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By: Stacey Walters | September 12, 2019
On Monday, September 9, the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) and Ferrum College agreed to work in partnership to provide access to a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree for Ferrum College students.
UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., and Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., joined Ferrum College President David Johns, Ph.D., Provost Amié Sposato, and Dean of the School of Health Professions and Social Sciences Angie Dahl on Ferrum’s campus in Ferrum, Va., to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The MOA states that KYCO will reserve one seat each academic year for a Ferrum College student who meets all criteria for the early admissions program. To be considered, Ferrum students must take required courses for admittance into the O.D. program, maintain at least a 3.25 GPA, score at least a 300 on the Optometry Admissions Test and successfully complete the application process.
Both institutions look forward to collaborating with Ferrum College to help shape education in Central Appalachia.
“We are pleased with the collaborative partnership established this week,” said Werth. “Optometric education and the ability to serve students and patients in Central Appalachia is a strategic initiative at the University of Pikeville and the Kentucky College of Optometry.”
“KYCO is committed to providing outstanding eye care services and providers for the betterment of Appalachia,” said Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, dean of KYCO. “We are excited to have Ferrum College students join us on this mission.”
“Ferrum College is delighted to partner with the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry to provide this outstanding opportunity for our students,” Johns said. “Both our institutions are committed to the health and vitality of Appalachia and to providing students pathways to innovative and meaningful work.”
To learn more about the partnership between UPIKE and Ferrum College or to apply to KYCO, call 606-218-5251.