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By: Amy Charles | May 4, 2026
More than 575 students at the University of Pikeville (UPIKE) celebrated a major milestone as they received their degrees during spring commencement ceremonies held Saturday, May 2, at the Appalachian Wireless Arena. The event recognized graduates from UPIKE’s undergraduate, graduate and health professions programs.
This year marked the twenty-sixth commencement for the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and the seventh for the Kentucky College of Optometry, recognizing an accomplished class of future physicians and optometrists committed to caring for their communities.
The keynote speaker for the health professions ceremony was Robert Layman, O.D., chairman of the American Optometric Association Center for Independent Practice. In a powerful call to action, Layman urged the Class of 2026 to choose purpose, growth and service as they step into their next chapter.
“Choose the meaningful path over the comfortable one. When faced with safety versus significance, choose significance. That is where real impact lives,” Layman said. “You can’t achieve your goals and dreams by sitting on the sidelines. Be a role model by lighting the way on the high road with humility, hunger to grow and serve, a commitment to excellence and a continuous improvement mindset.”
During the undergraduate ceremony, UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., praised graduates for reaching this milestone and encouraged them to move forward with curiosity, resilience and a commitment to meaningful service.
“Congratulations, graduates! You’ve earned your degree in a complex world facing unprecedented challenges,” Webb said. “Your careers will demand more of you than you can imagine. Your UPIKE education has prepared you for this by stimulating you to think about learning as a lifelong enterprise. So be curious, dig deep and keep growing. We’re proud of you, and we stand ready to support you in building a life of fulfilling service. May God bless each and every one of you.”
Acclaimed singer/songwriter and UPIKE alum Nicholas “Nick” Jamerson delivered the undergraduate ceremony’s keynote address. He challenged the new graduates to use not only their education, but their entire experience on the hill to carry them into the future.
“I challenge you to continue to keep that open mind, that open heart with the same traits of resilience that you’ve been walking in and fostering here on this hill. I challenge you to never stop chasing that thing deep down in your spirit that makes you feel alive,” Jamerson continued. “Use what you’ve learned to build a better world and help sustain this region, for yourself, for your neighbor and for your children. I challenge you to seek solutions and common ground, seek peace and seek God. You are prepared. You have the skills you need to sort through it all and to continue to move mountains.”
Following the keynote address, President Webb presented UPIKE Chaplain and Assistant Dean of Health and Wellness Rob Musick, D.Min., with the Baird Service Award. Established in 2018, the award honors individuals who have devoted their lives to the service of others. Musick was recognized for more than 14 years of faithful service to the university, his life of leadership, mentorship and steadfast commitment to the spiritual and personal well-being of everyone at UPIKE.
To watch the ceremonies in their entirety, please visit UPIKE’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/upikebears.