Moving Mountains

University of Pikeville began its 133rd academic year on a record high, welcoming more than 450 new students to campus. This is the largest incoming class in the university’s history, with an impressive 40 percent increase from 2021. The university’s graduate and doctoral programs also saw their largest number of enrolled students, totaling 940.

“UPIKE Admissions is a talented team with years of experience and individuals who are passionate about serving. It is very exciting to see their efforts come to fruition,” said Dean of Admissions Gary Justice ʼ96, MBA ʼ13. “UPIKE truly is a family. We care about each and every student and want nothing more than to see them succeed.”

UPIKEʼs focus remains on making sure students thrive and complete their degrees. From free textbooks for all students to competitive scholarships like the Pikeville Promise that could cover a studentʼs full tuition and room and board, the university has remained true to its mission of eliminating barriers for students. As a result, first- to second-year retention at the university is at an all-time high of 67.8 percent.

“Everything we do is all about building the region by investing in our people,” said President Burton Webb, Ph.D. “We believe that Eastern Kentucky is full of gifted people who need a place to learn and live. UPIKE has been here for 133 years. That is four to six generations, depending on how you count. We are here because this is home. Letʼs build our home together.”

Director of Family and New Student Connections Stephanie Stiltner ʼ10 coordinated various activities during GROWL (Gathering for Registration, Orientation, Welcome and Leadership) sessions throughout the summer and UPIKE FIRST Week. Stiltner led students into their first year with activities that allowed them to get to know each other and build essential connections on campus with faculty and staff.

“Itʼs important for students to not only connect with each other and the campus community but also to gain a sense of belonging to the UPIKE family,” said Stiltner.

During UPIKE FIRST Week, students were introduced to the universityʼs history. They took part in campus traditions, including “the climb,” a first-year rite of passage of ascending the iconic 99 steps together, symbolizing the beginning of their academic journey.

Serving others has been at the heart of UPIKE since its beginning, and staying true to those roots, incoming students participated in UPIKE FIRST Day of Service. First-year students served across the region, from landscaping on campus to cleaning a community park and organizing supplies at a local community donation center. The majority of student volunteers assisted families in neighboring communities affected by significant flooding earlier this year.

Toronto native and incoming freshman Adam Di Millo came to UPIKE to begin the journey toward his future. As a healthcare management major and goalkeeper for the soccer team, he says whether he is on the field or in the classroom, the faculty and his peers constantly push him to be his best.

After receiving a grant to create a summer bridge program for rising second-year students, the university established Trailblazers to continue students’ first-year momentum into their second year at UPIKE.

The week-long summer program immersed students in self-exploration, skill development, team-building and social activities. They gained networking experience with community partners and alumni from their chosen major or career pathway. Students also attended workshops on time management, academic preparedness and stress resiliency and completed a community service project. Following the summer program, participants engaged in monthly social activities to continue the sense of belonging and community achieved from the summer. The inaugural class celebrated its successes with an off-campus retreat centered around reflection, social support, team building and communication.

“I’m so grateful that we were not only able to plan and host the Trailblazers Summer Bridge Program but also for the students that completed it,” said Assistant Dean of Student Success Megan Childress ʼ11. “During the weeklong program, monthly activities, and final retreat, it was wonderful to witness the many conversations that led to self-discovery and students uncovering their passions.”

Allowing new students to get a jump start on college life, the UPIKE FIRST Summer Bridge Program offered an early orientation to help smooth the transition to college. Students had access to accelerated academic coursework and early service, social, academic, career and personal development programs.

The four-week program included completing a course that provided comprehensive guidance for students transitioning into college life. Students learned about study skills, critical and creative thinking, career awareness, and campus resources designed to aid their success.

“For new students, becoming comfortable in your new environment can be pivotal,” said Director of Family and New Student Connections Stephanie Stiltner ʼ10. “This program allowed students to get acclimated to the college experience by utilizing student support resources and navigating the daily ins and outs of campus life.”