Ronald McCoy Community Service Award

Striving to serve is a continued sentiment that the University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is committed to achieving.

Retired optometrist and UPIKE Board of Trustees’ member Ronald McCoy, O.D., exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and commitment through his outstanding contributions to the local community and service initiatives.

The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) created and designed the Ronald McCoy Community Service Award to honor a 2020 KYCO graduate who embodies the same spirit of service as McCoy.

UPIKE Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., states the award is a prestigious recognition designed to honor the service, commitment and positive contributions of a KYCO student.

“We believe that service excellence drives innovation and differentiates our students during their patient interactions,” said Werth. “At the University of Pikeville, we believe to impact the lives of others, there must be a focus on service and opportunities to learn from others who permit us to lead.”

McCoy has dedicated his life to the service of others and is humbled to have the award named in his honor.

“Community service and helping others is a significant part of my life,” said McCoy. “The Lord has richly blessed me throughout my life, and I believe we should pass those blessings on to others.”

Dean of KYCO Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, FNAP, appreciates that McCoy has a giving spirit and does whatever is needed to be done to improve the lives of people in Pikeville.

“Dr. Ron McCoy is a skilled and talented optometrist who has provided eye care for countless patients in Eastern Kentucky throughout his career, but you are likely to see him dragging tree limbs out of the road after a storm or on a ladder painting a community member’s house,” said Bacigalupi. “His spirit of giving back extends well beyond his optometric career.”

KYCO graduate Robert “Travis” Whitlow, O.D., ’20, received the award during the virtual commencement ceremony of KYCO’s inaugural graduating class.

“While I am the first to receive this award, I hope I have inspired others to work hard in their communities,” said Whitlow. “Community service is something I think everyone should get involved in, regardless of how it is done. I do it because I believe that if we have the ability and skills to help those that are in need, we should do all we can to make their lives better.”

“I would like to congratulate Travis Whitlow on receiving this award,” said McCoy. “His commitment to community service and helping others is one I admire and hope he continues throughout his professional career.”

Whitlow credits KYCO for preparing him to begin practicing optometry, instilling the importance of serving one’s community and helping him grow as an individual and a leader.