From day one, you’re a Bear.

A GROWL Leader is a student leader who serves as a mentor and guide for new students.

They welcome incoming students with energy and school spirit, help them navigate campus resources, and make sure no one feels lost or alone.

GROWL Leaders answer questions, share insider tips, and create fun, meaningful moments that turn first-day nerves into lasting friendships. 

Leaders

Jonah Adkins 

🏠 Belfry, KY 

📚 Secondary Education – Social Studies

🔶 Baseball
🔶 Fellowship of Christian Athletes 

On a typical day, you can find me on campus at Table 99 or in the gym. 

What brings you joy?
Playing pickleball at the YMCA and going to BOGO night at Buffalo Wild Wings with the boys. 

Owen Bookman

🏠 Belpre, OH 

📚 Communication and Film and Media Arts

🔶 UPIKE MARCOM Videographer and Football 

On a typical day, you can find me on campus: You can find me on campus outside in the Plaza with friends sitting in the sun. 

What brings you joy?
Being kind to all groups of people no matter their social status or friend group.

Chloe Roberts 

🏠 Canada, KY 

📚 Elementary Education

🔶 KEA-AE Publicist, UPIKE Dance Team, Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Representative, Family Connections Assistant, and the ACE Program. 

On a typical day you can find me in the plaza sitting in the sun.

What brings you joy?
Spending time with Jesus, my family, and my friends!

Wyatt Fielder

🏠 Lancaster, KY 

📚 Biomedical Sciences

🔶 Track & Field and Optometry Scholars Program

On a typical day, you can find me on campus, You can usually find me in the Hoops facility.

What brings you joy?
Playing guitar, hanging with friends, hunting, and fishing.

Izzy Stone

🏠 Pikeville, KY 

📚 Elementary Education 

🔶 BCM and Family Connections Assistant

On a typical day, you can find me with my friends in the Café!

What brings you joy?
I enjoy spending time with Jesus and my loved ones!

Lilly Slone

🏠 Pikeville, KY 

📚 Middle School Math Education

🔶 Family Connections Assistant and NSLS

On a typical day, you can find me hanging out with my friends at the Café or Chick-fil-A!

What brings you joy?
What brings me joy is Jesus, reading my Bible, family, and friends!

Keegan Wallace

🏠 Elkhorn City, KY 

📚 Secondary Education – Math 

🔶 Student Ambassador  

On a typical day, you can find me at Chick-fil-A. 

What brings you joy?
Watching my community grow.

Lara Tackett

🏠 Belfry, KY 

📚 Secondary Education – English   

🔶 Presidential Scholars Program, BUG (Blessed Unity of God), BCM, English Club, and ACE Program

On a typical day, you can find me hanging out with my friends at Chick-fil-A!

What brings you joy?
Growing deeper in my walk with Jesus, spending time with friends and family, and listening to good music! 

Emilee Compton 

🏠 Pikeville, KY 

📚 Nursing 

🔶 Softball Team, SNAP

On a typical day, you can find me at Chick-fil-A or in the Elliott School of Nursing building.

What brings you joy?
Jesus, spending time with my friends and family, helping others, listening to music, and Cotton Candy Alanis. 

McKenzie Blankenship

🏠 Pikeville, KY 

📚Biomedical Sciences

🔶 Optometry Scholars Program and Cheerleader 

On a typical day, you can find me on campus at Chick-fil-A or the library!

What brings you joy?
Spending time with my family and friends and the lake! 

Ashlyn Patrick

🏠 Salyersville, KY 

📚Biomedical Sciences

🔶 Student Ambassador, Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program, and UPIKE Softball.  

On a typical day, you can find me in the Armington Building or at Chick-fil-A.

What brings you joy?
Spending time with Jesus, my family, and my friends!