Challenge

The University of Pikeville hosted Kentucky’s Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton, along with high schools from across the region, for the Lt. Governor’s Entrepreneurship Challenge. A tiered business pitch competition, the event introduces students to a realistic competitive business environment and promotes business ownership and lifelong learning. Top teams from across the state go on to compete for $80,000 in scholarships.

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“More than 20 UPIKE students have either an assistant camera or assistant editor credit in the film, and some of them have already been using this project in their reels and s to help them get jobs,” said Reed. “I couldn’t be happier for the students. I am also extremely thankful to Curtis Mullins for approaching me back in 2014, and letting our program help him make this extremely important film.”

For updates about the film and to find opportunities to see this excellent example of the abilities of the FMA team, click here.

Information and artwork courtesy of Andrew Reed.

The works of UPIKE student artists are displayed on campus throughout the year. Artist Marinalda Ralston calls this piece “As tres raças,” which translates to “Three Races,” referring to the predominant races in Brazil – European, African and indigenous.

The gallery show, titled “Reflections,” also featured three-dimension pieces from Kimberly Hylton and Andrea Paige.

Mini Med School

Listening to classmate’s heartbeat isn’t something a third-grader typically gets to do during the course of a school day. For more than 60 students, identifying the bones of the human body was one of many activities medical students from the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) had planned during a mini medical school event.

Hosted by the KYCOM chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, medical students and faculty prepared activities to teach the youngsters about osteopathic medicine and help ease fears about doctor visits. Demonstrations of how the human body works, good nutrition, first-aid and safety rounded out the annual event.

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Callie Baker, of Premium, Ky., joined nearly 20 students and faculty as they traveled to Lilley Cornett Woods Appalachian Ecological Research Station to conduct field work and identify a variety of bird species. The ornithology course in which they are enrolled concludes with a 14-day camping trip along the Gulf Coast where students will add to the more than 75 species of birds they have classified throughout the semester.

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Bonnie & Clyde

Bethany Jervis of Williamsburg, Ky., and Matt Conn of Allen, Ky., took stage as the lead characters in “Bonnie & Clyde: A New Musical” at Jenny Wiley Theatre in downtown Pikeville. The duo was joined by a cast of more than 20 UPIKE students who received standing ovations for each of their three performances. Students also worked behind-the-scenes on technical aspects including the set, costumes, special effects makeup and box office. Many of these students have added UPIKE’s new theatre minor to their course of study.

Pikey is

Top Mascot

While it may not be an official NAIA National Championship, there’s nothing unofficial about the support the University of Pikeville campus community showed in voting its beloved mascot “Pikey” the champion of the inaugural NAIA Mascot Challenge.

After winning the Mid-South Conference Mascot Challenge, Pikey went undefeated through a first-round group match-up, followed by tough head-to-head battles through the quarterfinals and semifinals before overcoming a late deficit to “Norm the Forester” from Huntington (Ind.) in the finals.

More than 3,750 votes were cast over a 24-hour period on Twitter where Pikey received support from the UPIKE family.

Student Brady McClure has been the man – and the heart – behind UPIKE’s favorite bear for several years, representing the orange and black, revving up the crowds and giving hugs and fist-bumps to kids of all ages.

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The Heart of Democracy UPIKE in D.C.

Voice of America Internship

UPIKE student Devon Sgubin has been living the dream in the city that eats, breathes and sleeps politics. He walks past the U.S. Capitol Building on his way to work. He’s seen President Donald Trump on multiple occasions and even met a senator or two.

“These are things not every American gets to do.

To experience this as an international student just feels unreal,” said Sgubin, an intern at Voice of America, the government agency that oversees all non-military, U.S. international broadcasting.

Sgubin posts news to social media platforms and works on the Student Union, an online community that helps international students navigate the higher education system.

A junior from Auckland, New Zealand, Sgubin is already thinking about graduate school.

“I really wanted to gain professional work experience before I graduated,” said Sgubin. “It’s definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. The ability to meet deadlines, be flexible and have the self-motivation to be successful in the workplace was eye opening for someone who has not held a professional job before.”

In January, he attended The Washington Center’s Inauguration 2017 Academic Seminar with other students from UPIKE. “The slogan of The Washington Center is ‘Experience Transforms’ and in the case of our UPIKE students that is true,” said Nancy Cade, Ph.D., chair of the division of social science. “We have had more than 50 students participate in seminars and internships with TWC … which brings an added dimension to a student’s education that cannot be matched in the classroom.”

In a city like no other, Devon Sgubin said the people are driven, focused and passionate about what they do.

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KYCOM students Daniel Sullivan and Chris Yun, and Dana Shaffer, D.O., associate dean of osteopathic graduate medical education, joined interns Fritz Stine and Harika Kantamneni in Washington, D.C., for the American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s annual advocacy “Day on the Hill.”

Osteopathic Policy Interns

The next generation of health care advocates

Fourth-year medical students Harika Kantamneni and Frederick “Fritz” Stine have spent the last few months in Washington, D.C., as both advocates and observers, immersed in federal health care policy.

The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine fourth-year students were selected by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) to participate in the Osteopathic Health Policy Intern program.

Working in AACOM’s government relations office for eight weeks, interns observe and participate in the legislative and regulatory processes, attend conferences with renowned experts and speakers, sit in on confirmation hearings for White House cabinet nominees, monitor public policy issues and hone their networking and advocacy skills. The Affordable Care Act, America’s rural health challenges, prescription drug costs and student loan debt shape the discussions on Capitol Hill.

Interns blog about their experiences and write about a public policy topic. Kantamneni focused on the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, which emphasizes and advocates for graduate medical education, a topic she feels strongly about. “The idea of getting students to be advocates for themselves is very important, and is something I tried to increase through my blogs.”

Among the highlights for Kantamneni was meeting the U.S. Surgeon General. Adapting to the speed at which things change in D.C. was the biggest challenge.

In his first week, Stine attended a budget hearing with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price who laid out his public health policy agenda and testified on behalf of proposed budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“As a medical student, it was particularly thrilling to be present at this hearing because I know that the legislation being debated has the power and authority to alter the way physicians practice medicine,” said Stine.

RN-BSN

First 100% online program at UPIKE

Beginning this fall, registered nurses working full-time will have an opportunity to complete their RN-BSN coursework fully online at the University of Pikeville.

The response from alumni and prospective students has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Elliott School of Nursing Dean and Professor Mary R. Simpson, Ph.D. “Our students are Registered Nurses (RNs) who work fulltime, 12-hour shifts, 3-4 days/week, including weekends,” said Simpson. “It is very hard for these RN-BSN students to arrange a work schedule that allows them to be in class, all together, on just one day a month.”

Converting the university’s hybrid RN-BSN to a program that is 100 percent online follows a national trend to give adult learners with full-time obligations the flexibility to pursue advanced degrees in nursing.

