Finding Success in the Journey

By: Laura Damron MBA '19

In 2015, the University of Pikeville’s Board of Trustees determined to make a change in the trajectory of the institution. That decision, combined with the efforts of the UPIKE Family, has helped to generate remarkable momentum in equipping students to lead meaningful lives and create a bright future for Appalachia. The board began by launching a national search in 2015 for a visionary leader who might be able to take the university to the next level.

Chairman of the Board Terry L. Dotson ’72 said, “Burton was the perfect candidate. His background of working in a religious institution in a rural area, his experience as a medical educator and academic leader, and his education set him apart. He and Kay were the right fit in every possible way.”

“We felt we needed someone with experience and knowledge in undergraduate and medical education to allow UPIKE to grow into the university we envisioned for Appalachian Kentucky,” added UPIKE Trustee Jean R. Hale ’68. “Dr. Webb had experience in all areas, and he expressed passion and excitement to be involved in the future of UPIKE.”

Webb, a native of Central Michigan with deep family roots in Eastern Kentucky, holds a doctorate degree in microbiology and immunology. He came to UPIKE in January 2016 with his wife, Kay Webb, Ph.D., from his post as vice president for academic affairs at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. Webb’s style of servant leadership has empowered the UPIKE Family to thrive since he was selected as president by the Board of Trustees.

Soon before his arrival on campus, Webb interviewed and hired David Hutchens as vice president for advancement and alumni relations. To modernize academic operations at UPIKE, Webb implemented the provost model that is common in American higher education. Lori Werth, Ph.D., was hired as the university’s first provost and a month later, Barry Bentley joined the president’s cabinet as vice president for business affairs.

“UPIKE has the best team in place in my history with the university,” said Dotson. “Burton brought high-quality, high-energy leaders to campus to complement a fine team of faculty and staff. The leadership team has made many positive changes in all areas of the institution. UPIKE is growing during a very critical time for our region.”

To guide the university’s transformation, the institution launched a transparent strategic planning process that incorporated ideas from more than 300 employees. The Board of Trustees approved the five-year living document that casts an ambitious vision for the beacon of hope “on the hill” and empowers students to be successful learners and leaders.

Growing from the strategic plan was the realization that the university’s outdated general education core was a barrier to students’ success and for individuals wishing to transfer to UPIKE. Werth challenged the faculty to find a solution in 2019. A few months later, the faculty designed and passed sweeping changes to the university’s general education core. The new curriculum requires far fewer credit hours, gives students flexibility to choose courses that appeal to their interests and is built around the idea of place – a foundational concept in Appalachian culture, literature and music.

“Students can now come to know who they are, where they are and what they are called to do, all in the context of place,” Webb explained.

Another change that has proven to be of great significance was the creation and accreditation of UPIKE’s first online programs. Beginning with the RN-BSN program, UPIKE has reimagined or launched three new online programs, with more to come. A new learning management system, Canvas, has enriched teaching and learning in significant ways. The faculty were so well prepared in their use of Canvas, that very few struggled to move online this spring amidst COVID-19.

UPIKE academics have been further improved with the addition of support services for students and families. A comprehensive first-year experience program was created to prepare new students for the rigors of college life. The Office of Family Connections was established to bridge a gap with parents and families. Bear Pause events were established to provide registered students with a clearly defined method of paying their bill prior to classes beginning. To prevent students from leaving UPIKE due to unmet academic needs, an early alert system was implemented so that faculty can report academic challenges as soon as they arise.

In a bold move to provide more opportunities for undergraduate students, UPIKE will implement an eight-week block schedule and offer textbooks at no cost beginning in fall of 2020. The forward-thinking changes will allow students to improve their learning and maintain better balance in their schedules.

“The quality of education being delivered at UPIKE is attaining the desired goal of developing confident and educated young adults,” said Hale.

Near the beginning of 2016, the advancement and public relations teams realized that important constituencies – alumni and friends – had not regularly been engaged by UPIKE. Hutchens worked to refocus the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, and his team quickly began reinventing communication with the university’s alumni. The UPIKE Magazine relaunched following a hiatus of four years and has earned prestigious awards. In addition, the UPIKE website has been rebuilt, various newsletters have been revamped and digitized, and significant alumni engagement events have reconnected graduates with their college for the first time in years.

Since 2016, alumni, donor and grant funding have contributed drastically more resources to support students than ever before. Donations have reached record-setting-levels.

Business operations needed increased efficiency when Bentley arrived. Bentley and the Office of Business Affairs skillfully managed an underfunded construction project while implementing accounting controls and processes necessary to carry UPIKE forward. After years of sound fiscal management, a major budget shortfall turned into a budget surplus, despite a variety of challenges. Several facilities have been updated and the Health Professions Education Building was able to open in 2017.

“Dr. Webb has not only been able to recruit talented individuals to UPIKE, but the university has also attained a much stronger financial position under his leadership,” stated Hale.

The UPIKE Family has remained focused on rising to meet the health needs of the region. KYCO graduated its inaugural class of optometrists in 2020 under the leadership of Dean Michael Bacigalupi, O.D. The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine is providing exceptional medical education with Dean Dana Shaffer, D.O., at the helm. The College of Nursing and Human Services, under the direction of Dean Karen Damron, Ph.D., is expanding to include an online Master of Social Work program with a unique specialization in mental health and addictions. Each college remains committed to providing quality care to rural, underserved populations. Additionally, UPIKE has formed partnerships with numerous institutions to provide educational pathways to its health professions programs.

Off campus, Webb prioritizes time to serve as an ambassador for UPIKE and Central Appalachia. His commitment to sharing UPIKE’s story has taken him from as far as the Netherlands, to all corners of the United States. A gifted orator, he is preparing to launch the third season of his podcast, Appalachia Rising presented by UPIKE, in which he interviews leaders who are creating positive change in the region. Fostering regional economic diversification is also a passion of Webb’s. He has long been a supporter of AppHarvest’s initiative to bring high-tech agriculture in Eastern Kentucky and other innovative opportunities.

The last five years have not been without difficult circumstances, none more compelling than the COVID-19 global outbreak. One of the benefits of a stable leadership team has been an equally effective leadership plan during the crisis as it has in daily operations. During the pandemic, undergraduate and professional students were able to seamlessly continue their education online in the spring 2020 semester. Faculty quickly rose to the occasion of transitioning their courses online. Students needing access to dining services and resources were able to continue living on campus. Funding sources were applied for and granted to assist students and the university during the pandemic.

In the last five years, undergraduate retention has increased, students feel empowered to succeed, faculty are more engaged, finances are transparent and strong, fundraising is at record levels for five consecutive years and alumni continue changing the world.

There is also an undeniable sense of family that permeates campus.

“The culture at UPIKE has developed into a very participatory culture of teamwork,” Hale said. “Everyone understands that ‘together we can do great things’ and is living and working that way every day.”

Dotson stated, “The administration, faculty, staff and the board care about UPIKE, its students and the community. Employees work together for the common good, and there is a level of comfort across all levels of the institution. I have served on the board for nearly four decades and chaired the board for 25 years. The last four years have been the most rewarding, and I must say the easiest, of my tenure.”

According to Webb, his journey is one of love and service. “It has been my great joy to serve the UPIKE Family and represent the institution to our friends and alumni. Kay and I understand that we are merely stewards of the legacy we inherit. Ours is a moment in time and it is the exceptional people who choose to live and work here day after day, year after year, who empower our students to thrive. The fact that we have the opportunity to serve here, is a gift that will shape our lives for years to come. We hope that what we have to offer is the right sort of leadership at the right time.”