UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) College of Nursing and Human Services (CNHS) has been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP), a groundbreaking national initiative focused on training faculty to incorporate evidence-based, culturally responsive content about psychedelic-assisted therapy into the curriculum.

Through this opportunity, UPIKE joins a select group of universities across the country leading the charge in preparing future professionals to address mental health care with innovative, research-informed approaches. The U-PEP program is philanthropically funded and covers all costs associated with faculty training, mentorship and curriculum development.

UPIKE’s application brought together the Elliott School of Nursing and the School of Social Work in a joint proposal, reflecting the university’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and rural health leadership. Chair of the School of Social Work Genesia Kilgore-Bowling, Ph.D., MSW, CSW, will serve as UPIKE’s lead U-PEP Faculty Fellow.

Kilgore-Bowling, along with Clinical Simulation Educator Sarah Stratton, BSN, RN, recently completed an immersive, five-day training at the Usona Institute in Madison, Wisconsin, where they engaged with national experts and peer institutions. Joining them virtually were Assistant Professor of Social Work Kathryn Gould, DSW, MSW, LCSW, and Assistant Professor of Social Work Renee Krebel, DSW, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S.  

“Being accepted into U-PEP is a tremendous honor, not just for our faculty, but for our students and the communities they will serve,” said Kilgore-Bowling. “Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an emerging field grounded in rigorous science and cultural humility. Through this program, we’re equipping our students with the tools they’ll need to lead in tomorrow’s behavioral health landscape, especially in underserved and rural areas.”

UPIKE will now begin the process of incorporating psychedelic-assisted therapy content into its nursing and social work curriculum. Plans include the development of course modules, continuing education workshops, experiential simulations and interprofessional workshops that explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for conditions such as PTSD, depression, addiction and end-of-life anxiety.

“Participating in the inaugural U-PEP Faculty Education Program was truly transformational, both personally and professionally. The experience offered a powerful opportunity to deepen my understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapy and its role in holistic healing,” said Stratton. “I’m excited to bring this content into the Elliott School of Nursing curriculum, helping to keep our students at the forefront of new and emerging therapies, specifically in mental health. This work also strengthens our interprofessional collaboration with social work as we look to expand on what we’ve learned, create new opportunities, and move forward with a shared commitment to implementing ethical, equitable and culturally respectful practices across all disciplines.”

Participation in U-PEP also grants UPIKE faculty access to a national mentorship network, a shared curriculum library, and a new digital platform developed by Sabba Collective. These resources will support the ongoing integration of psychedelic science into professional education across both nursing and social work disciplines.

For more information about UPIKE, please visit upike.edu.