Simpson said UPIKE’s program has a practicum component similar to RN-BSN online programs nationwide. The RN fulfills the practicum in flexible ways, such as direct experience with a BSN preceptor in a community of choice and indirect experience by

collaborating on projects for a health care agency. The practicum allows the RN to gain advanced experience in community health and leadership while meeting nursing program standards of accreditation.

Simpson noted, “As we transition to a fully online RNBSN program, one thing that will not change is our commitment to work with each RN student for their success and the health of future clients.” The RN-BSN program can be completed in three semesters, fall, spring and summer, depending on the number of general education courses students need to complete.

“Since its founding, the University of Pikeville has been dedicated to supporting the students and communities of Central Appalachia,” said Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D. “We are excited to continue this effort in new ways through offering fully online programs to complement existing face-to-face and hybrid options.”

For more information, contact Tauna Gulley, Ph.D., coordinator of the RN-BSN program, at taunagulley@upike.edu or (606) 218-5765.

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CitrOHa

The Science of Business

By Lucy HOlman ‘89 editor

N

icolas Rodenbusch and Marcos Sernandez Fondelius are business students and entrepreneurs. Innovative, selfmotivated and not afraid to take a risk, they turn ideas into successful business plans. Christin Justice is majoring in biology and psychology. Energetic and creative, she’s an advocate for Ayurvedic medicine and interested in learning more about all paths to healing.

From a business perspective, Rodenbusch said the team wanted to be very targeted.

“We considered many aspects of product development, but in the end the answer came down to research – and focus. Market research and analysis were key to finding that focus.”

Known as Team CitrOHa, these UPIKE students are the architects of a business plan and a product that could alleviate osteoarthritis in dogs. Why dogs?

With her background in biology, Justice, of Pikeville, cinched the CitrOHa trifecta. There were times, though, when the mix of business and science challenged the team dynamic.

Rodenbusch, a business major from Simmern, Germany, and Sernandez Fondelius, an MBA student from Majorca, Spain, looked at market research and trends in pet health and nutrition. They discovered that osteoarthritis, common in dogs, costs the U.S. economy $3 billion annually.

“The biggest market was for dog food, then premium dog food,” added Sernandez Fondelius. “People don’t care about the price because they feel like their dogs are a part of the family.”

(from left) Nicolas Rodenbusch, Christin Justice and Marcos Sernandez Fondelius Photographs by Stephanie Stiltner ’10

Justice, who spent seven months researching the project, can barely contain her enthusiasm when she talks about the project. CitrOHa has created an all-natural functional food additive containing a new antioxidant and nutritional blend derived from the seeds and peels of lemon byproducts from citrus juice manufacturing.

Entrepreneurial Mindset Coleman College of Business offers new entrepreneurship minor This fall, the Coleman College of Business will offer a new minor in entrepreneurship.

Osteoarthritis, common in dogs, costs the U.S. economy $3 billion annually. Christin Justice and her CitrOHa partners have the research and a business plan that will help man’s best friend.

“It was a huge learning curve, and it was humbling,” said Justice. “All your personalities don’t have to be the same to make something happen. I am an interdisciplinary thinker. I can see how everything connects, but this project has given me a good perspective into how these business guys think.”

Justice and Rodenbusch recently participated in a business plan competition hosted by Texas Christian University. More than 100 teams from 65 schools applied.

Only 51 semi-finalists were accepted. CitrOHa competed against some of the most prestigious business schools in the country, earning fourth place and $2,500.

Team CitrOHa functions as a corporation. With a background in finance and profit potential, and proven success in business pitch competitions, Sernandez Fondelius serves as team coordinator, or CEO. Rodenbusch is the COO, responsible for operations, marketing and sales. Justice is the chief science officer, a role that is critical for many companies, according to Sernandez Fondelius.

“This is an example of creating cross discipline teams.

It’s very valuable, they’re working together, pulling from each other’s strengths,” said David Snow, D.M., the team’s faculty advisor, director of the Kentucky Innovation Network Pikeville office, director of business competitions and associate professor of business.

Can you teach someone to be entrepreneurial? David Snow, D.M., associate professor of business, thinks so. “It really comes down to problem-solving,” said Snow. “You find a serious problem, create the right solution, assemble the necessary resources, and actually execute. You have to be passionate about it, but it’s learning how to be innovative.”

Open to all undergraduate students, the program features six classes for a total of 18 credit hours. Topics include new venture creation, the entrepreneurial mindset and corporate entrepreneurship.

Snow, who serves as director of the Kentucky Innovation Network’s Pikeville office and director of business competitions at UPIKE, has a lot of experience in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. He’s received national recognition for his research on the topic and oversees university-sponsored business-pitch competitions. He also serves as coach and mentor to UPIKE students whose successful business ideas have earned them top honors and cash in competitions throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Students seeking a degree in biology, or maybe art, may want to start their own business in those fields, explained Snow.

Classes in accounting and new ventures and money management were structured for non-majors and are geared toward starting a business.

“Liberal arts schools have been graduating great entrepreneurs for many years but now innovation and entrepreneurship have become more formalized in programs,” said Howard Roberts, Ed.D., founding dean and professor at the Coleman College of Business.

“The essence of a good entrepreneur is a good idea. Thinking about that idea requires a critical mindset and that process is complementary to the liberal arts.”

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Archaeology of the Ancient Bringing the Bible to Life

He once took a college history test with a crayon, but that doesn’t mean Tommy Chamberlin ’96 isn’t serious about the subject. For the last 25 years, he’s made a hobby of studying the history of the Bible, as told by ancient artifacts unearthed in archaeological digs.

“It’s something I’m interested in and something related to my faith,” said Chamberlin, who serves as president of the University of Pikeville’s Alumni Association.

In the summer of 2015, Chamberlin set out to bring what he considered “a museum exhibit of biblical proportions,” to Eastern Kentucky. In January 2017, the community celebrated the debut of “Khirbet el-Maqatir – A Journey Through Biblical History.”

The exhibit features 250 artifacts from ancient Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Syria, some dating from 3000 B.C. to 500 A.D. A significant number are from one of the largest recent archaeological excavations in Israel at the site of Khirbet el-Maqatir. According to Chamberlin, archaeologists believe the site is the biblical fortress of Ai mentioned in the book of Joshua. It is also likely that the site was named Ephraim in the Roman era and a location visited by Jesus and his disciples. (left) “The light of Christ shines for all” reads the inscription on this Byzantine oil lamp from the 5th or 6th century A.D. (right) This scarab is from the site of Khirbet el-Maqatir, a site identified as Biblical Ai of the book of Joshua. The artifact was named the top Biblical Archaeology discovery of the year 2013 by the publication Christianity Today.

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“For many, the archaeology of the ancient Near East brings the Bible to life,” said Chamberlin. “Archaeology doesn’t change the Scripture, but illuminates it. In bringing these biblical artifacts to life we learn about the cultural construct on which history occurred. Watching people’s eyes light up when they see the real history of the Bible right in front of them has been worth the effort.”

