Letter from the President

Throughout the seasons in UPIKE’s rich history one fact has stood the test of time: Were it not for the prayers, service and sacrifice of those before us, the UPIKE family would not exist, much less have the opportunity to leave its profound impact on the world.

When a student travels abroad to learn by experiencing the world, or an alumna attends medical school on the same campus that so lovingly prepared her for a life well lived, or a faculty member makes a groundbreaking discovery, my thoughts turn to the men and women who laid the foundation for these journeys. Embedded in the pages that follow are powerful stories of individuals like Bill Baird who, along with family members before him, have given to the university with every fiber of their being. Those of us who walk this vibrant campus today are drinking from the well carved out of stone by our Presbyterian founders and the remarkable people who have poured their time, hearts, souls and resources into the beacon on the hill that is UPIKE.

Equally inspiring are the people rolling up their sleeves today to help current students and future students they will never meet. Our new Alumni Association president, two new deans in our health professions programs and a beloved athletic director are just a sample of current servant leaders paving the way for students to succeed in the 21st century and beyond.

Thanks to the genuine deep love that binds generations touched by our university, students see new possibilities. Providing opportunities to students of varied interests, talents, backgrounds and cultures is central to the mission so many have dutifully carried out since before 1889. Students are our lifeblood, our heartbeat!

I am grateful for the selfless labor of those who have constructed the well that brings life to our institution. It is our privilege to exercise good stewardship of the gifts we have so graciously been given and to create possibilities for those yet to experience UPIKE. This is an exciting time of growth, innovation and opportunity at the Central Appalachian university that radiates hope as we continue…

Striving to serve,

Burton J. Webb President