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By: Amy Charles | May 8, 2026
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is proud to announce several students selected for the Dental Scholars Program (DSP), the Optometry Scholars Program (OSP), the Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program (OMSP) and the Presidential Fellow Scholarship. These competitive programs represent UPIKE’s continued focus on academic excellence and healthcare education, particularly in the Appalachian region.
The Presidential Fellow Scholarship is a prestigious award that includes tuition, room and board and is renewable for up to eight semesters. It is awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a strong commitment to community service. The 2026 Presidential Fellows are Jaclyn Vance of Pike County Central High School and Kylie Walters of Floyd County Central High School.
“This year’s selection process was incredibly competitive because every applicant brought remarkable achievements, character and potential to the table,” said UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “After a rigorous review process, we selected students who not only excel academically, but who also demonstrate the leadership, integrity and commitment to service that define the Presidential Fellows program. I am confident they will represent UPIKE exceptionally well and go on to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.”
The DSP guarantees a seat in UPIKE’s Tanner College of Dental Medicine for selected high school seniors who maintain the required GPA and successfully complete academic and professional requirements. The 2026 DSP Scholars are Lyndsey Couch of Leslie County High School, Madaline Huff of Leslie County High School, Baylee Moore of Boyd County High School and McKenzie Newsome of Pike County High School.
The OSP guarantees a seat in UPIKE’s Kentucky College of Optometry for selected high school seniors who maintain the required GPA, earn the minimum score on the Optometry Admission Test and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct. The 2026 OSP scholars are Rachel Davidson of Clay County High School, McKenna Hurst of Belfry High School and Hunter Stumbo of Floyd Central High School.
The OMSP provides a streamlined eight-year (4+4) pathway to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Students accepted into the program are guaranteed admission to UPIKE’s Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine if they maintain the required GPA, earn the minimum score on the Medical College Admission Test and successfully complete academic and professional requirements. The 2026 OMSP scholars are Alexis Akers of Pikeville High School, Adara Campbell of Johnson Central High School, Lauren Coleman of East Ridge High School, Savannah Combs of Hazard High School, Alex DeSario of Lawrence County High School, Katherine Dolihite of Pikeville High School, Andrew Ferguson of Johnson Central High School, Laci Hays of Belfry High School, Noah Holbrook of Monroe County High School, Darcy Lawson of Powell County High School, Anna Little of Letcher County High School, Kaylee O’Neil of Pike County Central High School, Shaankari Ravulaparthi of Mills E. Goodwin High School, Clay Ross of Twin Springs High School, Gabriella Rubado of Johnson Central High School, Daniel Shawler of Morgan County High School, Lacey Short of Harlan County High School, Jaclyn Vance of Pike County Central High School and Lukas Varney of Pike County Central High School.
For more information about these scholarships, visit www.upike.edu.