University of Pikeville: A Legacy of Education and Growth in Appalachia

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE), a private university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), stands as a testament to the transformative power of education in the heart of Appalachia. Located in Pikeville, Kentucky, UPIKE has a rich history of serving the region, adapting to its challenges, and fostering growth in its students and community. From its humble beginnings as a training school for teachers to its current status as a comprehensive university with professional schools, UPIKE's story is one of commitment, resilience, and vision.

Historical Foundations and Early Development

UPIKE's story began in 1889 when Dr. James Record established the Training School for Teachers. Recognizing the need to improve educational standards in Central Appalachia, Record's school provided teachers with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and pass teacher certification tests. This initiative laid the foundation for UPIKE's long-standing commitment to education in the region.

In its early years, the institution underwent several transformations. It was known as Pikeville Collegiate Institute (1889-1909) and later Pikeville College (1909-2011). In 1909, the school divided into two entities: Pikeville College Academy, a private primary and secondary school, and Pikeville College, an accredited junior college. Pikeville College offered the first two years of college education, with the expectation that students would transfer to another Presbyterian college to complete their degrees.

The early development of the campus was a collaborative effort, with students playing a significant role in construction projects. Students took the initiative to build a gymnasium, providing the Bears with their first home court. The institution also focused on addressing the needs of its students and the surrounding community. President A.A. Page, with his knowledge of farming, taught students how to perform farm labor for work-study. This initiative helped solve food shortages by providing fresh meat and vegetables for the school cafeteria. James Francis also contributed to the school by providing the money to purchase May Far.

Growth and Transformation

The post-World War II era brought significant changes to Pikeville College. The G.I. Bill led to a surge in enrollment, reflecting the increased access to education for returning veterans. However, the institution also faced challenges. A devastating flood struck Pikeville and surrounding areas, causing extensive damage to the campus, with the gym alone suffering $1.5 million in damage. Despite this setback, the college persevered. The upper campus was one of the few areas spared. The water was about 18 feet above the flood plain.

In 1987, the completion of the Pikeville Cut-Through, a massive infrastructure project, reshaped the landscape of the town and the college. This was completed after 14 years of work.

The establishment of the Elizabeth Akers Elliott Nursing Program marked an important step in expanding the college's academic offerings. In 1997, the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine-now the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine-was founded. This medical school aimed to address the shortage of healthcare providers in Appalachia by training primary care physicians. The osteopathic medical school prepares graduates to pursue further training in any medical specialty. Student recruitment is focused almost exclusively on students with a rural Appalachian background.

Transition to University Status and Modern Expansion

The Centennial Celebration marked a pivotal moment in the institution's history. Championed by President Paul E. Patton, the board of trustees recognized the institution as a university, acknowledging its comprehensive undergraduate and professional programs.

An era of unprecedented growth in athletics saw the department expand from five sports to more than 20, including football, bowling and volleyball.

University President Burton Webb announced the addition of the School of Dental Medicine and Bear Mountain, an acquisition of 220 mountain top acres for UPIKE Athletics, to include football, soccer, tennis, cross country, track and field, archery, softball and baseball.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Alice Kinder's "Pikeville College Looks to the Hills" was followed by "Becoming a University - The Story of UPIKE," which chronicles UPIKE's history from 1989 to 2021. UPIKE's expansion and growth in the past almost 40 years have been historic, from starting a medical school to becoming a university and establishing Kentucky's only optometry school.

Academics

UPIKE offers a range of academic programs for undergraduate students and professional schools. The university encourages students to "discover who you were called to be" and challenges them to grow and reach their full potential.