Life-size graphics and interactive media help tell the story behind the Khirbet el-Maqatir exhibit. To date, the museum has hosted more than 1,000 visitors. To understand the months of preparation that went into the project one would need to do a little digging.

In 2015, the university’s alumni association hosted a seminar on the Temple Mount Sifting Project with noted Israeli archaeologist Gabriel Barkay, Ph.D.

“Archaeology doesn’t change the Scripture, but illuminates it.”

The positive response after the event set Chamberlin on his quest. He learned that the Associates for Biblical Research, the organization supervising the Khirbet elMaqatir excavation, was looking for a university to host the exhibit, which had been on display in major cities.

Without a host, the exhibit would go back to Israel, unlikely to ever return to the U.S. The rest is history.

The idea wasn’t a hard sell but took many hours of planning and fundraising. Chamberlin spoke to community groups, businesses and the congregations of at least 30 churches. With each preview, he’d unpack the cartons; some containing rare artifacts in glass cases and some pieces of pottery, Old Testament-era idols and ancient stone artifacts audiences could touch.

Supported by UPIKE’s Alumni Association, a committee of volunteers and student interns, Chamberlin forged partnerships with Associates for Biblical Research, The Institute of Archaeology, the Siegfried H. Horn Museum at Andrews University, the David A. Dorsey Museum of Biblical Archaeology and the Civil Administration for Judea and Samaria. A partnership with the City of Pikeville provided a physical space for the exhibit in the renovated historic York House downtown. Along the way,

Archaeologist Dr. Scott Stripling of the Associates for Biblical Research identifies Bruce Coleman’s collection of artifacts he brought to the Pikeville exhibit. The fifth-grader often digs in the soil on the playground at Millard School where he has discovered arrowheads and pieces of pottery and bone.

Chamberlin and his wife, Erin ’05, a UPIKE alumna, also celebrated the birth of their daughter Annah.

UPIKE junior Dalton Hatfield considers American history his forte but after taking the class “Introduction to New Testament” was willing to step outside his comfort zone.

“Coming into the internship last fall, I was somewhat hesitant, but after helping plan and prepare the exhibit and being named assistant director, staying on board to help Tommy in the spring was a no-brainer. No one could ever be more passionate about this project than Tommy Chamberlin,” said Hatfield.

Chamberlin will be taking a well-earned break to work at an archaeological dig at Shiloh, a biblical site in Israel where the Old Testament Tabernacle was once located. Meanwhile, the exhibit in Pikeville will be open through the summer. For more information, visit www.upike.edu. Chamberlin is also available to speak to church and community groups about archaeology of the Bible and can be reached at exhibit@upike.edu.

Click here for more information on the exhibit

This terra cotta piece dates to the 1st century B.C. and depicts a woman dancing and playing a tambourine or drum. By her side is a large wine amphora - much like one on display with her at the museum.

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2017

Commencement EXERCISES

Commencement marked the end of a successful journey and a new beginning for the 262 UPIKE graduates who received their associate, bachelor and master’s degrees. Making history, 25 graduates of the Patton College of Education earned the university’s first Master of Arts Degrees in Education (Teacher Leader). Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees were also awarded to 120 new physicians graduating from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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“Remember your future is a bright light ahead of you. Walk toward that light and enjoy your journey.”

- Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris,

UPIKE Commencement Speaker

Dr. Michael King hoods one of the first students from the Teacher Leader program, Stephanie Sayers Casey.

Marking his cadence to the distinctive drone of bagpipes, he leads the processional carrying the university’s mace.

Dr. Edward Stiles has held the high honor of mace-bearer for all formal events at KYCOM for nearly two decades.

A gift to the university designed by the medical school’s first graduating class, the story of medicine in the mountains is etched in the cherry wood scepter. At the students’ request, Stiles was entrusted to carry the mace at each graduation, as long as he is faculty. Each time, he remembers the Class of 2001 and the excitement of getting the osteopathic school off the ground.

Click here for photos, videos and more from Commencement 2017

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UPIKE secures $2.6 million in scholarships for KYCOM students More love than money, but she found a way Laiken Hayes sat on an old porch swing overlooking a winding little stream. Time seemed to stand still in the small town of Mousie, Ky. It was a place to imagine, a place to dream of a life that seemed all too distant from the quaint little back road oasis. Sure she was happy, but couldn’t help but feel she was destined to do more.

It was medicine that entranced her. Finding the courage to pursue an intimidating career in medicine was the only path that seemed to ignite the spark in those front-porch sessions.

As a college student, Laiken’s love for helping people blossomed into a calling. She was accepted into the University of Pikeville’s undergraduate Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program where professors and friends helped her understand that her calling included medicine.

By the time she was accepted into the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) only one more mountain remained.

Debt. How could she reasonably serve in the hometown she loved with more than $160,000 in medical school debt?

“I’m a first generation college student, from a true holler, born to a family that had way more love than they ever had money.”

About the time Laiken was a senior in college, the University of Pikeville hired a new vice president for advancement, David Hutchens. One of his goals was to help students like Laiken stay in Appalachia to practice medicine by reducing the number of loans they would need. That was when David and his grant writer Michelle Goff researched and discovered a grant being made available by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Over the next several months, Michelle, Dr. Linda Dunatov, associate dean for student affairs at KYCOM, and Dr. Meg Wright Sidle, director of institutional research and effectiveness, would work to craft a grant asking for $2.6 million for scholarships. In the spring of 2016, UPIKE was notified that the request would be funded in full.

This year, Laiken is one of 25 KYCOM students who are receiving a $26,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of medical school.

This is one of the many ways in which the University of Pikeville is working with funding agencies to make high quality medical care available to Central Appalachia.

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“Our highest calling is to empower our students to be successful learners and leaders,” said Dr. Burton Webb, president of the university.

“I’m a first generation college student, from a true holler, born to a family that had way more love than they ever had money,” said Laiken. “If anything, this history has given me an advantage in my field. It nurtured a work ethic I never realized I possessed. It gave me a unique perspective with which I can really relate to the patients from the region.”

“Investing in students like Laiken has the potential to bring enormous return to the region,” said Hutchens. “I am so pleased that UPIKE was able to compete successfully for this HRSA grant.”

“If you work hard you can accomplish anything,” added Laiken. “I have exceeded my own expectations and am confident that I made the correct decision in pursuing a career as a physician.”

Pictured above are a portion of the 25 students from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine who received scholarships from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. The program assists students with financial need who are from rural, medically underserved communities in Appalachia and pursuing careers in health care.

Honor Someone Special

The University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine is a success story that is changing lives – for the better – every day.

Honor your favorite graduate or undergraduate professor, a loved one or friend by making a gift. Your investment and generosity allows current and future students to pursue their educational dreams.

To make a gift today, click here or contact the Office of Advancement at (606) 218-5276.

