Pikeville College Profile

Pikeville College, now known as the University of Pikeville (UPIKE), is a private institution of higher learning that has served the Appalachian region of Kentucky since its founding in 1889. This institution, deeply embedded in the rich cultural and historical context of its surroundings, offers a broad liberal arts and sciences education while remaining dedicated to the educational needs of its community. Through a wide array of academic programs, from undergraduate liberal arts disciplines to advanced degrees in fields like osteopathic medicine, Pikeville College has solidified its reputation as a vital educational resource in southeastern Kentucky. Over the years, it has transformed and expanded to meet the changing needs of its students, faculty, and the broader region.

The educational approach at Pikeville College emphasizes a well-rounded liberal arts curriculum, which allows students to explore various disciplines while gaining critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are highly valued in today’s ever-changing world. The college’s academic offerings span a variety of fields, with divisions in Business & Economics, Education, Humanities, Mathematics & Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Social Science. These divisions not only offer students the opportunity to pursue specialized academic interests, but they also foster a broad intellectual development that prepares graduates for both professional success and personal fulfillment.

The Division of Social Sciences at Pikeville College provides instruction in several key fields, including Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Geography, History, History/Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology. These disciplines are essential for understanding the complexities of human society, culture, and behavior. Students in these programs benefit from a rigorous academic environment that encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving. The breadth of subjects available within the Division of Social Sciences ensures that students have access to a diverse range of knowledge and methodologies, allowing them to gain a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena and the structures that govern human interaction. Moreover, these fields are particularly relevant to the region of Eastern Kentucky, where issues of social welfare, criminal justice, and historical preservation are paramount.

The education programs at Pikeville College are particularly noteworthy, earning a strong reputation for producing competent teachers who go on to serve the needs of their communities. The college offers a variety of teaching majors that lead to either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. These programs are designed to prepare future educators to meet the challenges of contemporary classrooms, and they are accredited by Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). This board ensures that the programs adhere to the high standards set by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which evaluates teacher education programs based on their quality and effectiveness. Pikeville’s focus on teacher preparation aligns with its mission of providing students with practical skills that can be applied in real-world settings, ensuring that graduates are ready to contribute to the educational system as effective and compassionate teachers.

One of the defining features of Pikeville College is its commitment to healthcare education, specifically through the establishment of the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine (PCSOM). Established as the 19th school of osteopathic medicine in the country, the PCSOM has played a significant role in the development of healthcare professionals who are trained to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. This program has been particularly influential in addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved areas, with a focus on primary care and family medicine. The school’s emphasis on rural medicine has earned it high marks for its contributions to the field. According to the 2009 edition of U.S. News & World Report's “America's Best Graduate Schools”, the PCSOM ranks among the top 20 medical schools in the country for rural medicine. Furthermore, it is ranked 4th in the nation in the percentage of graduates entering primary care residencies. These rankings reflect the school’s success in preparing its students to serve in critical roles in communities where healthcare professionals are in high demand, particularly in rural regions like eastern Kentucky.

The accreditation of Pikeville College by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is a testament to the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and ensuring that students receive a quality education. This accreditation allows the college to confer associate, baccalaureate, and doctoral degrees, giving students the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in a variety of fields. The college’s nursing program is another example of its dedication to providing students with access to rigorous, practical, and high-quality education. The associate degree in nursing is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, which ensures that the program meets state standards for nursing education and prepares students to enter the healthcare workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

While Pikeville College has its roots in liberal arts and sciences, it has adapted over the years to meet the evolving educational needs of the region and its students. The addition of professional programs like osteopathic medicine and nursing reflects the college’s responsiveness to the demand for healthcare professionals in the region. The school’s emphasis on training students for careers in rural medicine is particularly important given the healthcare disparities that exist in rural Appalachia, where access to healthcare can be limited. By training doctors and healthcare providers who are committed to serving rural communities, Pikeville College plays a crucial role in addressing these disparities and improving the health outcomes of people living in rural areas.

The college’s expansion and adaptation to meet the needs of its students and the region have been critical to its success. The growth of the institution, particularly through its focus on healthcare education, has also had a positive impact on the local economy and community. The presence of the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine has brought attention to the area as a center for medical education, helping to attract students, faculty, and healthcare professionals to the region. This influx of talent and resources has helped to revitalize the local economy and improve the quality of life for people in the region, demonstrating the importance of education in fostering economic development and community well-being.

Pikeville College, now the University of Pikeville, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a variety of fields. The institution’s focus on liberal arts, healthcare, and teacher preparation has enabled it to serve the diverse needs of its students and community, while also maintaining a commitment to academic rigor and excellence. The college’s emphasis on rural medicine and primary care training has been especially beneficial for the Appalachian region, where healthcare access remains a significant challenge. As a result, Pikeville College has earned a reputation as a respected institution that contributes not only to the academic success of its students but also to the betterment of the broader community.

In conclusion, Pikeville College, now the University of Pikeville, has a rich history of providing a quality liberal arts education while adapting to meet the professional and healthcare needs of its community. Through its academic divisions in areas like business, education, social sciences, and healthcare, the college has ensured that its students are prepared to face the challenges of the modern world. The success of its osteopathic medicine program and its focus on rural healthcare have contributed significantly to the region’s development, providing essential healthcare services and improving the local economy. By continuing to evolve and grow in response to the needs of its students and the region, Pikeville College has established itself as a vital educational institution that will continue to serve the Appalachian community for many years to come.