Areas of Excellence

Mission Statement

The University of Pikeville Honors Program creates scholars, leaders, and engaged community members through enriched academics, service-oriented leadership, and intentional connection.

The UPIKE Honors Program is where

U-Learn U-Lead U-Connect

The mission of the Honors Program is to provide motivated students with the opportunities to pursue academic excellence, develop leadership through service, and build meaningful connections on campus and other communities. Through engaging, experiential learning experiences, hands-on leadership opportunities, and a supportive honors community, students are challenged to think critically, lead ethically, and contribute positively to the world.

Purpose

The University of Pikeville Honors Program is a selective academic community for high-achieving and highly motivated undergraduate students from all majors. The program is designed to enrich the undergraduate experience by offering enhanced academic opportunities, leadership and professional development, and a close-knit community that supports students’ success inside and outside the classroom.

Areas of Excellence

The program is based on three core principles:
Scholarship – Leadership – Community

Scholarship: U-Learn
Honors students engage in advanced learning experiences that promote critical thinking, professional development, and academic excellence. This can include seminars, academic workshops, research, presentation opportunities, faculty-led discussions, guest speakers, resume building, interview preparation and networking.

Leadership: U-Lead
Honors students develop leadership skills through service, collaboration, and real-world application. This can include service-learning and community engagement projects, leadership training and development workshops, mentorship programs, and opportunities to lead and organize campus events or initiatives. This area also encourages students to engage with their community through volunteer work, internships, or projects that address local challenges, fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

Community: U-Connect
The Honors Programs fosters a strong sense of belonging through meaningful connection and shared experiences. This can include social events, cultural events, peer mentoring cohort-based experiences, as well as campus and community-building activities.