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KYCOM2 CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF KEEPING THE PROMISE

By Lucy HOlman ’89 editor

He arrived on campus in the summer of ’96. Most remember his keen sense of humor, easy-going manner and solid midwestern work ethic. It took all that and more to start a medical school in the mountains, but John Strosnider, D.O., had both the passion and pedigree to make it happen.

He loved to tell the story of his first day on the job at the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine.

There were no students or faculty, no books, equipment or technology, just “Stro” and an old metal desk with a Smith-Corona word processor.

“That was it. That was the school. For the first five months I was the only employee,” Strosnider would say. The founding dean of what became the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) grew up in the Ozark Foothills of Missouri but felt right at home here. “I love Pikeville!” he’d say. And he did.

From the beginning, there were critics, and plenty of skeptics. Did Kentucky really need a third medical school? How could a little-known liberal arts college in a rural mountain town take on the financial burden? Would the new school be able to recruit students and were osteopathic physicians real doctors?

At the time, statistics showed the health of Eastern Kentucky in decline, a reality more dire than the voices of dissent. The ratio of primary care physicians to patients was 2,075:1, twice the national average. More than half of the population lived in economically depressed counties and federally designated Health Provider Shortage Areas.

The History of KYCOM Pikeville College becomes the University of Pikeville.

Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine founded.

Inaugural class of 60 students begins study.

First class of physicians graduate from PCSOM.

PCSOM becomes the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine.

1997

2001

2011

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William T. Betz, D.O., was among the first faculty members at KYCOM. He currently serves as senior associate dean for osteopathic medical education.

Reminiscing about his old friend Betz said, “Stro must have been crazy for starting a medical school in a small Appalachian community and I was crazy for coming to Pikeville to be a part of it.”

The early years were challenging logistically and financially, according to Betz. There were only a few D.O.s in the community. Identifying clinical teaching sites and clinicians who’d be willing to teach, and developing residencies for graduates were critical to the school’s success. Recruiting basic science faculty willing to live in a rural area was also difficult. “We were way underfunded but were highly overloaded with the positive drive of John Strosnider,” Betz said.

It didn’t take long before good things started to happen for the school. In the first class there were 350 applicants for 60 seats. By the year 2000, the number of applicants had quadrupled. Admission to medical school is even more competitive today, with KYCOM averaging more than 3,500 applicants for 135 seats.

When Edward Stiles, D.O., made his first trip to Pikeville in 1997, KYCOM’s professor of osteopathic principles and practices remembers the floors in the “new” OPP lab and anatomy lab were still dirt, although Strosnider assured him everything would be completed by the time faculty started in six weeks.

The Coal Building opens.

KYCOM’s $40 million educational facility features enhanced clinical skills with simulation, high fidelity robotics and standardized patients. Class size expanded from 75-135.

U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., delivers KYCOM commencement address.

2012

2013

KYCOM graduates 1,000th osteopathic physician.

“We did not have the money for OMT tables,” said Stiles.

“We requested that the wood being removed during a remodel of the president’s office in the Administration Building be used to build treatment tables. Pikeville College’s maintenance department built 20 tables for our new OPP lab. We developed a totally new curriculum to meet our regional educational needs.”

“OMT was unheard of in Pikeville when we arrived.

During the last 20 years, OMT has become widely accepted and helped many patients with problems that were previously unsuccessfully treated. Our OMT faculty are nationally and internationally recognized,” Stiles said, adding that it takes weeks or months to get an OMT appointment at Pikeville Medical Center’s family clinic due to the demand of patients who travel from four states for the treatment.

A renowned expert in osteopathic manipulative medicine, many of Stiles’ colleagues thought it was risky coming to Pikeville; that developing a new medical school in Kentucky would be impossible. “We changed a region,” he said. “I am proud of the fact KYCOM has continued to follow the mission established when the school came into existence.”

Continued on page 20

U.S. News & World Report ranks KYCOM 12th in family medicine and seventh in rural medicine, the highest ranked D.O. school. KYCOM also ranks second in the percentage of graduates entering primary care residencies.

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Continued from page 19 This year marks KYCOM’s 20th anniversary. By the What does the future hold? numbers, more than 1,000 alumni are practicing medicine “We’re starting to emerge into adulthood. We need to in nearly every state. KYCOM has consistently earned be thinking about what we can do to capitalize, from national recognition amongst its peers, both D.O. and a leadership perspective, in medical education,” said M.D. This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked KYCOM th Buser who has been instrumental in the development 12 in family medicine and seventh in rural medicine, of the single accreditation system for graduate medical the highest ranked D.O. school. KYCOM also ranked education. He also noted the progression of intersecond in the percentage of graduates entering primary professional education. “The care residencies and is way health care is delivered is among the most affordable “As we’ve grown and matured, in changing,” he said. “Physicians private medical schools in many ways we’ve gained a lot of are part of a health care team, the nation. In 2012, KYCOM and being able to prepare recognition. We’re not really the celebrated the opening of The our graduates for that is Coal Building, a $40 million best-kept secret anymore.” important.” educational facility that Boyd R. Buser, D.O. allowed for an increase in the The Coal Building’s advanced class size from 75 to 135. technology has been pivotal for KYCOM. “The ability to teach clinical skills with simulation KYCOM’s Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, Boyd and high fidelity robotics, the use of standardized patients, R. Buser, D.O., who is currently serving as president of the which provide accurate feedback and improve the skills American Osteopathic Association, describes the medical of our students, is dramatic,” he said.

“We can deliver school’s progression in stages – birth, teen years and education to our students in a more consistent manner adulthood. when they’re away from campus and on rotations. Across “When Stro laid the foundation it put us in position to the entire 20 years, that has changed dramatically.” be able to keep the promise we made when the medical Early on, Strosnider predicted that the 19th osteopathic school was founded, and we have done that,” said Buser. school in the country would one day be a national model “My part has taken place during the teen years. There for educating primary care physicians. have been lots of challenges, and lots of progress. As we’ve grown and matured, in many ways we’ve gained “Our graduates have changed the face of health care a lot of recognition. We’re not really the best-kept secret delivery in the state, and certainly this region,” said Buser. anymore.”

“We’re making our mark here and we’re at the table in many ways.”

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THE BEST MEDICINE KYCOM professors look back

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT THE FIRST CLASS?

“They were pioneers and took a leap of faith to come to our new school. I got to know each of them and still keep in touch with almost a third of them mostly because they have been teaching our current students. Many in that first class were from our area and practice in Pikeville or surrounding communities. That’s what our school is all about – meeting the mission of placing primary care physicians in rural and underserved areas.”

Steve Harris, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST YEAR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL LIKE?

“Those were challenging days … a lot of unknowns and ‘What ifs?’ Will I be able to handle the work? Will I get exhausted and burned out? Will I be a good doctor?

Thankfully, the faculty and staff at KYCOM were welcoming and helpful. I always felt that I had plenty of support and people who really cared about making sure every student had the chance to succeed. I’ve always loved KYCOM and what it did for me.”

