Letter from the PRESIDENT

Someday, when I look back at 2020 from the rocking chair of retirement, I will shake my head in amazement at all of the changes a tiny virus has wrought. As COVID-19 began redefining how we care for ourselves and conduct daily life, UPIKE committed to not just survive the impending changes but to thrive during the chaos. At the center of our thinking, planning and response is one overarching priority: student success.

Undergraduate and professional students were able to complete the second half of the spring semester online under the instruction of our exceptional faculty. Around one hundred undergraduate students could not, or chose not to, return home when face-to-face classes ceased. To ensure their overall well-being, we were able to provide them with housing, dining, technology and other resources in a safe on-campus environment.

Our first-ever virtual commencement ceremony was held to celebrate the achievements of our undergraduate, graduate and health professions students.

There was no challenge daunting enough to deter the Kentucky College of Optometry from graduating its inaugural class of 2020. This remarkable group of pioneers overcame adversity along the way and has made us proud. Their tenacity and grit will forever mark them in our history and our hearts. Along with Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) graduates, these compassionate individuals will increase access to quality healthcare in rural communities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have heard and shared many stories of brave UPIKE and KYCOM alumni working on the front lines. A group of well-trained KYCOM osteopathic medical students received statewide recognition from Governor Beshear for being among the first to answer a call to serve the Commonwealth. We thank everyone within the UPIKE Family who has put themselves in harm’s way in the spirit of service. We are equally inspired by the accomplishments of our student-athletes, experiential learners, faculty and staff during this academic year.

The pages that follow are filled with uplifting stories of selflessness, learning, achievement and growth. Hope exists. Yes, these are trying times for us all; but there are countless bright days ahead for the university as we continue excelling and...

Striving to serve,

Burton J. Webb President