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By: Amy Charles | June 11, 2025
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is proud to announce it has received a generous $30,000 match grant from the Joseph W. Craft III Foundation to support its ongoing work through the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Vocation Across the Academy Grant, administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC).
This vital funding from Craft Philanthropy meets the matching requirements set by NetVUE, unlocking an additional $30,000 in support. Together, the combined $90,000 in funding will help the university create a deeply integrated and sustainable vocational exploration program through the Center for Career, Vocation and Leadership, directed by Kay Webb, Ph.D.
Webb, who has been involved in vocational development for much of her professional career, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Craft Foundation’s commitment to UPIKE.
“We are incredibly grateful to Craft Philanthropy for their generous support and for believing in the power of vocation in Appalachia,” said Webb. “Their vision, rooted in helping individuals find meaning and purpose in their work and lives, beautifully aligns with our own. Empowering people to find a sense of meaning in how they engage with the world, and using that as momentum to move forward in life, is the essence of vocation.”
This new funding will allow UPIKE to expand its vocational initiatives into all aspects of student and campus life. The grant also supports broader campus engagement, inviting faculty, staff and students into deeper reflection on purpose, calling and community contribution.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that true vocational growth happens when it’s woven into the fabric of an institution, not just one person’s mission,” said Webb. “Vocation lives at the intersection of being and doing—what you do may evolve, but who you are at your core remains constant. Thanks to this support, we can now help even more students discover their own sense of purpose and live it out with intention.”
With Craft Philanthropy’s match now secured, UPIKE is poised to fully implement a robust, campus-wide focus on vocation that will continue to grow well beyond the life of the grant.