Joe Kingery, D.O., CPE, FAAFP Associate Professor of Education KYCOM Class of 2006

HOW HAS OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE THERAPY IMPACTED YOUR CAREER?

“I saw the benefits of osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) early on and wanted to utilize it in my practice. My Osteopathic Principles and Practices Fellowship was one of the best years of my life. My hope for the future is that allopathic physicians (M.D.) will become more aware of OMT and its benefits through the new single accreditation system for graduate medical education. Many allopathic physicians in the area refer patients for OMT once they experience it for themselves or see the benefit.”

Antoinette Justice, D.O. Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Osteopathic Principles and Practices KYCOM Class of 2010

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CONGRATULATIONS KYCOM “Few institutions have had as much positive impact on Eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia as the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM). The vision for this effort has been implemented with great success by the many faculty and staff who have been a part of these two decades. While we celebrate the success of KYCOM we recommit ourselves to its mission and resolve that the years in the future will add to the accomplishments of the past.”

“I want to wish heartfelt congratulations to the UPIKE-KYCOM for the 20 years of excellence in medical education. Since the school opened its doors, you have committed yourself to providing quality health care in rural Kentucky, and your work has resulted in healthier communities. I am proud of the many accomplishments of your students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and I look forward to your future successes.”

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell

Paul E. Patton Chancellor, University of Pikeville Governor of Kentucky (1995-2003)

Mrs. Marilynn (Steve) Payson

“‘I can’t means I don’t want to.’ Our children heard that often as they grew up. That same conviction led to a small group of individuals having a vision for a medical school in Eastern Kentucky.

“Since its inception 20 years ago, the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has grown remarkably and had a tremendously positive impact. KYCOM serves a vital role by training exceptional doctors to serve our community, the region, or other parts of the country. KYCOM shines brightly in our community because of its standing as a top-ranked school in rural medicine. Likewise, KYCOM is a major economic driver for our city. The City of Pikeville congratulates KYCOM and we look forward to more years of your growth, accomplishments and doctors.”

We had been out of town. When we returned home we listened to a message on our answering machine from an attorney in Paintsville, Ky. John, in his usual humorous fashion stated, ‘I didn’t do it. I have never been to Kentucky.’

Returning that phone call led to a series of whirlwind events and our move from a large urban city to small-town America where my husband used his knowledge and passion to assist in the realization of that dream. More than 20 years ago, individuals with a vision, a phone call, and a man who accepted the challenge led us to this anniversary.

Congratulations to those who have graduated, and those who are yet to graduate and provide exemplary health care to patients across the nation.”

Mrs. JoAnn (John) Strosnider

“We once only dreamed of having a medical school in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Not only did the visionary leaders of UPIKE bring that dream to fruition two decades ago, but KYCOM is now one of the nation’s flagship institutions for osteopathic medicine in rural America. Thanks to KYCOM, our best and brightest students can earn a professional doctoral degree and practice medicine right here at home, improving health care in their hometowns. Graduates of KYCOM are transforming rural medicine across the country, improving the quality of life for countless patients and families.”

U.S. Representative Hal Rogers

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“More than 20 years ago, when my late husband, Steve Payson, said let’s go help John (Strosnider) build an osteopathic college in Pikeville Ky., I knew this was going to be an enormous undertaking, but I had no idea of the real magnitude of the initiative. Congratulations to PCSOM/ KYCOM for delivering the finest doctors to serve in Appalachia while changing the model of cultivating doctors and evolving into a major economic driver for the region. I hope the next 20 years are just as exciting and rewarding!”

Donovan Blackburn, Former Pikeville City Manager “I am exceedingly proud of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine’s progress and the work that’s been accomplished. Most people don’t realize the impact on the economy. We’ve also had two good leaders in Dr. Strosnider and Dr. Buser.

They’ve done an outstanding job.”

Burlin Coleman, University of Pikeville Trustee Emeritus

“On the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine, greetings to alumni and friends and a special greeting to the first class of medical students. Paraphrasing a conversation from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Alice tells the queen, ‘There’s no use in trying, one can’t believe impossible things,’ to which the queen replied, ‘Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.’

Aren’t we fortunate that Chad Perry believed impossible things or there would not be a college of medicine in Eastern Kentucky. Keep the faith and never stop believing impossible things.”

Bill Owens, Pikeville College President Emeritus “This is the culmination of a chapter that started with the dream of Chad Perry, who pledged $1 million to build a school that would garner nationwide respect, see both its deans lead the American Osteopathic Association as president and graduate more than 1,100 physicians. Over the years, the University of Pikeville has invested $150 million in facilities and resources in support of a medical school that will serve this region and country for years to come. It is very personal to me to have been a part of something that has touched so many lives.”

Terry L. Dotson, Chairman, University of Pikeville Board of Trustees

“Special congratulations are in order as the University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine reaches its 20-year anniversary. I would love to have been in the room when some very forward-thinking strategists first raised the idea of a medical school in the mountains. I’m sure there were some who said it couldn’t be done, but the prevailing force was from those who saw the vision for what could be accomplished and were willing to do whatever it took to accomplish it!

I was honored to speak at KYCOM’s commencement a few years ago and to get a feel for this special institution in one of Kentucky’s most iconic mountain communities.

May the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine continue to achieve milestones, not just of longevity, but of excellence and great purpose. And may the same be true of its graduates as they strive for great things and bring hope and health to their patients, far and wide.”

U.S. Senator Rand Paul, M.D. “Congratulations on your 20th anniversary. Karen and I wish KYCOM and the entire University of Pikeville family continued success and progress.

Our best to you all.”

Harold H. “Hal” Smith, Pikeville College President Emeritus

“Congratulations to the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine for 20 years of distinctive service to the Central Appalachian region. The medical school has drastically improved access to top quality health care. The resulting economic and social impact has greatly enhanced the quality of life for the people of this medically under-served region. Not only have I witnessed these positive changes in my community; I have seen firsthand the outstanding doctors the school graduates. Both my wife and my sister-in-law are alumni of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and are practicing in Eastern Kentucky. If not for the leadership and vision of Gov. Paul Patton and the late Chad Perry, this outstanding institution would likely not have become a reality.

I wish the college continued success.”

Ray S. Jones II, Senate Democratic Floor Leader, D-Pikeville “Dr. Strosnider always believed KYCOM would become a national model for rural health care education. As the CFO of Pikeville College in 1996, I remember all the planning and sacrifice that went into this courageous effort.

We had the support of our college family, the community, and President William Owens and Gov. Paul Patton.

Some believed a medical school in the mountains impossible, but there were others, both public and private champions, whose philanthropic leadership helped to make it possible.

Congratulations on 20 years.”

