UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is proud to announce several scholars selected for the Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program (OMSP), the Optometry Scholars Program (OSP) and the Presidential Fellow Scholarship. These competitive programs represent UPIKE’s continued commitment to academic excellence, health care education and student achievement, particularly in the Appalachian region.

The OMSP, offered in partnership with the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), provides a streamlined eight-year (4+4) pathway to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Students accepted into the program are guaranteed admission to KYCOM upon successful completion of academic and professional requirements. The 2025 OMSP scholars are Blake Bowersock of Pike County Central High School; Grant Burkhart of Mason County High School; Aidan Cassady of Pikeville High School; Kaden Crum of Pike County Central High School; Matthew Emmons of Shelby Valley High School; Paxton Howard of Jackson City School; Drew Justice of Pike County Central High School; Lauren Kaltenbach of South Webster Jr./Sr. High School; Payton Lyons of Johnson Central High School; Alexis McCarty of Johnson Central High School; Olivia Messer of Clay County High School; Maddison Napier of Letcher County Central; Jacob Parker of Pikeville High School; Hunter Raichel of Hazard High School; Bray Tackett of Pikeville High School; and Shaina Young of Pike County Central High School.

The OSP, offered in collaboration with the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), guarantees a seat in the optometry program for selected high school seniors who maintain the required GPA, earn the minimum score on the Optometry Admission Test and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct. The 2025 OSP scholars are McKenzie Blankenship of Pikeville High School; Gabriella Damron of East Ridge High School; Averi Dean of Russell High School; Wyatt Fielder of Garrard County High School; Hannah Green of Middlesboro High School; Cooper Humphries of Pike County Central High School; Jonathan Hunt of Pike County Central High School; Aubrey Hundley of Shelby Valley High School; Logan Johnson of Shelby Valley High School; Ella Lisenbee of Harlan High School; Jesse Stump of Lakeway Christian Academy; and Tiffanie Tran of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School.

 “We’re proud to welcome this year’s scholars into two of our most competitive academic pathways,” said UPIKE Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Lori Werth. “Through early engagement with KYCOM and KYCO faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship from professionals in the field, they are stepping into a rigorous but rewarding journey. We are honored to support their aspirations and look forward to the impact they’ll make in the years ahead.”

The Presidential Fellow Scholarship is a prestigious, full-ride award that includes tuition, room and board, and is renewable for up to eight semesters. It is awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a strong commitment to community service. The 2025 Presidential Fellows are Blake Bowersock, also an OMSP scholar; Matthew Emmons, also an OMSP scholar; Hannah Green, also an OSP scholar; Ciara Gross of Pikeville High School; and Lara Tackett of Belfry High School.

“These Presidential Fellows are highly motivated and were selected through a rigorous process that included interviews, essays and a thorough review by members of our admissions committee,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb. “I personally interviewed each of them, and I can tell you they are truly high-quality individuals who will represent the university well. We’re proud of each one.”

For more information about these scholarships, visit www.upike.edu.