Undergraduate Programs

UPIKE's undergraduate programs provide a strong foundation for students pursuing graduate studies or various careers. Some of the academic areas include:

Biology: Students explore the diversity of life and gain the foundation needed for graduate school or a variety of science careers.
Chemistry: An important component in the fields of biology, medicine, earth science, environmental science and physics.
Education: Students make a difference in the lives of students and impact the future. Teaching is a rewarding career. The Music Education program provides a strong foundation in music theory, history and pedagogy, leading to P-12 teaching certification in Kentucky. Through hands-on classroom experiences, ensemble performances, and one-on-one mentorship, students develop the skills needed to lead successful music programs in schools and communities.
English: Students immerse themselves in the study of critical thinking, academic and creative writing and communication skills.
Information Technology Management (ITM): Offers a career-ready credential that students can tailor to their professional goals, occupational opportunities and career shifts over time.
Management: Students develop the management and leadership skills needed in many industries today.
Associate of Science Degree: A two-year program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: A convenient, online program.
Music: The emphasis in music is designed to provide students with a strong but flexible degree option. It involves more courses than a minor and focuses the student’s study in music within the performing arts major.
Religion: Focus on understanding the Bible and religious diversity.
Theatre: Students get hands-on experience in both performance and the technical side of theatre production.
History/Political Science: A combined major in history and political science at UPIKE helps students develop critical thinking and writing skills applicable to a variety of career and graduate school paths. As a student, you’ll analyze human experience from multiple perspectives. History majors at UPIKE have participated in archaeological work in Israel and even the archaeological reconstruction of 3,000-year-old pottery. Students have served as guides at archaeological exhibitions, performed historical preservation surveys prior to the construction of the Coal Building at UPIKE and taken classes in China. As a history student, you can conduct archival research and will have considerable opportunities to travel, making history a hands-on experience.

Graduate and Professional Programs

UPIKE also offers graduate and professional programs, including the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Kentucky College of Optometry.

Campus Life

UPIKE offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and connect with others.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Residence Life

Residence Life helps make UPIKE your home away from home. Living and learning happen day and night-much of it in and around our residential housing communities. The Residence Life staff guides and supports you and provides an on-campus living experience that is comfortable, happy and healthy. The residential environments are within a short walk of the academic buildings and feature common areas to build community. Students can apply for Honors Community or Affinity Housing.

Student Activities

Getting involved is easy at UPIKE; there’s always something happening on campus. Students can join one of the many clubs and organizations, or cheer on the Bears with free admission to all UPIKE home sporting events. Student Activities serves as an outlet for every student to get connected. UPIKE also offers intramural sports throughout the academic year.

Student Support

UPIKE provides resources to support all students, including help with time management or studying skills.

Campus Facilities

UPIKE's campus includes a variety of facilities to support academic and student life:

Allara Library: Dedicated in 1991, the Allara Library contains 3 floors of study rooms, books, a small cache of microfilm and microfiche, and the basement houses the University of Pikeville tutoring lab.
Health Professions Building: This building houses the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry, a Chick-fil-A and Einstein Bros.
Record Memorial Hall: This building serves as a connection between Hambley Boulevard and University of Pikeville and also contains Booth Auditorium, the Sturgill Board Room, the Elizabeth Akers Nursing Program, the Marguerite Weber Art Gallery, and the Ridenour Dance Studio.
Training-Academy Building: This is the oldest building on campus, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Condit Hall: Houses all freshman female students.
Wickham Hall: Although originally a dorm for female campus residents it now houses all freshman males.
Appalachian Wireless Arena: UPIKE's men's and women's basketball teams play at the 5,700-seat Appalachian Wireless Arena adjacent to the campus in downtown Pikeville.
Expo Center: The Expo Center opened in 2005 and replaced the UPike Gym as the home of the men's and women's basketball teams, although the women's volleyball team still uses the gym.

Athletics

The Pikeville (UPike) athletic teams are called the Bears. UPike competes in 25 intercollegiate varsity sports.

A University Rooted in Appalachia

UPIKE embodies the spirit of the Appalachian region, with its grit and pride powering its efforts to create opportunities for all types of learners. The university's location in Eastern Kentucky provides access to scenic spots for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and zip-lining.

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