Leslie Combs, Former Kentucky State Representative, 94th District

KYCOM RANKS

7

TH AMONG THE TOP MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN RURAL MEDICINE

2

ND

12

Kayla Sandlin

TH

IN PERCENTAGE OF IN FAMILY MEDICINE Kindergarten Teacher at Roy G. Eversole GRADUATES WHO Elementary School AMONG ALL ENTER PRIMARY MEDICAL SCHOOLS CARE RESIDENCIES IN THE NATION

Based on 2018 U.S. News & World Report rankings

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Growing Awareness

Sowing the Seeds for Healthier Living

By Lucy HOlman ’89 editor

In graduate school Cathy Rehmeyer had a garden on her balcony. Later, she and husband John transformed a hillside in the middle of downtown Pikeville, keeping bees and growing nearly a ton of food on less than a tenth of an acre.

Now, the couple is living their dream, running a small farm-to-table business, raising two young daughters, pet rabbits and a trio of Tennessee fainting goats.

Tucked away in a hollow in Floyd County, Ky., Four Petal Farm grows vegetables year-round, but is best known for a wintertime harvest of salad greens and root crops,

including carrots and beets, baby Asian greens like Bok Choy and colorful mustards.

“I never dreamed that my husband and I would end up being farmers so soon. Seeing the kind of life we could have, we were ready to make that leap,” said Rehmeyer.

“This is as much about the quality of life for my family, as it is about a life that is by far the most rewarding.”

An associate professor of pathology at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rehmeyer, who earned her Ph.D. in plant pathology, sees the food we put in our bodies as the foundation for health.

“There’s a huge need for fresh, local food that is not being met here, and we see it impact the health of people in Central Appalachia, which has one of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the country,” said Rehmeyer.

Using a system of low tunnels constructed from metal pipes covered with fabric or plastic to protect the plants, Four Petal Farm provides produce throughout the winter months when people don’t think about the availability of fresh, local foods.

Salad mixes and root crops from Four Petal Farm are beginning to grace the tables of local restaurants.

Word-of-mouth and a weekly delivery service continue to build the farm’s online business.

The delicious, healthy produce grown on Four Petal Farm has been featured on the menus at Sliced and the Blue Raven restaurants in Pikeville.

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Four Petal Farm will be certified organic this year, a process that requires diligence in documenting and maintaining soil quality.

A successful business also requires strategic planning.

“We’ve been doing market research to understand what people want and what will make a good profit,” said Rehmeyer. “We’re now more focused and deliberate about what we are offering.”

John has harvesting and marketing responsibilities. Cathy oversees planting and growing. The farm will be certified organic this year, a process that requires diligence in documenting and maintaining soil quality.

Rehmeyer, who speaks at farming conferences across the country, feels strongly about making healthy foods more accessible.

“We’ve found ourselves playing a central role in education, such as sharing our growing methods with local farmers and helping elementary schools establish winter gardens that feed their cafeterias,” she said.

“To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.”

Henry David Thoreau

The Appalachian Heirloom Seed Swap, which attracted more than 500 visitors from 10 states this year, is another idea Rehmeyer helped bring to fruition.

“People don’t realize this, but the biodiversity in Central Appalachia is unlike any place in the world, due in part to the tradition of a backyard garden,” she said.

Rehmeyer is grateful for the opportunity to build capacity for local agriculture while helping others lead healthier lives. “It isn’t the traditional role of a medical school professor,” she said. “I’m thankful to work at a university that recognizes its worth in the community we serve. If you told me 10 years ago I’d be a key player in developing a regional food system, I wouldn’t have seen it playing out that way.”

To learn more about Four Petal Farm, visit www.fourpetalfarm.com.

By focusing on growing in the traditional farming “offseason,” Cathy Rehmeyer said Four Petal Farm has carved out a terrific niche in the marketplace.

Learn more about Four Petal Farms here

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LEADING TECHNOLOGY Kentucky College of Optometry students and faculty have access to state-ofthe-art technology and equipment in the new Health Professions Education Building. Kentucky is one of three states in the nation to allow optometrists to perform in-office, primary care laser eye procedures, inject medications into external ocular tissue and remove abnormal skin growths and lesions around the eyes. The University of Pikeville is home to the 23rd college of optometry in the nation and the only one in Kentucky.

OPHTHALMIC ULTRASOUND BIOMICROSCOPE

Assistant Professor Dr. Josephine Owoeye instructs KYCO student Brent Kramer on the use of an Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biomicroscope (UBM). UBM permits complete imaging of deep ocular structures by reflecting high energy sonic waves off of the inside of the eye.

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs Dr. Cliff Caudill instructs KYCO student Christine Carrera on an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT technology generates highresolution, cross-sectional and three-dimensional (3D) images of the retina, optic disc and anterior segment, and provides valuable information that aids in the diagnosis and management of a range of ocular diseases. OCT technology has a broad range of applications that aid in the diagnosis and management of patients.

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HUMAN EYE ABERROMETER

Assistant Professor Dr. Jesson Martin instructs KYCO student Jacob Murphy on the use of a human eye aberrometer, the most comprehensive objective method to measure the optical aberrations (defects) of the human eye. This system helps students better understand how various optical defects affect visual performances collectively and individually. It has the capability to measure monochromatic aberrations and individual chromatic aberrations of the eye. This system is used to instruct students to measure and quantify the differences between the clinical subjective refraction and objective wavefront based aberrometer refraction. This system determines the accuracy of the laser-based surgeries on the human eye, such as LASIK refractive surgery.

RETINAL CAMERA

Caudill instructs KYCO student Cori Collins on the use of a retinal camera designed to obtain high resolution color and monochrome images of the human eye.

It aides diagnosis and management of a variety of conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, disorders of the cornea and other anterior segment (front structures) of the eye.

YAG LASER AND SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY UNIT

Assistant Professor Dr. Adam Hickenbotham demonstrates the use of an ophthalmic laser. The procedure is viewed simultaneously through a mobile video camera by students in the adjacent teaching pod and can also be recorded for future clinical instruction.

Students are able to watch in livestream instruction of clinical procedures performed in the adjacent laboratory or special surgical procedure room.

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By Andrew Buzzelli, O.D. Founding Dean, Kentucky College of Optometry

“First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is.”

Donovan – 1967

This line from the great British songwriter is so descriptive of optometry’s newest marvel. A mountain of stone was taken down inch by inch.

A school of the most advanced technology now occupies that vast empty space. It seems time and effort have stretched beyond our original imaginings of a school in an area composed of both unserved and underserved vision care.

Now there stands the largest building in Central Appalachia in Pikeville, Ky. The building houses the Kentucky College of Optometry and is 107,000 square feet of state-of the-art-classrooms, clinical education laboratories, basic science laboratories, primary care operatories, as well as office space for our growing nursing program. The last 18 months have been a massive effort not only for the construction of the building, but also for the class, the curriculum, the academic policies and the development of a very talented faculty.

Like any modern institutional program, everything boils down to the members who make up the community. The successful completion of the first semester of the first year, which was a fog five months ago, now basks complete in the warm mountain sun.

