A Heart for Service with Determination for Success

By Kelly Rowe-jones

As UPIKE’s first student to complete the rigorous Optometry Scholars Program (OSP), it’s clear Ashley Richmond learned how to set goals for herself and surpass them. With a clear vision for her life and a passion for her community, Richmond is charting a path all her own in the field of optometry.

The highly competitive Optometry Scholars Program allows qualified UPIKE students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from the university's Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO).

Having graduated from UPIKE and been accepted to KYCO, Richmond now focuses her determination on not only working toward her optometry degree to help serve the under-served in Appalachia, but to inspire future students to have the courage to discover and pursue their passion at UPIKE.

“The people drew me here,” Richmond recalled from her first visit to campus in 2015. “They were so nice and welcoming and understanding. They sold me!”

“From day one when I met Ashley on her campus visit, I knew she was a special person,” said her golf coach Nelson Scott. “I could tell she was a great fit for the university and the golf team.”

“On the golf course, Ashley has played with integrity, respected others, and even on bad days Ashley always has a smile on her face with a positive attitude. She has truly been a blessing to coach for the last three years.”

Richmond admits that at times balancing the roles of full-time student and full-time athlete while participating in a demanding program was difficult, but she knew she had a faithful support system to help propel her toward a bright future.

“UPIKE is a strong believer in student-athletes,” said Richmond. “My coach was a great support through my journey. He wanted me to be successful on the golf course but wanted me to excel in the classroom even more.”

The student-athlete from Winchester, Ky., says that although playing golf at the collegiate level brought her to UPIKE, it was KYCO that helped her see the next chapter of her education. After touring the brand new, state-of-the-art Health Professions Education Building and meeting with KYCO faculty, Richmond knew she’d found the place she was meant to be.

“KYCO is different than other schools,” said Richmond. “It offers a close-knit community of students, a prestigious learning environment and the opportunity to learn from some of the best professors from across the country.”

“We are so proud to have Ashley join us in the fall at KYCO with the Class of 2023,” said Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., MS, FAAO, FNAP, dean of KYCO. “She is exactly the type of student that we want to help grow into the profession of optometry through the Optometry Scholars Program. I know that she’s going to be a great optometrist in the future.”

UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., presented Richmond her undergraduate degree during UPIKE’s commencement ceremony on May 4, 2019.

In addition to the support she received from Bacigalupi and numerous faculty members, Richmond says KYCO’s Assistant Dean for Student and Professional Development Josephine Owoeye, O.D., MPH, FAAO, made a lasting impression.

“Dr. Owoeye draws you in with her enthusiasm,” said Richmond. “She has been such an amazing mentor, rooting for me every step of the way. She has encouraged me to stay dedicated and set high goals for myself. It’s inspiring to see her devotion to make the Appalachian region healthier by doing what’s best for others.”

For Owoeye, the admiration is mutual and she foresees the good Richmond will accomplish.

“Ashley has had a drive and passion for optometry from the first day I interviewed her for the program,” said Owoeye. “She has shadowed at the KYCO clinic, been involved in various pre-optometry events and she checked in regularly. I look forward to seeing her evolve as an optometry student and as an optometrist when she graduates!”

As for the next generation of UPIKE Bears, Richmond feels a responsibility to help guide and model a path for them.

“Have confidence in yourself and strive to be the best,” said Richmond. “I encourage you to come for a visit and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will be welcomed with open arms, and one visit will be all it takes to fall in love with Pikeville, just like I have.”