Learn more about UPIKE and why it is the right choice for you.
See if UPIKE is a good fit for you and take the next steps in becoming a student.
The vision for the College of Dental Medicine is to be known and respected for service, innovation, clinical excellence and interprofessional education.
We are practitioners of the healing arts defining the standard for excellence in optometric education and vision care.
Our D.O. medical school is nationally ranked and recognized for a reputation of excellence in rural medicine and family healthcare. UPIKE’s osteopathy program gives you a clear path to success in the medical field.
Explore our online undergraduate and graduate programs and learn more about earning your degree at UPIKE.
By: Amy Charles | May 10, 2025
More than 550 students from the University of Pikeville (UPIKE) marked a significant milestone as they were awarded their degrees during the spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, at the Appalachian Wireless Arena. The event celebrated graduates across UPIKE’s undergraduate, graduate and health professions programs.
This year marked the twenty-fifth commencement for the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and the sixth for the Kentucky College of Optometry, honoring a distinguished class of future physicians and optometrists dedicated to serving their communities.
The keynote speaker for the health professions ceremony was Patrick Heist, Ph.D., co-founder, co-owner and chief scientific officer of both Ferm Solutions and Wilderness Trail Distillery. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of identifying needs within your field and using innovation, knowledge and determination to create solutions that make a lasting impact.
“The good news about working in an industry full of challenges is that those challenges present opportunities,” said Heist. “Being part of the field allows you to identify problems firsthand, and that’s how the next great business idea is born. I’m incredibly excited for you as you leave Pikeville and step into the world to explore new opportunities. Some of you will go on to become legendary doctors. Just remember, recognizing a problem is often the first step toward creating something meaningful. Congratulations, and best of luck to you all.”
During the undergraduate ceremony, UPIKE President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D., offered his congratulations on behalf of the university and a call to purpose as graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“Your UPIKE education has prepared you for lifelong learning. Be curious, dig deep and keep growing,” said Webb. “We are proud of you and stand ready to support you in building a fulfilling life of service. We pray that you might carry some of our calling with you into the world that you will remake every day. May God bless each and every one of you.”
Ambassador Kelly Craft, 30th Representative to the United Nations (2019-2021), delivered the undergraduate ceremony’s keynote address, encouraging the new graduates to have the heart and determination to face the challenges of today’s world.
“Use your gifts to shape the future of your community, to forge this great country into a more perfect union, pursue the American dream and make it possible for others,” said Craft. “Aim high, be bold and move mountains to make Appalachia, Kentucky and America better than you found them.”
For more ceremony information, visit upike.edu/commencement.