The students and faculty have joined together to build what some said was unbuildable, to staff which some said was unstaffable, and to teach to a class many argued was unobtainable. Fortunately for optometry, can’t, won’t and shouldn’t are words not found in the mountain vocabulary.

The work has been challenging and the road bumps sometimes harrowing. Our biggest joy has been the overwhelming, outstanding performance of the founding class of the Kentucky College of Optometry.

They performed magnificently with a zero attrition rate to date and 10 scholars on the dean’s list.

So now the students walk into a structure of magnificence, motivation and inspiration. The building, which rises out of the mountains, now holds the students who will be formed into the building blocks that will lead our profession even bolder into the future.

Like so many UPIKE students before them, Kentucky College of Optometry’s inaugural class gathers for a photo on the iconic 99 steps.

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ARCHERY

coming to UPIKE as 22nd varsity sport

By Dan White Sports Information Director

Archery, one of the fastest growing collegiate sports, is coming to the University of Pikeville this fall and will be coached by Chicago, Ill., native Jon Woods.

Woods was introduced to the sport at a young age and has gone on to train USA archery instructors and coach hundreds of archers in community park district programs that he created in the Chicago area.

Men and Women’s Archery will become UPIKE’s 22nd varsity sport offering, joining esports as the latest additions to the department since 2014. It also takes the place of women’s lacrosse, which was dropped last year.

UPIKE is set to become the sixth collegiate athletic department in Kentucky to sponsor archery as the sport continues to grow in the state after being added to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s offerings in 2012.

The Bears plan to join the United States Collegiate Archery Association where they will compete in regional and national championships in three divisions, including 3D, indoor and outdoor events.

For more information about UPIKE’s archery program contact Coach Woods at jonwoods@upike.edu or (708) 309-0065.

UPIKE sophomore Aaron Scott of Pikeville, left, will join the Bears’ inaugural archery team when they begin competition this fall.

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KELAH ELDRIDGE

ALL-IN

ALL-AMERICAN

By Dan White Sports Information Director

Where would you find more pressure, looking into the eyes of a classroom full of students, or watching the seconds of a close game tick away with the basketball in your hands?

Eldridge leaves as the program’s 13th-leading scorer with 1,289 points, was named an NAIA All-American in 2016-17 and is a three-time All Mid-South Conference selection.

Kelah Eldridge has made both of those situations a reality, and if her career academically and athletically at UPIKE is any indication, she has a bright future ahead of her in both fields.

Not a bad résumé for one of the top guards in the NAIA, but add in the fact that Eldridge was student teaching as well throughout her senior year, and it’s even more impressive.

“Students are eager to learn and I always try to give them my best as a teacher,” said Eldridge. “And on the court, especially with this past season being my last, I always tried to play as hard as I could and do the best for my team.”

“UPIKE has been such a great fit, from the classes, to being a part of the basketball team. The education department is top notch and I learned from some of the greatest educators in the state. Many of my professors attended our games and that meant so much to me.”

The Whitesburg, Ky., native has set her sights on becoming an elementary teacher while staying with the game she loves, this time on the sidelines as a coach.

“I hope to be changing kids’ lives for the better whether I’m teaching, coaching or both,” said Eldridge. “Wherever I end up, I hope to instill the passion I had for learning and my passion for basketball in every student that I can. I also hope my faith reaches a lot of people and that I can glorify God in all I do.”

Eldridge talks about teaching and basketball as if the two go hand-in-hand, because for her it’s been close to a lifelong passion.

“I’ve had a ball in my hands for as long as I can remember,” said Eldridge. “My dad pushed me to be the best I could. He has been my coach, while also being my biggest fan. I have to believe my love for the game also came from my mom and papaw as well. God definitely blessed me with some great role models.”

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Students from Ms. Kelah’s class hold up the spirit posters they made, cheering her on to victory.

Athletics Hall of Fame

The 2017 Athletics Hall of Fame class has been a part of five national championships at UPIKE. Rick Bentley spent 17 years as sports information director; LaDeanna Damron was a member of the women’s bowling team and played a pivotal role in bringing the first national championship to the school; Ron Damron coached the women’s bowling team to four national championships; and Justin Hicks finished his four-year career as a member of the men’s basketball team as a NAIA national champion. From left, Rick Bentley, LaDeanna Damron, Ron Damron and Justin Hicks.

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I Studied Skellig Before It Was Cool

By Michelle Goff Grant Writer

Traveling abroad changed Sumer Bingham’s life, and now the UPIKE Assistant Professor of Religion wants to create similar opportunities for her students.

Sumer Bingham, ’11, a member of the last Pikeville College graduating class, says she had never really been out of Pike County when she enrolled in England’s University of Bristol’s graduate program. After earning her master’s degree in religious studies, she returned to UPIKE, where she began working as an administrative assistant and a professor in religion.

As the summer of 2014 approached, she was asked to coordinate a travel abroad trip to England and Ireland for students.

“I had a friend living on the west coast of Ireland who suggested we go to Skellig Michael,” Bingham recalls.

“She said it would change my life and be a wonderful experience for the students.”

Bingham included the remote Irish island on the itinerary. Made famous by the closing scene in 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” from the seventh to 12th centuries Skellig Michael served as a monastery for what are believed to be Ireland’s first Christians. Located approximately 34

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7.5 miles from the mainland, Skellig Michael is accessed via boat trips and only during ideal conditions.

“The day we went, it was chilly and everybody was seasick. Then the island came into view. We were awestruck. It looks like something out of another world. I can’t describe the feeling. I thought, ‘I hope I never forget the way I feel right now.’”

Her sense of wonder only grew after climbing the 618 steps to the top of Skellig Michael.

“It was freezing at the bottom, but warmer at the top. It’s one of the most well preserved monastic sites in the world. There are no garbage cans, no food allowed, no bathrooms.

When I saw those monastic huts, I could understand why the monks chose that island. When I set foot on there, I knew I needed to learn more.”

One of her professors at Bristol encouraged her to research Skellig Michael and early Irish monasticism for her doctorate. Bingham spent the

following summer doing just that.

Although she treasured the time spent studying the island she had fallen in love with, she ultimately decided to switch from Bristol to a stateside graduate school. She will begin a doctoral program at St. Thomas University in Florida this August.

She said the ability to remain at UPIKE while earning her doctorate appealed to her.

“I feel so strongly about staying here and serving as an inspiration to students,” Bingham says. “I’m a first generation student. I was an awkward kid from the head of a holler in Elkhorn City. I was terrified the first time I went to Bristol. The students see me and think, ‘She overcame her fears and so can I.’” Bingham continues, “Although I want to provide opportunities for students to travel, I don’t want them to just go and then leave the area. I want them to experience a global education and use that to grow Appalachia.”

Alumni Spotlight

lego challenge Solving Real-World Problems with Robots

By Michelle Goff Grant Writer

Three UPIKE education graduates are helping elementary school students tackle real-world problems – and build robots.

Amy Carter, Sammy Maynard, and Kendra Staton graduated from UPIKE in 2001. All three teach at Southside Elementary and serve as coaches for the school’s FIRST LEGO League team. A collaboration between FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and the LEGO Group, FIRST LEGO League requires participants to develop a solution to a real-world challenge and to design, build and program autonomous robots from a LEGO kit. The robots then perform tricks as part of the robot games.

“The students use the same kit each year and decide if they’ll use the base and add attachments or build a new robot,” Maynard says.

“I want them to start looking at machines like end loaders to get an idea of how machines do what they do. I want them to use the engineering side and ask how they can make something similar to the machines they see every day.”

Maynard adds, “It’s such a wonderful way for kids to get early technology education. Students learn coding and Java script. This lays the groundwork for when they move to high school and into their careers.”

FIRST LEGO League team coaches Kendra Staton and Sammy Maynard.

Staton agrees, noting that the team helps instill cooperation among students. “When they enter the workforce, they will have to work with others,” she says. “They won’t be able to work in isolation.”

In addition to building robots, each year team members research a real-world problem associated with the league’s chosen theme.

As part of the competition, they design presentations, compile a binder, keep a journal of their experience and give an oral presentation at the robot games. Although Maynard, the lead coach, oversees the robot aspect, Carter and Staton help the students with the problem-solving.

In 2015, the theme was animal allies and the students addressed the problem of the diminishing bee population by creating the idea of a honey cow highway. For the 2016 theme, trash trek, they came up with the idea to repurpose abandoned furniture.

Staton believes the problem-solving aspect helps enhance students’ world view.

“We live in a small area and tend not to see outside our scope,” she says. “The FIRST LEGO League competition lets them see how big the world is. It doesn’t have to be in some spectacular way, but they learn they do have the capacity to make a difference.”

Students build and program autonomous robots from a LEGO kit. The robots then perform tricks as part of the robot games in FIRST LEGO League competitions.

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Alumni Association on the Road

From an idyllic farm setting in the heart of the Bluegrass, to fine dining at 211 Clover Lane in Louisville, then on to Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, University of Pikeville alumni and friends have been gathering to reminisce, learn more about the exciting changes on campus and meet President Burton Webb and his wife, Kay. The University of Pikeville Alumni Association’s successful gatherings also featured events closer to home, including a “Future Bears” luncheon in London, Ky., a BBQ event in Hazard and a dinner in Pikeville for alumni employed

by Community Trust Bank. UPIKE’s baseball program also welcomed 14 former Bears back to Johnnie LeMaster field for the annual alumni baseball game.

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Alumni Association Upcoming Events July 1, Saturday Cincinnati Reds Game Cincinnati, Ohio July 28-29 Pikeville Academy Alumni Reunion Weekend Pikeville, Ky. August 8, Tuesday Alumni Dinner Louisville, Ky. September 22, Friday Scholarship Golf Tournament Green Meadow Country Club Pikeville, Ky. October 27-29 Homecoming Weekend Pikeville, Ky. Stay up-to-date on the latest alumni news and events. Follow UPIKE Alumni on Facebook.

Click to subscribe to the monthly enewsletter

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Class Notes Reverend George W. Evans ’71 was honorably retired by the Shenandoah Presbytery of Virginia, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. He served at the historic Cooks Creek Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Va., for the last 16 years and at congregations in Ohio, Maryland and Virginia. Evans married his wife, Barbara Gail Boyd Evans, in the college chapel in 1970, with his father officiating.

To celebrate retirement, the couple plans on traveling, including a stop in Pikeville.

1970s

Teresa T. Combs, J.D., ’80 is a partner in the Lexington, Ky., law firm Mazanec, Raskin & Ryder LPA. Valedictorian of Pikeville College’s class of 1980, Combs earned her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

1980s 1990s

company.

Phillip Johnson ’91 is celebrating his 25th year with the Kellogg’s

Marshella Blankenship Davis ’94 has been an oncology nurse for the past 10 years and works throughout the U.S. as a travel nurse in medical/ oncology.

Dwayne Stevens ’94 is vice president and corporate information security officer of Community Trust Bank. A graduate of the Kentucky Bankers Association General Banking School, the KBA Commercial Lending School, Leadership Pike County and Leadership East Kentucky, Stevens’ certifications include information security manager, information systems auditor, internal auditor, banking cyber security manager, certified ethical hacker and Microsoft application specialist. He resides with his wife Melanie ’02 in Pikeville.

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

Joe Gibson ’95 has been named principal of Leestown Middle School in Lexington, Ky. Amy C. Markham, J.D., ’97 is the managing member of Spicer Rudstrom’s Little Rock office, which she assisted in opening in 2011.

Markham, who earned her accounting degree at Pikeville College, is a pro-business, experienced litigator focused on workers’ compensation, construction defect and catastrophic personal injury cases. She is also a graduate of the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas.

2000s

Richard Bradley Jewel ’02 produces Shooter Jennings’ Electric Rodeo on SiriusXM radio, Outlaw Country channel 60. He also produced and co-wrote a limited web series with Jennings titled “Beyond the Black.”

Employed by Consolidated Pipe and Supply in Debord, Ky., Jewel lives in Paintsville with his wife Jessica and son, Anderson.

Ralph Taylor ’02 has been named director of clinical affairs by Tru-D Smart UVC of Memphis, Tenn., and will be tasked with designing and implementing infection reduction programs. Taylor joins the company from Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Fla., where he was director of surgical services.

Ben Adams, D.O., KYCOM ’05 a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, has been named the chief of medical staff at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma, La. Nathan McWhorter, D.O., KYCOM ’06 has been awarded a two-year fellowship in nuclear medicine through the U.S. Army. He is stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Brooke Army Medical Center, in Houston, Texas.

Jordan Gibson ’08 is president and CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Prior to his appointment, Gibson was the director of alumni relations and annual giving at Florida State College at Jacksonville Foundation. He formerly served as the director of alumni relations at the University of Pikeville.

He also holds an MBA from UPIKE’s Coleman College of Business ’14.

Rodney “Chip” English ’08 and Heather Dillon English ’08, along with their five children, recently moved to Huntsville, Ala., where Chip is serving as head football coach and social studies teacher at Grissom High School.

Ashlee Looney Miller ’13 is married to Brandon Miller. The couple resides in Grundy, Va. She teaches eighth grade civics at Riverview Elementary/ Middle School in Buchanan County. A former UPIKE cheerleader, Miller was a middle school cheerleading coach before being named varsity coach at Grundy High School in 2016.

Miller also serves as a local executive director for the Miss America organization.

2010s

Caleb Noe ’15 is a sports reporter for WLFI-TV in Indiana. The film and media arts alumnus previously worked for WYMT-TV in Hazard, Ky. Noe covers Purdue University sports, high school and some Indianapolis and Chicago teams.

Quenton Dumar Cunningham ’15 of Cross Hill, S.C., recently graduated from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations Academy and is working as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer.

Click here to add your news to next issue’s class notes

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